While in Antigua, Guatemala, I took a day off, spent a little personal time
and money, and hiked Pacaya Volcano. It was amazing. I trekked up
steep trails at a high altitude. But I truly enjoyed the challenge.
When I reached the top, I was amazed. Smoke exhaled from the top. Small
amounts of red lava flowed around the volcano. A picture does not fully
capture the experience. The eerie atmosphere reminded me of Mordor in
Lord of the Rings.
I had an option– stay at the top of the mountain and view the volcano, or
climb down a 90 degree drop to walk hardened lava. Of course I chose the
latter! Immediately I felt a temperature difference, heat rising from my
feet to my head. The guide told me that
the lava I was walking on was only 3-days old.
And then I saw red-hot lava moving underneath the hardened lava, just a
few inches under my shoes. In fact, Tamaras
shoe soles burnt off. Crazy! The lava was hard, but it crunched and often
cracked under my feet, moving slightly. It reminded me of Mount Saint Helens in Washington State. Studies of the eruption just a couple decades
ago revealed that such natural disasters made its surroundings appear older
than they truly were, and yet also brought lush green environment to nearby areas,
enriching the soil. The Pacaya Volcano
proclaimed God´s intelligent design, mighty power, and creative beauty.
Just a few feet from the pouring red-orange lava, I roasted marshmallows on
a long stick. Wow was it HOT! I could only stay near the lava for seconds
at a time. Even poising for a picture
was challenging. But the marshmallows
were yummy, and the experience was incredible!
