Yesterday, we completed this race leg. We didn’t just have to get to San Pedro, but to the top of Volcan San Pedro, a dormant volcano on the edge of Lake Atitlan.
We hopped a truck at 6:00am and headed for the base of the mountain. Within minutes, we were checking in at the visitor’s center and meeting our guide, Luis. We bounded down the trail, but it was soon apparent that this was no ordinary hike. This was straight uphill, with stairs instead of switchbacks, when there were stairs at all.
Pretty early on, Ashley decided to stay back at the visitor’s center and wait for us. The Road Rules say you only have to get four team members to the top, so we prayed for her and let her head back down.
The hike was brutal. We climbed more than 3000 feet to an elevation somewhere over 10,000, and we did it in about 3 and a half miles or so. Our lungs and legs burned, but we pushed ourselves onward. Step by step, we climbed, one foot in front of the other.
Five hours later, we reached the top. The view was spectacular, if a little hazy. We ate lunch, and then spent some time worshiping the Lord and praying for the people of the villages surrounding Lake Atitlan. Katherine shed a few tears at the sheer beauty of God’s creation and His goodness to us. After reading Psalm 29, we headed back down the mountain. The return trip only took 2 hours, but it was pretty rough on those of us with questionable knees. Nevertheless, we made it.
We appreciated being greeted and cheered for by Ashley upon returning to the visitor’s center. She made us all feel a little less tired with her encouragement and love. We were also especially proud of Casey who had a very hard time physically getting to the top and back down again. But she didn’t give up, and pushed on through, and we appreciate how much she gave of herself up there. Way to go, Casey!
