Mt Hooiberg, Aruba: Up…but not over the Hill for the Groovy Mom

I had just made the reservations to Aruba and googled “Aruba mountain”….Mt Hooiberg @560feet. Although, only the second highest point on the Island, it is the best paved.

The plan was unveiled and the excitement grew as the big day loomed as did the mountain as it taunted, it can be seen from anywhere on the island. Burgers were ordered via room service and delivered with dinner the night before the big climb. The entire Groovy family, all four of us, got up early (5:30am) after a restless night sleep produced by groovy boy….must have been the anticipation of the upcoming summit. Not quite an alpine start, but definitely before the hot Aruban sun blistered us on the morning of Groovy Mom’s BIG Birthday. The path is well marked (understatement), as there are 561 steps to the top, where some old communications towers are. On the way up you hike through some very nice Cactus forest and some very pretty turquoise lizards were sunning themselves.

The summit was made without incident. Due to haze, there was no view to Venezuela as advertised. Cheese burgers were consumed by Groovy Dad, Mom and Girl. As you can see, the original Groovy kids came along as well. A quick return to the beach and turquoise waters is in order to cool down.

Mt. Hooiberg, Aruba – GroovyMom, GroovyDad, GroovyGirl