Hike and Breakfast Picnic At The Mountain Top

PEACE | HUMILITY | APPRECIATION of Life

IFit World Hike and Breakfast Picnic at the summit of Mt Tabor.

Scheduled Date: Good Friday
Friday 30th March 2018

About:

The Abbey of Mount St. Benedict situated 600 feet above sea level is a significant tourist attraction that provides spiritual guidance to Christians and Non-Christians. On the entrance to the monastery, there is a large sign written in Latin “PAX” meaning a “place where peace reigns”. In October 2012, The Abbey of Mount St Benedict celebrated its 100th anniversary.

The history of Mount Saint Benedict goes back to 1911 when Abbot Dom Mayeul de Caigny of Brazil wrote to the Archbishop of Port_Of_Spain John Pius to establish a Benedictine foundation in Trinidad. The Archbishop granted permission and on the 17th January 1912, Dom Mayeul purchased a small estate located in the hills of Tunapuna from Mr Andrew Victoriano Gomez. Tunapuna, which means “the way of the water”, had no roads and to get there meant climbing the steep hills on foot. The Abbot became impressed by the splendid views and serene ambience. The asking price was 4000 pounds, and the first building was a Tapia Hut. The first Mass to be celebrated was on the 10th August 1913. During the period, 1912-1918, a church, guesthouse, workshop, living quarters and kitchen constructed. By 1918, the daily crowds increased to such an extent that the monks needed to find a more secluded place for recollection and study.

The monks looked at the nearby hilltops and Mt. Thabor situated at 1851 feet above sea level was the site chosen. This new monastery built to accommodate young monks studying theology and those seeking seclusion from the influx of daily visitors. By 1922, the mansion at Mt. Thabor contained fifteen rooms, a chapel, a large hall and two towers 40 feet high. Reserved on each side of the tower were the Papal Flag and the Union Jack, seen from miles around. A place for solitude and to visit the public had to obtain written permission. However, the difficulty to climb the high mountain and bring supplies caused the property to be abandoned. Today all left of this majestic structure is some concrete ruins. The wooden Tapia Castle now destroyed by the rugged elements of nature. Mount St. Benedict became an Abbey in February 1947 and on 3rd June 1947 Dom Adelbert van Duin a monk stationed there became the first Abbot. His motto “to be at the service to all” and he received his abbatial blessing from Archbishop Finbar Ryan on 16 June 1947.

Over the years, the hilltops that surround Mt. St Benedict are venerable to bush fires and to preserve the forest the forestry division replanted pine trees. The uphill walk to the Pines where Mt Thabor situated will take 40 minutes. At the summit, the grandeur of the towering pine trees and the peaceful atmosphere feels like no other. The soothing mountain breeze blowing across the valley creates a relaxing sensation. There are fantastic and breath-taking views of Maracas St. Joseph countryside, the East –West Corridor and the Central Plains. On the compound, there is cafeteria and gift shop to assist in the up keeping of the church. Mt St Benedict also distributes 
yogurt and once known for having the best honey.

Information courtesy Island Hikers.
______________

On Good Friday this year iFit team will hike to Mt. Thabor and Mount. St Benedict for Breakfast at sunrise.

Assembly: 6am at Hilo Car Park St. Augustine. Depart at 6:30am

Hiking time to the top 40 minutes
However we will stop at intervals to take photos and enjoy the scenic views increasing the time we take to get to the top.

Downhill return: 30 minutes

Rating: 3 Fair {going uphill with a downhill return}

Parking at the empty lot located on the opposite side of the football field heading up to the monk.

_________________

Steps to secure your spot:
1. Make contact with us to confirm availability of spots.
2. Register online.
3. Make payment.
4. Send proof of payment.

Registration?

Visit our webpage to register:
(Click the link below and register for the relevant event. Please note that there will be other events on the same page so please pay attention and register for the event which you wish to register.)

www.ifitworld.org

_______________

Cost: 
$100 (Adults) | $80 (8-11 Years Old)
Inclusive of Drinks and refreshments.

(Not Suitable for kids younger than 8 years old or anyone with heart problems or asthma).

Foreigners please call/email for a more detailed booking process.

Transport not provided for this event.

If you require transport, please contact us in advance.

Advance payment required and spots are only confirmed upon payment.
(NO REFUND ON MAXI FARES)
____________

Bring along:
-An extra change of clothing and footwear just Incase it rains(remains in vehicle)
-Bring your own food and extra light refreshments(optional)
-Insect repellant
- Beach Towels/Blanket/ Exercise mats(once it can be folded very small and light)
-Personal medication as you may require.
-extra plastic bags for your garbage
-ziplock bags/water proof cases for your electronic items in case of rain.

Footwear: 
Sneakers/boots with grips.
NO SLIPPERS/SANDALS

Note: 

Secure everything inside your bags so if it rains your belongings will not get wet.

We look forward to taking you on this adventure with us.

__________________
Book your spot now:

PAYMENT INFORMATION:
Use the FAST DEPOSIT MACHINES AT ANY FIRST CITIZENS BANK.

Bank Information:
First Citizens Bank
Account Type: Savings 
Account Name: IFIT WORLD
Account number: 2479250

Proof of payment:

Please take a clean sharp photograph of the stamped deposit slip and send to us via any of the following means:
- What’s App: +18686843524
- email: [email protected]
- Facebook DM: IFit World
- Instagram DM: @ifitworld
———
Once you booked it is understood that you agree to our Cancellation Policy stated below.

CANCELLATION POLICY: 

Cancellations made at least 3 days prior to the event incur a 50% fee. 
Cancellations made less than 3 days prior to the event incur the full fee.

EAT | TRAIN | TRAVEL | REST | ADVENTURE