Up In Hills, Mt. Tabor

Mt Tabor Ridge 17.01.16

…that person you see standing on the mountain top did not get there by falling (well maybe just a little) and staying down. 

On Sunday, I joined one hundred and twenty-seven other hikers on what turned out to be one of the most majestic hikes I’ve ever been on. Mount Tabor also known here in Trinidad as Mt Benedict, is the peak of a hill about six miles higher up than the Abbey. It is situated at 600 feet above sea level, with amazing views of the country below and the sea in the distance.

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St. Benedict is known for providing spiritual guidance to Christians and Non-Christians. In fact, it’s one of my favourite places for Sunday Mass. And it’s because there is just something about the sereneness of the place itself. At the entrance to the monastery, there is even a large sign with the word “PAX” written on it, which in Latin means a place where peace reigns.

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As you ascend beyond the Monastery, the trail is well-shaded and the photo-ops and breath-stealing views start almost immediately.

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I chose to leave with the last group because I didn’t want to rush the experience. I wanted to enjoy the climb! In this life, sometimes you have to climb to where you want to go and you simply cannot get there climbing over others…over and under fallen trees, however, is okay.

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The hilltops that surround Mt. St Benedict are always vulnerable to bush fires and to preserve the forest the Forestry Division replanted pine trees. That was our destination!

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There were so many interesting things to see, touch and take in along the way.
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The walk to the pines is uphill all the way, but very doable and the added shade helps. The towering pine trees at the summit, and the absolutely peaceful atmosphere feels like no other. The sound of the breeze as it blows through the pine trees will astound you.

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There are fantastic views of the Maracas St. Joseph countryside, the East–West Corridor and the Central Plains. You can also see the ocean in the distance. Truly an experience that was well-worth the effort to get there.

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This journey we are blessed with, it’s not about climbing over others…it’s about climbing with others, side by side and even lending a hand to help others up with you. I needed so many helping hands on this trip, because as much as I like hiking…I’m afraid of heights. Tummy in knots, feeling like I will miss a step and fall off a precipice business. It’s a very sad irony.

But I do it anyway. I face my fear and call bullshit, because getting to the top always makes me happy. It doesn’t matter how long it takes me to get there. Or if I had to crawl on my butt to get back down *true story* or ask for a helping hand. That’s all part of the experience and it’s the perfect reminder as the first month of 2016 is rapidly coming to an end.

You have this one, short life. Sometimes, it’s going to be uphill and you might have obstacles in your path to crawl over. And sometimes it will be nice and shady and some moments will take your breath away. Sometimes you will need to ask for help. You will fall and you will get up. And yes, you can go it alone…but it is far more fun to travel with friends, people you love, people you can belly laugh with. Getting to the top is only part of the fun. And oh so worth it! But you will never know, unless you take the first step forward. You have to start.

I love hearing from you. How’s 2016 going for you? Have you stuck with your goals or nah?

4 Comments

  1. January 21, 2016 / 2:06 am

    Wow – a physical and spiritual experience, Vernette. Thank you for sharing 🙂

    • Vernette
      Author
      January 24, 2016 / 10:58 am

      Thanks Ken!

  2. Mariana
    January 23, 2016 / 9:59 pm

    This is truly breathtaking. I hiked once but only to the first mountain with my family and some of my children’s friends, better known as my other children. You are soooo correct when you say getting to the top is fun, but it is more fun and fulfilling with people who you love and care about and people who love and care about you. I have started on my journey for 2016, and it is like going up a mountain, it is a great experience and I am looking forward to when I reach the top on December 31, 2016. Thank God for family and friends, and those who also challenge in their own special way. Keep on writing and sharing Vernette. It is very appreciated.

    • Vernette
      Author
      January 24, 2016 / 10:58 am

      Thank you for this Mariana. 2016 does feel like a mountain and I hope to feel the same way when I get to Dec 31st. Thank you for the encouragement to keep writing. The struggle is real. Not everything I write I feel comfortable posting. So this is much appreciated as well. Thank you!

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