It’s a new year and a new Misogi-based challenge for Huanna Leon and her crew, who conquered Saint Lucia’s three most prominent mountains on February 8. The feat, part of Leon’s 38th birthday celebrations, saw a team of seven individuals – including three women, three men and an 11-year-old boy – scale Mount Gimie and both Pitons (Gros and Petit) in one day. The treks were completed under the playful theme Three Peaks We Ate.
Last year, Leon scaled both Pitons in another Misogi challenge, and in 2026 she raised the stakes with many of the same individuals who participated in the first hike.
The Misogi challenge is a modern interpretation of an ancient Japanese Shinto water purification ritual, designed as an annual, voluntary, and extreme challenge that pushes you past your perceived limits. In an interview with St. Lucia Times, the avid hiker indicated that the true tradition is constantly finding ways to test herself as she celebrates another milestone to “basically define the year”.
“The Triple Peak this year for me represented taking on the ultimate physical challenge and proving to myself that I’m capable,” she said. “We did this on Sunday, February 8, although my actual birthday is February 10. I was back at work on Monday like normal, just a bit tired from the lack of sleep; same for the others. By Tuesday, everyone was back to their regular schedule, morning walks, gym; one even climbed Piton Flore.
“Since learning about Misogi, my birthday feels like the perfect time to take on the challenge. It’s a great beginning to my year as the accomplishment gives me a feeling of success and confidence. Also, it makes a good conversation piece,” she added.
The crew completed the hikes in the following times:
Petit Piton
Start: 4:30 AM
Summit: 6:22 AM
Start Descent: 6:34 AM
Completed: 7:47 AM
Mount Gimie
Start: 8:49 AM
Summit: 11:03 AM
Start Descent: 11:26 AM
Completed: 1:43 PM
Gros Piton
Start: 3:17 PM
Summit: 5:11 PM
Start Descent: 5:30 PM
Completed: 7:11 PM
Leon, a mother of two girls, also shed light on the importance of finding time for fun activities.
“It all depends on if people with busy schedules want to participate in these types of activities,” she said. “But personally, it’s important to continue to do the things that you like and bring you joy. Life is busy, life is hard, but it makes no sense to just always be busy and not having fun… not enjoying new and exciting experiences.
“Imagine your 85-year-old self, looking back, how would they feel about the life you lived and think about your 12-year-old self, would they think that your current life is cool? So, despite the busy schedule, be sure to live a good life.”
