By Mario Russell
Project Cocorico Expedition is a remarkable undertaking, that involved the complete traversal of Tobago’s Main Ridge, extending from Charlottleville to Mount Dillion.
This daring expedition represented an unprecedented endeavour, both in terms of its novelty and the absence of prior documentation. The successful execution of this expedition hinged on meticulous planning, as the lack of a defined trail and the presence of numerous valleys demanded precise navigation.
Commencing from the eastern shoreline in Charlottesville and culminating at the western point of Mount Dillon Lookout, this ambitious venture embraced the challenge of conquering towering peaks. It was an arduous odyssey that rigorously tested the mental and physical fortitude of the hikers, pushing the limits of their determination.
Covering a distance of 18 miles from end to end, the journey unfolded across a rugged terrain marked by an intricate interlocking of ridges, accumulating over 21 miles of trekking in total. The absence of a continuous path necessitated the reliance on GPS for guidance as the group forged a trail through uncharted forest regions. This route comprised 19 transitions, involving two road crossings: one to access the trail leading to Man-O-War Peak from Flagstaff Road, and the other from the Visitors Centre along Roxborough-Parlatuvier Road to Main Peak and Centre Hill.
At 5 a.m. under the amber glow of streetlights along the coastal road of Charlottesville, a team of eight hikers assembled. Led by Chris Kelshal the team comprised Samraj Ramlakhan, Michael Charlerie, Gregory Leotard, Michael Nedd, Ian Birch, Derek Archer, and Samuel Furlonge.
Their journey commenced along a cow path trail towards the first checkpoint, Flagstaff Hill (1335 ft), as heavy rain and thunder cascaded down. Despite the inclement weather, their resolute spirits prevailed, pushing them forward through the downpour. Not a single member wavered in the face of the storm.
As rain intermittently played hide-and-seek with the hikers, their ascent up the steep incline to Man O’ War Peak (1797 ft), the third checkpoint, encountered temporary hindrances. Nevertheless, the camaraderie within the group remained unwavering, transforming uphill struggles into moments of jest and laughter. Slipping and sliding in the muddy terrain, they found delight in each other’s missteps. The experience of hiking in the rain created a joyous feeling. The adverse weather, though challenging, offered a reprieve from the demanding hike, with every raindrop contributing to the regrowth of the forest.
Descending from Man O War Peak, the group navigated exceptionally steep terrain to Campbelton Peak (1407 ft). En route, they passed the Pool of Siloam, ascending narrow ridges to reach Hermitage Peak (1699 ft), also known as Checkpoint Charlie, a familiar spot for the team. This expedition marked their third year of exploring the mountainous landscapes around Charlottesville.
The path towards Parlatuvier / Roxborough Road presented unexplored territory, infusing the journey with an exciting novelty. This leg required intermittent bushwhacking, adding an extra layer of adventure. Guiding the group with meticulous precision, Chris ensured accurate navigation at every juncture. However, this trail showed fewer signs of usage. The group’s resilience during these challenging segments stood commendable, a testament to their collective strength.
Navigating the demanding terrain amid dense cloud cover and intermittent GPS connectivity demanded Chris’s full engagement. Although their pace was affected, the group persisted, unwaveringly traversing the ridges. After a taxing 10.5 hours of hiking through the rugged landscape, the group descended to the Gilpin’s Trail Entrance on the Parlatuvier / Roxborough Road, their second road crossing. They set up camp for the night in sheltered hammocks on a flat area along the Niplin Trail, with supplies brought in by the support team. By the end of Day One, they had covered 12.3 miles, ascending a total elevation of around 4,000 feet.
During the night, thunder resonated and lightning illuminated the forest canopy. Amidst the gusting wind that set their hammocks swaying, the trees seemed to share haunted stories in the darkness. In the past two days, they bore witness to a tenacity that defines these individuals. They confronted a storm head-on and persevered, laughing with the zeal of children, exchanging stories while the thunder rumbled above. They camped in the woods, weathered the tempest, and each individual triumphed over their challenges in ways surpassing the ordinary.”
The subsequent morning, at the first light of dawn, the group packed their belongings and pressed
forward. Within a 1.3-mile stretch, they summited Tobago’s two highest peaks, Main Peak (1877 ft) and Center Hill (1840 ft), both conquered within the first hour of sunrise. These towering achievements lay a short distance from the Visitor’s Center on the Main Ridge Roadway.
Walking along the ridgelines, while awe-inspiring, presented its own set of challenges—undulating terrain, narrow paths, and steep drops. Yet, these challenges were met with careful consideration. The persistent cloud cover obscured most external vistas, offering fleeting glimpses of Englishman’s Bay from elevated vantage points.
The final leg involved crossing Trig Station #33 and ascending another Main Ridge Peak (1783 ft),
marking the commencement of the descent towards Mount Dillon. Passing through tall razor grass, the
hikers were rewarded with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, an awe-striking moment. With the
Caribbean Sea in sight and Castara Bay glistening below, the adventure culminated triumphantly at
Mount Dillon Lookout the finish line. The second day encompassed an 8-mile trek spanning 7.5 hours,
involving an ascent of 1800 feet.
The entirety of Project Cocorico’s essence is nearly impossible to encapsulate in words. Exuberance
became a lasting imprint on their memories. Every laugh, stumble, ascent, descent, and additional
kilometre melded into an unforgettable expedition. Gratitude extended to the support team comprising Winston, Danny, and Ramesh, whose contributions were indispensable to the experience. The exhibited teamwork was genuinely extraordinary, a testament to this remarkable accomplishment.
