Climbing Pacaya Volcano with Old Town Outfitters

 

I must say I have been feeling dread and trepidation over the whole climbing a volcano thing.  Not that I’m getting too old.  Never that.  But in my 30s I developed asthma and sometimes when I exercise I have difficulty breathing.  So that being said, I decided to go for it anyway.  Armed with my inhaler and a scarf to cover my nose and face if the dust or lava ash was too much, I was ready to go out and face Pacaya.  Bruce, of course, is in great shape for “an old guy” and I think Barbara had her own concerns about making the climb.  We all wore brave faces as we walked to Old Town Outfitters, hoping no young, energetic people were going to join our group.

Our group consisted of two younger couples, one from Chicago the other from Holland.  Luckily neither couple was too young although they did prove to be in far better shape then us.   Our guide was a young Guatemalan man named Diego.  He proved to be kind, patient and helpful along the way.  We drove over an hour getting acquainted with each other.  Everyone was excited about the climb.

Our first part part of the climb was very steep.  My fear and trepidation raised to new heights.  I took about 10 to 15 steps and I was already out of breath.  Meanwhile the guys on horses waited patiently for me to fall victim to failure.  But I’m not a quitter.  I wasn’t ready to give in after a few steps.  So what if the younger couples were so far ahead I couldn’t see them anymore.  I was going to enjoy this climb and I didn’t have to make it a marathon.  I wanted to take pictures, enjoy the moments and feel satisfied that I accomplished climbing a volcano.  I slowed down, stopped when I needed to and kept my breathing under control.  All the time the views were amazing.

Edwin (mono), the other guide, knew a lot about plants.  At one point he painted all our faces with orange material from a plant.  After reaching a split in the trails, the group decided to break up.  The “younguns” decided to take the longer route with Edwin and Diego stayed with Bruce, Barbara and I.  Guess which way the horses went? They lurked behind waiting for us to give in.  At one point, another party went by, all on horse back.  They didn’t look bedraggled but very relaxed.  Again I started rethinking this horse idea but it became a matter of pride and I wanted to prove to myself I could do this.

Once we were on our own, I really started feeling more relaxed.  I no longer had to worry about holding up the others and I could take my time and enjoy the moment.  At one point, we passed a woman cutting up oranges on the trail.  Barbara bought one and shared with Diego.

Our trip trip up had quite a few stops and Diego was extremely patient and encouraging.  Finally the horse guys gave up, realizing we weren’t going to give up or give in.  With one last steep hurdle we made it to the top.

Well we didn’t actually make it to the top.  It’s not safe since the volcano is very active.  We made it to a crater and now began descending into a crater with lava rock.

We met up with the other group just in time to roast marshmallows on lava rocks and to have lunch.

After a delicious lunch that Diego and Edwin prepared, we were ready for the hike back.  Walking through the lava fields was what I would think it would look like walking on the moon.  There was something surreal about it.  And with the giant Pacaya constantly spewing molten lava it was a sight to see.

The trip down was much easier and faster then the trip up.  The only thing was if you miss stepped you could go sliding down on your butt.  The lava rock and dust was very slippery.

We we made it down safe and sound – proud but tired.  We felt like conquerors. I nodded off with the bouncing of the van on our way back to Antigua.  When we arrived, I barely could stand up.  My Fitbit for today read over 20,000 steps and 167 staircases.  That too me is an accomplishment.  I may not have sprinted to the top but I made it on my own two feet.  A nice, warm shower and a change of clothes, I was ready to go out to dinner for Barbara’s last night.  We went to the closest restaurant which was Italian and had pasta.  She’s leaving at 4 am so we said our goodbyes tonight.  I’m going to miss her but we sure did have some exciting moments while she was here.