There are 33 volcanos in Guatemala. Three of those volcanos are still active and today i climbed Pacaya, one of the three.
It was a fairly easy walk up, but there were still a few that took the taxi up. A tiny little horse with a few large Americans, they need to get the RSPCA in there to sort it out, you could see the horses legs shaking under the weight. If you want to climb a volcano then just climb it.
I walked up with Jonny, a Doctor from Northern Ireland. He had carried a bag of marshmallows from home to toast in the lava of the volcano, there was not way he was getting out of my sight I was sticking with him and the marshmallows!
Here are the photos. I wanted to put more as it was so amazing but there is only so much molten lava you can post, enjoy.................
Near the start with Pacaya in the back round
Volcan Pacaya
First sight of the hardend lava further down the volcano
As we were walking up there was red hot lava glowing through, sometimes just under our feet. It was like walking on BBQ coals.
Me pointing at the main flow of lava, it was amazing to see and really starting to get hot.
It may not look red hot but these babies toasted pretty quickly, they were delicious.
River of lava. I didn´t once feel nervous and you shall see in a moment, i got pretty close.
OK, the following pictures of me are not great. It was hot and the wind was blowing the heat into our faces so we had to take the photos quickly and run away. It became a game of Chicken between Jonny and I, see who can get the closest.
Closer now and melting with the heat. I couldn´t keep my eyes open it was so hot.
That was as close as i got but it was close enough to get a few good shots.
Here is Jonny, on the summit just right of the lava. The heat was intense but it was worth it as he was the winner. I am daft but i have my limits!.
Back on the bus, shoes still in tack, and ready to go. There were some pretty steep roads and the bus really struggled on the way back. We had to get out at one point and walk up the hill whilst the drive plodded up at about 1mph. We all jumped back on, smoke still puring out the engine, only to have to jump back off around the corner for another hill.
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Enough was enough and we flagged down a very nice man in a very nice car and 5 of us squeezed in and left the bus, with the Americans who did nothing but moan the whole day. I truely believe that they were expecting to be driven to the top of the volcano, doors open, take a shot, get back on the bus and come back down. That was our summary of their expected itinerary!
It was truely and amazing experience, not something you do every day and that is what this trip is all about.
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BRILLIANT DAY
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Gualtemala as been brilliant. There are still so many places that i haven´t been but i have been here for nearly 4 weeks and it is time to move on. So off to Honduras in the morning. Diving in the Bay Islands, meeting up with Jo again and donig some specialty courses. My Malaria tablets should keep me safe now so Adios Guatemala, it has been amazing.
xx
Me
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