3 hrs, 12 kms

Next morning I'm up early and eager to start my my St Lucia Superhike . I wish there were more villages to Parkbench along the way--but I'm sure I'll find something interesting.

The first stretch up my hike winds through thick jungle folliage. Along the way there are enticing little side trips... a waterfall there... sulphur springs... jungle trails. The problem is that you've got to pay for all of these--a lot. St Lucia does provide a lot of activities for tourists, but at a high price tag. I'm already overbudget on this trip and plan to focus on the things I can enjoy for free.

I do take the side road that'll take me to the hiking trail up the Grand Piton... maybe I can sweet talk them into cutting me a deal.

Nope. When I arrive, there are group of female (!) guides that will take me to the top for 65 dollars! And no, I can't go without a guide.

As cool as the Pitons look, I'm not paying 65 dollars to climb a hill.

So I take the back roads on down along the coast, a bit bummed out, but oh well...

Suddenly the landscape changes abruptly. The jungle disappear and I find myself in a dry, grassy landscape interrupted only by an occasional tree or country home. It's like, one minute I'm in the Amazon... the next minute I'm on the Mediteranean coast! Amazing how multiple climates can be packed into these tiny islands.

This area feels a good bit more "down to earth"... no more tourist traps... just houses, a school, and a simple shop where I grab a fried bread breakfast.