a1807: Motocross Trip (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Kevin Pina      <kpinbox@hotmail.com>


I HAD to leave Port au Prince after a week of filming in Cite Soleil. Too
much for even me to take.

I took my Yamaha 175 up to Kenscoff and then trekked off through the
mountains to the beautiful pine forests of Parc Nationale de Visite and
Sequin.

Falling one day after heavy rainfall in the mountains, the cliffs and large
rocks had crumbled onto the existing road and the granite was slick and
dangerous to traverse. Angles of descent and ascent so extreme that to lose
your focus and concentration for one moment meant that the moto would go
into freefall with 1000 feet plus sheer drops below. Not unlike the politics
of Port au Prince but successful maneuvering so much more rewarding given my
state of mind.

The locals were very helpful along the way by offering to carry my moto down
a particularly difficult descent, which I declined, but they also helped me
to calculate the correct passage shared a humble meal afterwards. I
gratefully accepted.

After safely passing through the granite mountains, I finally reached the
vast pine forests of the Parc which very much reminded me of home in
northern California. As I arrived, I could not resist stopping in the midst
of the pine forest and nestling up among the pungent needles looking up
towards the brilliant blue sky above, my spirit guides returned and I felt
whole again. The air was fresh and cold forcing me to bundle up for the
night which was a very welcome change from the sweltering heat and humidity
of Port au Prince. I spent the night in a guest house run by Wini the Arab,
who I never got the pleasure to meet as I had the whole place to myself for
the night, then left for Jakmel this morning. Stopped in Kaye Jakmel for an
early afternoon swim and a meal. I finally hooked up with friends in the
band Invincible de Jakmel(I produced and edited their music video for the
last Kanaval). Will return the capital tomorrow no worse for wear but
definitely better for having braved the journey alone.

I love this country and her people. So many faces and so much to offer. I am
better for the experience. Best regards and love to everyone.




kp


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