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Yesterday we hiked up an Volcano Pacaya which is an active volcano, so lava is still flowing from the top.

When I heard the word “hike” I assumed a nice little trail up a volcano with some nice trees and mild perspiration of the forehead. It has been pretty hot lately, so I also assumed it would be especially hot considering we would not only be hiking but on a volcano as well.

We had to ride a bus to get to the starting point which was a decent way up the volcano already. The second I step off the bus I’m greeted by a large group of children asking if I would like to buy a walking stick for 5Q. There are also men with their horses asking if we would like to ride a horse. I don’t need help to hike a volcano, I’ve been on numerous hikes before and have been just fine. So I turn them down on their offer.

We begin the hike, despite the intense wind and cold temperature its a rather peaceful hike. There isn’t too much of an incline and I’ve only broken a little sweat. The children are still offering us sticks and some men have followed us with their horses just in case we decide we can’t handle the hike anymore. psh. whatever.

well let me tell you, that leisurely hike I thought I would be taking turned into the most intense hike i have ever done. It got to a point where the trees disappeared, the soil turned into lava sand and the ground became increasingly warmer under our feet. There came a point where there was no longer a path and we had to cross the side of the Volcano which was extremely steep mind you. Then we hit a dead end and the only way to go was down to get to the next part of the volcano we needed to get to. So we had to either walk, roll or run down the hill. I ended up getting so much pebbles and volcano dirt in my shoes, it looked like a bunch of crushed oreos (yum).
                                               
 
Anyway, just when I thought we were getting closer we had to hike up the steepest hill yet. It didn’t have a path and it didn’t have lava dirt, it just had dried up lava which is extremely painful if you fall on it (I know). The incline was so steep it came to a point where I was basically crawling up the side of the volcano. With each step I could feel the ground beneath me getting warmer and warmer. I kept thinking, “the top better be worth it, otherwise I will be very mad”. My thighs felt like jello at this point and I was sweating terribly, and it takes a lot for me to start sweating.

Finally we made it to the top. IT was so windy I thought I was going to fall over. The ground beneath our shoes was hot and there was lava flowing in numerous places. It is so bright and gooey it looks like cherry jello. You couldn’t get very close because it was too hot, so if you wanted a photo in front of it you had to do it quick, not only because it was hot but because it was moving rather quickly. The lava was so hot people brought marsh mellows to roast.
                                
It was so surreal being up there and actually seeing lava. The view was gorgeous we could see other volcanoes erupting across the valley. It was so windy and hot I couldn’t be up there very long. The trek down was even scarier than the trek up. It was basically learning how to snowboard all over again except on dried up lava. I can’t tell you how many times I fell.
                           
All in all, the top was worth it. my body is definitely sore today but I’m so proud of myself for hiking that dang volcano. I definitely would never do it again.