PATRA VERONIQUE: BLUE MOUNTAIN PEAK HIKE

Subconsciously, the Blue Mountain Peak has always been a bucket list location for me to visit.

So when the opportunity came last year I jumped at it. My partner who's an avid traveler and hiker initiated it. Secretly, I think it was a test to see if I could endure doing something he loved, his way.... well with a bit of moderation. Of course, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to endure. But I had a good support system to help me along the way. I was advised to be active a month prior so it would be easier on my body. This advice made sense when I started the hike to the peak because it was HARD, especially for someone who wasn't really active. The experience was overwhelming, challenging and blissful all at the same time. I discovered much about myself and how I react in unfamiliar situations that are completely out of my comfort zone. It was actually quite enlightening, to be honest. I find that in some of the toughest situations our truest characteristics emerge and that was true for me and my partner in crime.

Blue Mountain Peak is the island's highest point at 2,256 meters. The trail is about 9 km distance with a very steep ascent. Generally, it takes a grueling 4 hours to hike to the peak. The path along the trail is primarily forest and is a protected heritage site...Jamaica's first terrestrial National park. En route, you'll be able to view several species of endemic flora. It is said that over 40% of the plants are found only in Jamaica. The area is also home to a few species of birds, one such the rare Jamaican Blackbird.
The Journey
We didn't go the touristy route, through a tour company. We took public transportation. Our journey started in Papine where we boarded a minibus to Mavis Bank which cost $150 JMD per person. Once in Mavis Bank, we took another minibus to Hagley Gap at a cost of $250 each. It is unfortunate however that we ended up paying more than the locals because I was traveling with a tourist. We only found out after the fact. This was only for the Mavis Bank/Hayley Gap leg, the bus driver was just trying to make an extra buck. From the Hayley Gap, we walked the rest of the way to Whitfield Hall, the hostel we decided to stay for the night. This was a 3.5km walk that took an hour. You could always charter a trailer car to take you to the hostel at a cost of $1000JMD. But even though the ascent was quite high, the views were amazing, so it was well worth it in my opinion. The walk is completely safe and the locals were quite friendly and helpful.
*There is always the option to drive however bear in mind that the roads are quite steep and narrow so a 4 wheel drive vehicle is essential.

Where we stayed

We chose Whitfield Hall because it is located right on the hiking trail. A Rustic quaint hostel straight out of the 80's. Space was well kept with absolutely no electricity. Although, they did have kerosene lit lamps that provided sufficient lighting. Now I know you're wondering if they have running water, yes they do with adequate bathroom facility... But I must tell you the water is mad Cold! The rooms had bunk beds, a dresser and a lamp very minimal. Everton, the caretaker was welcoming and helpful. We made arrangements for breakfast and dinner prior to our visit which is recommended. Our meal was prepared and waiting when we arrived.

The Hike
Ok, so we wanted the sunrise experience at the peak. We thought, well my partner thought it would be best to wake at 2am because he had checked the time for sunrise prior. We also knew it was not going to rain because he checked that as well. By 2:15am we were out and on the trail. To be honest, I was a little scared, it was so dark and quiet, but I eventually got over it a few minutes in. The trail at starting was decent with clear pathways and a few directions here and there. The steepness progressed gradually. We couldn't really see much, so this was our time to talk to each other, learn something new and joke about how terrible I was at hiking. By an hour in I was mad tired!!! I wanted to give up. We stopped for a minute or two here and there but it wasn't much. At this point, I heard a noise in the distance a group was ahead of us. They welcomed us as we approached. We walked with them a bit and rested when they did. We eventually lost them because they were moving too slow for my partner. Now that I remember some of my moments were really dramatic. I remember I said to him ' I can't do this! I'm going to die!... I laugh at myself now but it was no laughing matter then. He was calm and encouraging and gave me snacks and water which gave me a bit of a boost when it counted the most. When we got to Portland Gap, where the rangers station is located, I felt better because I knew we'd be at the summit soon. This was the hardest part of the hike for me. The trail was really mountainous and narrow. I think I asked a hundred times 'Are we there yet', ' how much further' (FYI, he did the hike maybe 2 years prior so he'd know). I must have been quite annoying 😁. The dawn had come so we were able to see the breathtaking views. I was in awe of how beautiful the scenery was. You could see the fog in the distance, the dew on the anchoring trees, hear the birds chirp and smell the clean crisp air. It all seemed like something out of a jungle movie well without the animals 😏. I can't even describe the feeling I had when we got to the summit. I was so emotional, I couldn't believe I did it. I survived the bitter cold and the 4-hour long walk. I DID IT!

The walk down was quicker. We were able to see all the floral and spotted a few birds. The trees were crooked and formed a canopy which was very lush. Varying moss and vines covered the trees. It was truly a sight. When we reach the Rangers station we paid the park fees $20US for visitors and $200 JMD for locals. We realized there were quite a few coffee farms, the smell was heavenly. I was surprised that we got back to the hostel in 3 hours... fast right?

I would recommend the Hike to Blue mountain Peak a must have Jamaica experience whether you plan to visit Jamaica or if you live here. Sometimes we forget the treasures our own country has to offer because other countries bounty seems greater. If you do decide to make this trip, check out my list of must-have...

Things you'll need
Comfortable Shoes - Athletic shoes preferably hiking shoes that support your feet are highly recommended. This is a must you will surely regret it if you forego this tip. I wore converse and that was a sore mistake.
Snacks - the hike takes a lot of endurance so to keep your energy up you'll need snack/energy bars to sustain your strength.
Water - It's quite easy to get dehydrated on these hikes because of the cold and ascend. I'd recommend you taking a canister of water with you. You'll be able to top up at the Ranger station along the trail.
Bundle up - Its cold, very cold. A warm sweater is needed for sure. If you have a waterproof jacket that will come in handle since it rains almost every day on the trail. I'd also recommend athletic leggings or joggers rather than jeans. It's best to be as comfortable as possible. A scarf is welcomed as well.
Flash Light - You will need this to light the dark pathway on the trail. It's steep and rocky and parts of the trail are borderline precipice so to prevent breaking a rib bring a flashlight.

Camera - To capture the beautiful memories. One thing I wish I had is a GoPro. I'd love to have a video memory of my dramatics.

Here are a few more pictures from my trip...