VOLCANO

I climbed a 2,847 m Volcano today.

OUR GROUP AT THE TOP!

It was unreal. As I start to even think about it, I cannot believe that I ever made it down and am now here to tell you about it. We were picked up around 7am from our hostel, I think about 11 of us total went. We are all excited and ready to go. Little did we know...

I think it was the hardest, most amazing, tiring, long, discouraging, inspiring, unreal thing I have ever done in my entire life. Period. Ever. I did not realize how huge this volcano was. Its Volcano Villarrica in Pucon, Chile. We were lead by three guys, Oscar, Joaquin, and Felipe. Oscar was my guide, we were the middle group, I struggled a lot! Man o man did I think I was literally going to DIE. Never make it to the top, let alone back down! He said he climbs the mountain 5-6 times a week. INSANE. He guessed he´d been up around 3000 times. Awesome guy. The peak just seemed to get further and further away.

We were wearing snow gear, heavy boots, big backpacks with tons of goodies inside, aka mouth warmer, shields, lunch, etc. We had pickaxes to assist ourselves, or save us if needed...The hike to the top took about 5 hours, in the snow, with the sun on our faces, with my legs feeling like I would never walk again. But....we made it....

The view at the top was absolutely breathtaking. Even at our stops on our way up, the view was just incredible. You could see for ages and there seemed to be perfect nature in all directions. Our town was a little grouping of buildings in the FAR FAR distance and we were surrounded by snow and silence. It was unlike anything I have ever described before.

I now know what it feels like to win a gold medal in the olympics, because arriving at the top of the Volcano was the most amazing feeling. This volcano is still active, last exploded in 1984. You could smell the activity, like sulfur on a hot day. And you couldnt see the actual lava, but you could take a good look into the hole.

Going back down the summit was probably the most fun part! You literally SLIDE down. On your bum. Literally. Our guides would lead and create a path and you would just GO. Like a bobsled! It was SO MUCH FUN. You really could pick up some speed out there! It was hilarious after struggling so much to get up the damn thing, we just played and sled right on down! Feel the wind in your hair and take off. So much fun.

Tonight, we´re going to sit in the thermal baths under the stars for as long as our bodies will allow. It will be heavenly...although the hike already took care of that.......