Independence Square, Bridgetown to Belleplaine, St Andrew (24 miles)
Sunday February 19th, 2023: a special day in Barbados, The Colin Hudson Memorial Great Train Hike, an annual event (since 2003) held in honour of the late Colin Hudson, and the first since 2020, when COVID shut everything down . It was also the day that I dedicated to my late husband, Vincent Chesterfield Simmons.
The Great Train Hike, 2004
Newly married in 2004, Vincent and I embarked on what was then the 2nd annual Great Train Hike, held in May that year. As we celebrated 4 weeks of marriage, it was a day that represented many of the tenets of our union: companionship, trust, kindness, patience, support, encouragement, endurance, perseverance, partnership, love, joy and laughter.
I struggled then to make it all the way to Belleplaine, yet it was one of the happiest and most memorable days of our marriage, albeit an unusual wedding anniversary. We intended making it an annual event. Unfortunately, the responsibilities and challenges of life intervened and changing the month of the hike to February made this impossible the following year, and every year after that. The idea to try this year emerged from the back of my mind in Dec 2022. This was with great reservation, being almost 20 years older, much less physically fit and, most of all, without my original hiking partner.
The preparation
A dear friend of ours quickly responded to my appeal for a hiking buddy and agreed to hike with me.
I had planned intense “training” but only managed a few walks around neighbourhood and the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex. I also put in a few extra Yoga sessions, focusing on my weak areas. I actually overdid the Yoga, resulting in new (minor) knee injury, however I decided to proceed and see how far I could get.
The few days preceding the hike also did not go as planned. I had intended getting lots of rest and “fueling” up with high protein and low glycemic index carbs, neither of which I was able to do.
Hike Day, 2023
Once the hike began, my hiking buddy and I fell off the pace almost immediately. Undaunted, we continued on our own, briefly veering off course before finding our way back to the route.
We encountered some hikers who chose to end their hike at these earlier stages, and were also passed by a few stragglers who had started after the main group. About 5 miles in, equipment malfunctions also resulted in our stopping several times for repairs, slowing us down even further.
We took our first extended break at Bushy Park for refreshments and stretching, after which we determined to continue to Three Houses, though my partner was somewhat skeptical.
It was also at Bushy Park that John and Philip, two of the BHA-CHMGTH “Sweepers” caught up with us and made sure that we were OK. This was quite reassuring as we thought that we were so far behind the groups up ahead that no one even knew that were on the trail.
We stopped again at Three Houses, where my partner and I were greeted (and treated) as cronies by the “welcoming” party (with refreshments) that awaited the Sweepers. We took the opportunity to hydrate and stretch again. There we were also joined by Lynden (the 3rd Sweeper, and a friend of close to forty years) and fellow hiker, Mr Wilson (a gentleman far senior to myself whom I came to regard with the utmost respect and admiration) as they caught up to us as well. Unfortunately, it was at this stage that my hiking buddy decided to abandon the trail. I considered joining her but she was adamant that I could and should complete the entire trail.
I had the privilege of continuing all the way to Belleplaine in the company of these 4 gentlemen, without whom I would not have made it there. Experienced and well-known hikers, the Sweepers were “obliged” to accept the hospitality of friends and acquaintances along the way. Mr Wilson and I were allowed to continue on our own along the less challenging parts of the trail and our (slower) pace allowed our “personal guides” to catch up to us, offering help, guidance, support and encouragement as necessary. They all indulged my phobias and inexperience and ignored my increasingly frequent utterances about “not finishing.”
The terrain
Independence Square to Haggatt Hall is the urban part of the route, mostly walking on the road. Buckley to Three houses and then on to Atlantic Park, is not rugged terrain but challenging none the less: all flat (constantly using same muscle groups) with little variation in scenery.
Consett Bay to Tent Bay, though more rugged, is mentally less taxing but so beautiful, though coastal erosion in some areas is alarming.
I started to feel really tired between Martin’s Bay and Glenburnie. I started to disassociate and found myself lying in the grass, almost flat on my face at one point.
Memories of the East Coast Road (Ermy Bourne Highway) in 2004 were accurate. This 4-mile stretch was as brutal as I remembered, rendered even more so by the ongoing road repairs, as we completed the hike in the dark (except for Philip’s and Mr Wilson’s flashlights). I really had to dig deep, mentally and physically to finish. Kudos to my 4 escorts who wouldn’t let me quit.
Post hike
The bus ride back to town was quick, I feared for the integrity of the bus at times. I have nothing but admiration for our bus driver. The man could drive.
It was a long and rewarding day as we disembarked in town around 9 p.m. and my comrades delivered me safely to my car.
I was mentally and physically exhausted, but proud of myself. It was a grueling yet idyllic experience, save having you there in person, Vincent, but I sensed you hiking along with me, sometimes smiling, at other times shaking your head in disbelief. This year was for you. We’ll see what happens next year.
Lessons learnt
- Maintain your own pace. Long distance hikes are about endurance, not speed.
- Be better prepared, especially before (adequate physical training, nutrition….), during (duct tape, scissors, spare socks and even shoes if possible, flashlight, hydration, nutrition….) and after (expect soreness and fatigue, blisters….) the hike.
- Hiking fosters great camaraderie, amongst friends and strangers alike. Look out for, protect, support, encourage and help each other.
- Pay attention and stay focused, especially as fatigue sets in.
- Never give up.
This year was for you, Vincent. Continue to Rest in Power. Regards to our friend and mentor, Colin.
The Bajan Vegan 