Alicia, from the boat On Verra, has been organizing hikes for the cruisers nearly every day that we’ve been here. It’s one of the best cruiser services I’ve ever experienced because it helps us to see the natural beauty of the island, and gives us a much needed endorphin hit and kick in the pants to get moving in the morning.
Today she took us by bus to the trail-head at St Gabriel crossing. From there we walked past the largest church in the Indian Ocean (also conveniently, the pit stop). The trail started just below the church and wound through lush forest, rock strewn pasture, and down a long slope with a stunning view of the lagoon and sea beyond.
I was sick as a dog the night before, and somehow felt like doing the hike anyway. I am so glad I did. The kids, who are ever up for any social event, were amazing on the 10km hike. They never fell behind and didn’t complain once. At lunch Miles whipped out his stainless steel lunchbox and pulled out the two dinosaurs… and no food. Live and learn dude, live. and. learn.
- This is the largest church in the Indian Ocean.
- The rectory of the largest church in the Indian Ocean
- Happy little hikers
- Our guide, Alicia!
- Vick and Miles scrambling down the hillside. Such joy!
- These goats were getting their ram on, right in the middle of the path
- Hey there pretty lady
- Ruby has grown up right before our eyes these last two weeks. She looks and acts more like a young woman than the girl she was when we left Cocos Keeling.
- One lonely tree
- All the hikers
- If I had to be a cow, I would like to be this lucky-ass cow.
- I’m fine. sow’s you doin’?
- This tickled me to no end. There were two full lines in the back, but these garments didn’t fit
- This is the island we saw the whole hike. It just got more beautiful as we went
- This roadside stall sold handmade baskets and 1l bottles of gas (petrol)