El Volcán Barú
Highest peak in Panama at 3,474 meters (11,398 ft) El Volcán Barú is a dormant volcano found in the the Chiriquí province in Panama. It’s also one of the only places in the world where the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean can be seen at the same time by the naked eye.
The appeal is obvious, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. So I did it.
From the Boquete Ranger Station and Trailhead to the summit is 8.38 miles (13.5 km) one-way. 16.77 miles (27 km) round trip. During the hike, we gained approximately 7,498 feet (2,274 meters) in elevation from Boquete to the top of Volcan Baru 11,398 feet (3,474 meters).
This hike was the hardest physical feat that I’ve accomplished so far. Through the hike I learned so much, it’s even overwhelming to think about how to describe what I learned, but I’ll try.
3 Main Takeaway’s:
1. This was a mental game.
The whole first kilometer of the hike up is steep hill with loose rock and gravel. During this time I really contemplated whether this hike was worth it or even possible. I thought about things like a comfy bed, relaxing and watching a movie, or anything else I could have been doing at 11:30 at night.
I questioned why I was doing this, and my capability to do it. Through those moments I learned how to renew my mind, and really press into the presence of the Lord in the midst of the pain.
Practically, this looked like singing the same song over and over in my head. It was the African version of the song “God is so Good”.
2. When encouraging someone, it’s not so much about your word’s but about your heart. Don’t hold back the good things you think to do or say, you thought them for a reason.
3. Going downhill is easier than uphill.
During the 5 hour decent I found it easier to be inwardly focused, and harder to engage with the Lord and those around me. I had a sense of “I’ve got this” where as before I was very aware of my shortcomings and my need for strength.
This was a representation to me of what it’s like in life when things are easy, how it’s harder to engage with the Lord, but that’s when we really need to press in.
I am exhausted, but there is so much that I have learned by this experience.
One of my team mates asked me to describe my experience. I said “ my body is exhausted, my spirit is refreshed, and my emotions are raw”.
That’s how I can describe this to you. It was epic. Yes, I was disappointed to get to the top and not see a bit of the sunrise due to the clouds, but I still have an amazing memory to hold onto.
We were one kilometer to the top (at around 4:40am) and we all look up and see the clearest sky I’ve ever seen. On that night I saw Mars, and the Milky Way. We just had to stop and stare in awe of the beauty of creation. I didn’t see a sunrise but I sat in awe of God and that was beyond worth it for me.
Here we are at the peak! We did it!
