Wow this made Kirsten's Apple Watch do a double-take. We're talking about tackling Hooiberg Mountain in Aruba. It's not Everest, but those 600 stairs might have you questioning your love for hiking (and stairs).

First off, Hooiberg sits in the heart of Aruba, offering panoramic views. This mountain isn't shy about its challenge – those 600 steps stare you down from the get-go. But hey, it's all about the climb, right? Hooiberg - which translates to Haystack - is a volcanic formation which sits165 meters above sea level, and is located at the approximate center of Aruba.

Our journey starts with enthusiasm. Each step was a mini victory. Around step 100, we started wondering, "What did we sign up for?" By step 300, we were bargaining with every step, promising ourselves a treat at the top. And somewhere around step 450, there's a shift. We were not just climbing; we were conquering.

Reaching the summit is a mix of relief, triumph, and awe. The view? Unbeatable. You see Aruba in its full glory – the deep blues of the Caribbean, the stark contrast of the rugged landscape, and the hustle and bustle of Oranjestad in the distance. It's a moment of pure, “I did it!” joy.

But let's be real, it's not just about the top. It's about those moments along the way. Like that friendly local who cheered us on and the collective groans and laughs shared with fellow climbers.

Descending is its own adventure. Our legs felt like Jell-O, but we got a spring in our step – we just joined the Hooiberg Conquerors Club.

If you're up for a challenge that's a little bit crazy but a whole lot of amazing, Hooiberg is your mountain. Just remember, what goes up, must come down – and that's another 600 steps!

Happy Climbing!

Share with us in the comments what has challenged you to the max but brought you a smile in the end.

Stay tuned we will be sharing our UTV experience in our next post.

Love,

Kirsten & Mack