I decided to hike Wai’tukubuli National Trail Segment 1 again today. It was a glorious morning with clear skies and great views. I love the area known as Crabier Plateau, located near the top of the mountain – perhaps because it reminds me of a Yorkshire swale and home; the grassy valley, the rocks, the smell of cows … Hugo, who owns the land, has been greeting plenty of hikers of late, mostly from France, he says, and he earns a few dollars selling jelly coconuts, mangoes or letting travellers camp in this glorious place. Once a coffee plantation, I wonder what it must be like for him to spend days, even weeks, up here at a time. He says he’s getting older and can’t get up and down the mountain as easily as he once used to.
Here’s the view of Scotts Head and the Cachacrou isthmus from Crabier Plateau.
Hugo was one of several people we bumped into on our walk, all of whom gave us friendly greetings and wished us an enjoyable hike. I got the impression they are getting more and more used to seeing hikers in these parts. Segment 1 must be popular.
About 5 hours later, back in Scotts Head, we took a swim and then enjoyed fish, salad and cold beer at Roger’s. Perfect day.
