On a recent Saturday, I climbed Mt. Obama, Antigua’s highest peak at 1327 feet above the surrounding azure seas. Until this past summer, the mountain was called Boggy Peak. The government chose to change the name to honor Barack Obama’s election.
The most accessible route to the summit is by the access road that was built to install and maintain the communication dishes and antennae at the summit. There is a foot trail that winds up through the rain forest, but that will have to wait until I get to know the island a little better.
I was to meet two other teachers, Mark and Chris, at ten in the morning but car troubles postponed their arrival until 11:30, just as the hottest part of the day commences. Luckily, we carried extra water. The road is full of switchbacks and has some of the steepest grades I’ve ever seen. Near the summit the pavement is slick with moisture and mossy plant growth making for slippery footing. I certainly would not want to drive Subi up or, especially, down on this road. It makes the Mt. Washington Auto Road look like stroll in the park.
There are good views of the island as you climb. Unfortunately, the summit is disappointing because it is fenced off and one is not permitted inside. We tried to get views by climbing an antenna outside of the fenced-in summit to get above the surround treeline. I can only hope they open it up for President Obama if he ever visits! After all, he has reached quite a summit of his own.
No comments:
Post a Comment