8 hrs, 11 kms

I just need one more day hike to to connect my hikes and turn this into a Superhike . Only problem? Today's a Sunday, and I'm told there's only 1 van that goes up towards Castries today--and it leaves at 6 in the morning!

I head to the station in the darkness, and there's already a crowd there. I wonder if we're all going to make it onto the van. Not wanting to be too pushy, I let other people in first, and barely make in onboard! Finally we're off.

I get off in Anse la Raye again, and this time quickly start my hike south, as once again the road snakes up and down the jungle mountains.

Up at the top, with a grand view of the sea far below, there's a little shop that, lucky for me, is open even though it's a Sunday. I order coffee and friend bread and sit down to enjoy my breakfast with a view... soaking in this magical moment.

I get to talking with the lady who runs the stall. "I like working here--it's peaceful and gives me plenty of time to think . Americans think that we all want to immigrate there--but not me... I prefer the simple life in my own country... Although I would like to go and visit. I have a garden. We grow food. It's a beautiful life here."

We talk about tourists "The French and British tourists are very rude. They come and start taking pictures without asking permission. They don't say please or thank you... It's like they think they still own this place. American tourists are usually nice and polite though"

We talk about family. "Do you have any children?" I ask

"I had a daughter... but she passed... Having children is a wonderful thing." she gazes off to the distance wistfully

There's something beautiful and yet sad about this lady... I'll never forget her.