The climb that did me in ...

Although I think I am pretty fit for 57, my respiratory system is not the greatest. I am prone to bronchitis and coughing, even though I have never smoked. Perhaps my problems are evidence of the damage of second-hand smoke - who knows. The climb to LaVisite is steep and rocky - the top of the mountain is well over 6,000 feet. We had been climbing for about 3 1/2 hours, when I realized I was slowing the group down - because I needed to stop every half dozen steps just to catch my breath. As I looked forlornly at the next climb (the photo with Diane), Gwen said to me, "Carol, this is why we have the mule. You need to ride for awhile." So up I went, looking every one of my years on the mule, yet I was so grateful to be in Haiti, with friends like Susan, who had the foresight to insist that we needed the mule as insurance that we would all arrive together! You can also notice the cloud cover hovering over the mountain. We did not want to get caught in a downpour!

When Hiking Boots Die

Gwen loved her hiking boots which were 5 years old. She seriously considered investing in a new pair before the Haiti trip; but decided that hers were so much more comfortable than anything else she might buy. Everything began fine. However about 2 hours into the hike, one of the soles of her boots separated from the uppers. Once again it was Susan to the rescue - she had DUCT TAPE in her pack. So Gwen taped up her boot very well and continued on. Unfortunately shortly thereafter the other sole decided it was time to go as well! So the rest of the tape (plus some from the first sole repair) went onto Gwen's other boot. She carefully made her way up the mountain to the Auberge LaVisite.

More Faces of Haiti

Life in Haiti is hard - to me that is an understatement. Yet the Haitian people are curious, friendly and kind. They value relationships and make sacrifices of the sort most of us will never be faced with. Many Haitians do not want their photographs to be taken. Through Walnes, who served not only as companion/friend on the hike, but also as patient interpreter, we asked permission for photos. We often bartered with chocolate and energy bars as recompense. Here are two women among many we encountered on our hike.

Deforestation

Perhaps the most unforgettable feature of Haiti is the environmental catastrophe of deforestation - just 2% of Haiti's tree cover remains. For centuries the forests have been cut down to provide charcoal, which even today is the primary cooking fuel for millions of Haitians. With few trees to hold the soil onto the mountainous terrain, the U.N. estimates that 36 million TONS of Haiti's topsoil washes into the Caribbean EVERY YEAR!

Auberge LaVisite

We arrived at the Auberge LaVisite after steadily hiking upward for about 5 1/2 hours. Often we were hiking at a 40% uphill grade - granted I spent almost 2 hours on the mule but trust me, a 40% grade on mule-back is scary! The entire experience was phenomental! We arranged for Cujosephen (and the mule) to return Wednesday morning around 7 a.m. Upon arrival we sat down to enjoy refreshing, Haitian hot mint tea. It was delightful!

Fondation Seguin

On Tuesday we joined with the awesome students from a private high school in Port-au-Prince to plant an orchard of 225 fig and peach trees. The Fondation Seguin invites students to join them for a 3-day ecological experience at the Auberge LaVisite. Learn more about their efforts to educate Haitian youth by visiting http://www.fondationseguin.org/ or become a fan of their Facebook page.

The Waterfalls of Seguin

After all that hard labor planting fig and peach trees (just kidding - it was a JOY!), Winnie led us across several fields to a river that provides a great water supply to many of the local inhabitants. There were several lovely waterfalls and we spent a restful afternoon walking in the river and enjoying the lushness of Seguin.