SALTIBUS WATERFALL, CHOISUEL, ST. LUCIA

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY, AVERAGE of 1 to 5: 2

DESCRIPTION:

The Saltibus Waterfall hike is located in the hill top community of Saltibus, Choiseul. It is a series of waterfalls, four in total with an average height of 25 feet and the largest around 40. If you walk from central Saltibus it takes about 20 minutes to get to the trail. From this trail you must hike through a beautiful forest for about 30-40 minutes. The walk is easy if the trail is dry, it is not recommended to do this hike shortly after a heavy rain. The trail will be dangerous and the water muddy. At the end of the trail there is a short section where it is very steep and you must climb down to get to the waterfall.



Wear Chaco’s or other suitable hiking shoes. Take the public bus to the top of Saltibus, then turn left and walk along the road until it turns into a trail. Stay straight and you can’t miss the massive waterfalls. All the locals can tell you how to get there. Be careful on the rocks as they are very wet and slippery. Bring insect repellant as there are mosquitoes. The water is very cold because it comes from the ground so be prepared!



PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
-ALWAYS hike with at least one partner, preferably two.

TESTIMONIALS:

TAMERON EATON, EC76
This is a beautiful and relatively easy hike to four big waterfalls. If it has rained recently the water really flows. One of the best waterfalls I have
seen in St. Lucia and it’s free, so what’s better than that?




AARON DOLL, EC76
Beautiful hike with fruit trees along the way, so you can “borrow” some grapefruits. The switchbacks are a pain if it has rained. We hiked the trail when it was a sloppy mess. Not fun, but a great reward. There are some amazing trees along the way. Also, if you take the bus from Vieux Fort and pay the bus driver a little extra, he will take you a lot closer to the trail head. It is a great free hike and you get to see a quaint rural village along the way.

TORAILLE WATERFALL, SOUFRIERE, ST. LUCIA

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY, AVERAGE FROM 1 TO 5:1

DESCRIPTION:

Cold waterfall near rainforest in Soufriere area. Beautiful, well kept botanical gardens. Main tourist stop on cruise day trip. Price– 5 EC.



Great place to take your friends and family. I recommend spending 15-20 minutes.
Getting there: Either walk inland from Soufriere Town toward Fond St. Jaques about 30 minutes. Or take Fond St. Jaques bus next to Church in Soufriere– takes about 3-5 minutes.




Bus fee: $1.00 EC. Toraille

PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
- Easy trail– does not need any special procedure.
-ALWAYS hike with at least one partner, preferably two.

TESTIMONIALS:

MEGAN HAWKS, EC 75
I have been to Toraille many times. It’s a great place to take visitors.
Especially visitors who want an EASY WAY TO SEE BEAUTIFUL
St. Lucia! The water under the waterfall is extremely forceful– I wouldn’t recommend trying to get a massage. It may push you under water. It also is very cold– but nice to soak your feet on a hot day. There is a little bar there for drinks as well. There are many little waterfall spots in this area– this could be one stop for the day.

SPIKE WATERFALL, SOUFRIERE, ST. LUCIA

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY, 1 to 5:1

DESCRIPTION:

Cold waterfall near rainforest in Soufriere area. Not as touristy as Toraille.
Price– 5 EC.

Great Place to take a snack or lunch. It’s pretty quiet and only a few minutes off the main road. There are 3 waterfalls with separate trails. Recommended time– 20 minutes just to see. Or spend longer to “Enjoy.”
Getting there: Take Fond St. Jaques bus next to Church in Soufriere– takes about 8-10 minutes. Just ask driver to drop you at Spike Waterfall. There is a little house and paying booth at the road.
Bus fee: apx. $2.00 EC



PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
- Easy trail– does not need any special procedure.
-ALWAYS hike with at least one partner, preferably two.

TESTIMONIALS:




MEGAN HAWKS, EC 75
This was a waterfall that I had heard about but never visited. So, one day a friend of mine drove me there. We just had a short visit– but I think it would be a great place to have lunch. The waterfall is not big and robust– but it is very tall and water trickles down the rocks. You can climb around a bit. This could be included in a day of sites in Soufriere.

NEW JERUSALEM MINERAL BATHS, SOUFRIERE, ST. LUCIA

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY, 1 to 5:1

DESCRIPTION:

Just a short bus ride from Soufrière Town towards Fond St. Jacques, New Jerusalem Warm Baths will be a welcomed retreat for sore muscles and a tired psyche. If you decide to walk from town to the entrance of New Jerusalem, it will be about a 30 minute walk. There is absolutely no level of difficulty to this hidden treasure, aside from a short ten-minute walk from the main road entryway back to the baths.



The baths are locally owned and managed. There are two warm baths that are equipped with seating areas and three different temperatures of water flowing from bamboo faucets from above. The pressure creates a nice warm body massage on achy muscles. This is not a crowded, nor a touristy location, so you will enjoy relative privacy and solitude.

A picnic lunch, some water, and a camera are recommended. The baths can accommodate up to 15 people comfortably. There are no time limits on your stay in the baths. There is a changing area (rustic) available to patrons and a sheltered area to leave clothes and bags. The overseer is a nice gentleman from town; his Uncle owns the property.




Public bus transport costs $1.25 EC one-way and entry to the baths is $5.00 EC.

PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
-The trail to the baths is not well marked, so stay attentive.

-ALWAYS hike with at least one partner, preferably two.

TESTIMONIALS:

MEGAN HAWKS, EC 75
This could be part of your Soufriere Day excursion. The walk down to the mineral baths is quiet and peaceful with the sound of the river and wind in the trees. You cross part of the river by stone stepping and walking over a foot bridge. You pay a gentle man who doesn’t speak at all but
understands what you say. He adds to the experience. New Jerusalem is better in the morning or later afternoon as the water is warm.




NINA DESANTO, EC 77
If you are seeking serenity for yourself or if you want to take your out of town guests, New Jerusalem fits the bill. It is a convenient place for people to get to without exerting much energy. A great spot for those who want to appreciate nature, but who don’t want to hike through the rainforest or scale rocks to get to a tucked away waterfall.

DIAMOND FALLS, SOUFRIERE, ST. LUCIA

Level of Difficulty, 1 to 5: 1

DESCRIPTION:

The privately-owned Diamond Falls and Mineral Baths, less than a mile east of Soufriere, are part of the Soufriere Estate dating from 1713. The Baths, originally built in 1784, were restored by Mrs. Joan Devaux in the 1980s, with some of the original 18th century baths still in use. At the entrance, a narrow path edged with tropical flowers and shaded by stately palms leads to the bathhouse and a series of pools, each a different temperature. Beyond are the falls roaring out of a mineral-streaked gorge and spilling through the gardens into the pools.

COST: $22.50EC
Getting there: Walk inland from Church on road to Fond St. Jaques for 5 min. Then, turn left toward Diamond– well marked signs! The road to the gardens is pretty as well.
As reads on the Diamond Botanical Gardens entrance sign:

The sulphur springs from which the town of Soufriere got its name, are a weak spot in the crust of an enormous collapsed crater, the result of volcanic upheaval of gigantic proportions that took place some 410,000 years ago.
Similar hot springs feed the mineral baths on the Diamond Estate built originally in 1784 for the troops of King Louis XVI of France so that they could benefit from the therapeutic waters.
It is claimed that the Empress Josephine bathed in the original baths
In 1983 on the death of Mr. Andre du Boulay the former owner, his daughter Joan Devaux designed, restored, and planted these Gardens that you can enjoy today.




PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
-ALWAYS hike with at least one partner, preferably two.



TESTIMONIALS:

MEGAN HAWKS, EC 75
Worth the visit– but, I wouldn’t recommend bathing as you would be on display to all who pass by. The grounds are beautiful and peaceful. You can go off on a trail that goes on for who knows how long– it looks safe and easy, but I haven’t ever trekked it. Should be part of your Soufriere excursion!

SULPHUR SPRINGS, SOUFRIERE, ST. LUCIA

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY, 1 to 5: 1

DESCRIPTION:

From a mile away you can smell the wonderful scent of rotten eggs and onions, or the hydrogen sulfide emitted from the open volcano. La Soufriere remains active today, which in the event of a major eruption St. Lucia would be decimated instantly. The last minor eruption was in the late 1700s. The volcano itself is some 8 miles in diameter, including all of Soufriere. Guides take you to viewing platforms that overlook parts of the crater, including seven acres of bubbling sulphur-water pools. Visitors were allowed to walk around the crater ten years ago, but after a guide fell through a fissure no one has been allowed across. He survived but opted to work as a fisherman. Many still live near the craters.



To get to the springs you can take a bus to/from Soufriere and stop at the signpost, which is about a mile from Soufriere. It is a casual walk, too. At the park guests pay EC$12.50 to enter, which includes paying the guides. Anyone can take a hot dip in the sulphur pools, one of which is before the park entrance and another is just inside (open only to paying guests). The gray sulphur-water is bubbling hot, so visit early or late so you can withstand the heat. Supposedly you can add 10 years of life by bathing in the sulphur, so wipe that mud all over and take a comfortable soak




PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
-ALWAYS travel with at least one partner, preferably two.

TESTIMONIALS:

JENNIFER LESHNOWER, EC77, April 22, 2008
The best time to go to Sulphur Springs is in the early morning before all the visitors arrive. I would highly recommend going on the tour with a guide. They are great folks and offer information you can't read about. Also, don't miss the interpretation center, even though it is not visible from the base of the Volcanic Park.




SAM SHOPINSKI, EC77, March 14, 2008
Lots of tourists visit and with good reason. Many Lucians spend holiday mornings and evenings here, especially in the free pool. The park is very well kept and the water feels wonderful. A must for all volunteers

PETIT PITON NATURAL SPINGS, SOUFRIERE, ST. LUCIA

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY, 1 to 5: 2

DESCRIPTION:

Just north of the trail head to Petit Piton and below the gated entrance to Jalousie Plantation, Petit Piton Natural Springs is a mixture of cold river water and hot sulfur springs. A perfect ending after the Petit Piton hike, these waters are great for sore tired muscles, aches and pains; all of which you’ll be guaranteed to have after descending Petit.



There are two ways in which you can get to the Natural Springs and base of Petit Piton. You can walk along Soufriere’s waterfront south on Baron’s Drive, then along a dirt road that follows the coastline. When you reach the retirement home that rests to your right, turn left over a very small bridge and then immediate right up a steep hill. There are signs marking the direction to the waterfall, and if all else fails, just look up at the Piton and make your way towards it. Look for Martha’s Tables Restaurant to your left as you draw near.
A second route is to follow the main road that leads out of Soufriere, exiting at the sign leading to Jalousie Plantation. This road eventually meets up with the first route. Your best option if traveling from the south.
Entrance Fee: $7.50 EC




PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
-ALWAYS hike with at least one partner, preferably two.

TESTIMONIALS:

MEGAN HAWKS, EC 75
I love Petit Piton Waterfall! It’s great after it closes with friends because it is private and cooler outside temp for the warm water. Of course I wouldn’t know what it is like at 3am because that would be a safety risk. You could also go to Jalousie Beach before– it’s beautiful right between the Pitons! Try Martha’s Tables, a great local restaurant nearby. Should be part of your Soufriere Excursion!




NICHOLAS KLINGER, EC 76
For those hiking Petit Piton, this is an absolute must!! There is no better way to end your hike than a relaxing soak in these natural springs. Just a 2- minute walk from the base of the Piton trail. Be sure and soak in the pool just to your left as you enter for some really warm waters. Don’t forget to carry cash with you on your hike so that you can pay the entrance fee!

PETIT PITON, SOUFRIERE, ST. LUCIA

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY, 1 to 5: 5

DESCRIPTION:

At 2,461 feet above sea level, Petit Piton is the shortest but most difficult of the two pitons, taking anywhere from 1 hour 45 minutes to 3 hours each way. The unmarked trailhead is about a 30 minute walk from Soufriere’s pier. Follow the road from Soufriere that leads south along the water towards the piton. The beginning of the trail is to the right of the road apx. 100 yards before the entrance to the Natural Springs (look for a small pasture and shanty to the right of the road. There is a trail that leads along a chain fence at the back of the field. At the beginning of this trail is an area of the fence that is pinned to the ground with a large rock. This is the beginning of your journey). Be cautious along the trail as there are several times where you can find yourself off the trail if you’re not careful.




The trail is very, very steep. Hand holds in the rocks and tree roots will often assist in pulling yourself up. Be adived that there are some very tricky rope sections about 3/4th of the way to the top. Use extreme caution and know your limits. Having a spotter is very important on this difficult stretch. Unlike Gros Piton, there are no official trail guides, but plenty of locals who will be glad to take you to the top if the price is right.

There are no water sources along the trail so take plenty. The trail is well covered keeping you out of direct sunlight until reaching the top. Cell phone coverage throughout the hike.

PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
-Call your APCD to inform them of your hike, and again upon returning safely to the bottom.

-ALWAYS hike with at least one partner, preferably two.

TESTIMONIALS:

NICHOLAS KLINGER, EC76, December 31, 2006/ January 1, 2007
An extremely excruciating yet very entertaining and rewarding hike. A spectacular view from the top makes it all worth it. Camping at the top is possible, but be prepared for high winds and wet and chilly evenings.



LEO KLEJNOT, EC76, December 31, 2006/ January 1, 2007
I found myself on multiple occasions asking “What on earth have I gotten myself into??” This might account for the 40 lb. pack I had on my back or realizing that I’d left my sleeping bag at home and had no shelter for the night. Very entertaining and a MUST for any St. Lucian PCV!!

GROS PITON, SOUFRIERE, ST. LUCIA

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY, 1 OUT OF 5: 3

DESCRIPTION:

Towering 2,640 feet above sea level, Gros Piton is the tallest of the two pitons and second highest peak in St. Lucia. Located just south of Soufriere in the community of Fond Gens Libre, or “Valley of the Free People,” the mountain is sanctioned by the Government of St. Lucia and requires a guide and fee. Tourists are charged upwards of $25US, so make sure to stress your Peace Corps affiliation and demand the local price of $35EC. There is little way around this, as the interpretive center where you make your payments is adjacent to the path that leads to the trail itself.




The trail and community lay decently far from the main road, so private transport is your best bet. There are no public buses that take you any closer than the gap along the main road with a sign pointing in the direction of the mountain.

The ascent to the top of Gros takes approximately 2 hours. The trail is very well traveled and maintained. Your guide will help you when needed, but there are no portions of the trail that require much, if any, assistance. Be prepared for a constant and very steady hike to the top. There are several benches along the path that provide great views and a place for rest and relaxation. Be sure to stop at both lookout points at the top, as guides normally stop at the main lookout but skip the secondary lookout, allowing you a wonderful view of Petit Piton.




Cell phone coverage throughout the hike.

PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
-Call your APCD to inform them of your hike, and again upon returning safely to the bottom.

-ALWAYS hike with at least one partner, preferably two.




TESTIMONIALS:

AARON DOLL, EC76
I’m a smoker, so this hike was a tough one. With some persistency and plenty of time though, I made it to the top. What a great accomplishment and views I’ll never forget.




LEO KLEJNOT, EC76
Much easier than Petit Piton. Never any point along the trail where I felt uneasy or with thoughts of turning back. Not a fan of the $35EC to hike the darn thing, but it’s certainly worth doing at least once while in St. Lucia. Be sure and bring a Piton with you so that you can drink one at the top!!
night. Very entertaining and a MUST for any St. Lucian PCV!!

MOUNT GIMIE, FOND ST. JACQUES, ST. LUCIA

Level of Difficulty, from 1 to 5: 5

Description:

Mt. Gimie stands at 3,117 ft. above sea level as the tallest peak in all of St. Lucia. The trail cuts clear through the central rainforest, starting just inland from Fond St. Jacques. There is a wide variety of tropical vegetation and if lucky you may hear and see the St. Lucia parrot. On a clear day one may see all of St. Lucia but on most days there is too much fog to see even a mile away.

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Few take this hike, and it is well off the beaten path. There is neither a fee to hike nor maps available. A guide is necessary (often PCVs know local guides but you can otherwise contact the forestry department, which services the nearby Edmund Forest and Enbas Saut trails). Around Mt. Gimie there are Rasta communities living sustainably and completely removed from the rest of Soufriere. Their farms are clearly visible 2,000 ft. above sea level, but away from the main trail.

The trail starts at the end of the road coming from Fond St. Jacques. It is a good 2-3 hour hike from Fond St. Jacques simply to Gimie’s trailhead, during which you’ll cross three rivers. The hike up and down takes about 2 hours each way. The trail leads you through the rainforest, so expect for a fair bit of rainfall. The descent can be difficult because the path becomes very muddy. The hike is of moderate incline throughout but is strenuous simply because it is long (~10 hours round trip). Pack a few sandwiches and plenty of water. There are several natural water taps on the trail to Gimie but none on the ascent (i.e. bamboo pipes from clean spring water).

Peace Corps Procedure:
-ALWAYS travel with at least one partner, preferably two.
-Call your APCD to inform them of your hike, and again upon
returning safely to the bottom.


Testimonials:

Jennifer Leshnower, EC77
The hike was grueling for this unseasoned athlete. I don't even think stretch ing first would have helped. As painful the experience was for me, it's a bonding experience and well worth the bragging rights post-hike. It's a "first time's the charm" hike - meaning, that I won't need to do it again. I would recommend the hike, but hope for a clear day. Our summit was foggy and rainy, but unforgettable nonetheless.



Ben Wiechman, EC77
As one faces a long walk (~3 hours) just to reach the base of Mt. Gimie, the trek is traveled by few and secluded off the beaten path. It therefore provides hikers with a peaceful yet invigorating feeling as you explore the forest, cross over rivers, and ascend to the top of the highest mountain on St. Lucia, only to find that it’s completely foggy when you get to the top. But, in the end, you don’t really mind at all.

Out and About Forms for the Eastern Caribbean

Hello All,

I am going to post some of the best spots in the Eastern Caribbean from the people who have lived there for 24 months at a time, Peace Corps volunteers. The out and about forms were entirely Nicholas Klinger's invention, so all credit and thanks to him. The reviews for some of the islands were compiled through the hard work of other volunteers. So enjoy!

Farkle, one of the greatest games played in Eastern Caribbian Peace Corps

FARKLE is best described as a democratic dare game. Though no one can be certain about the game's true origins, ancient scholars believe FARKLE was conceived deep in the woods of Northern Minnesota. The game itself is simple enough: a collective group comes up with a dare (something you would love to see someone else do, but that you yourself have no desire in doing - i.e. walking up behind a perfect stranger in a bar, giving them a scalp massage and saying, "Mmmmmm...doesn't that feel nice?). After the participants agree on the dare, a countdown of "One, two, three..shoot!" is called. Players can either throw a 0, 1 or 2. The numbers are added up and the sum is announced by the counter (typically the person who came up w/ the original dare). The counter then counts up, pointing at each participant until the sum is reached. If the number lands on you - you're SAFE! It's a process of elimination game, so the last two standing either have a rock-paper-scissors throw down, or bear-hunter-ninja (only for more advanced players).

Here is a video of Jordan losing farkle, he had to consume a very large Caribbean moth.


For those brave enough to say yes to the truly outrageous dares, there awaits a spot reserved in the FARKLE Hall of Fame, located in my parent's basement. It's the highest honor given to FARKLE player

School Lesson Plans, Environmental Education, Proposals, Development Work Resources

I thought it would be criminal not to point out this amazing resource that is available to everyone for free.

Here is the URL to our SkyDrive account where Peace Corps volunteers and others can find resources as they work and volunteer in Saint Lucia or other countries around the world. Includes proposals, brochures, school lesson plans, and environmental education to name a few.

https://cid-fe64a01bbdf5eee1.skydrive.live.com/home.aspx

Only Saint Lucia PCV's and Peace Corps staff have the password to upload files.