I am ecstatic commencing the walk that many a Haitian had told me they had always wanted to do. We have not walked far when we are halted by huge Caterpillar earth moving equipment chomping into the mountainside, grading for what will turn this path into a vehicular road. With the peasants we wait for a break so we can walk the narrow rocky ledge of this construction zone and then really begin the trek. It s all uphill from here. In the morning cool air, women traveling this hard baked, dusty footpath, stop and gossip, some with donkey in tow, and then continue on.
Sunshine floods the path.
A lone remaining tree storing feed high away from hungry ground animals is the only break in the eyescape. The intermittent stream of foot travelers pass both ways. Descending into a valley, waves of terraced mountainside grow carrots, leaks, and cabbage. Golden paths of red earth snake to the few scattered settlements. As we walk I wonder how these peasants, so remote, meet their water and supply needs.