Head in the Clouds
Words by Dalene Heck / Photo by Pete Heck
I was hesitant about hiking the Pacaya volcano as reports varied on the difficulty of the trek. It is only eight kilometers in total, four up and four down, totally doable under normal standards. But, as should be expected, three months of sampling Wisconsin beer and cheese had made me a little soft.
About half way up we became engulfed in heavy clouds and the odd large raindrop seeped into and darkened my shirt. The wind was strong and wild, it whipped our clothes and hair viciously, and even tore Pete’s hat from his head. His ‘Lucky Charms‘ ball cap turned out to be anything but as it quickly became a sacrifice to the mountain we were climbing on. I was quite wary that the weather would improve, that we would see more than the rushing wall of white before us.
But we powered on, upwards and upwards. We’ve been up numerous volcanoes now, but I don’t think either of us could ever grow tired of them. The other-worldy landscape never failed to captivate, nor the fact that each contained more power then any of us can possibly anticipate. We’ve felt the fringes of volcanic might before, having lived on the edge of a very active one and on the edge of my own fear. But even that was just a brief taste.
This time, after trekking breathlessly up and down steep hills and in ankle-deep soft volcanic sand, we reached our destination. It was not a crater’s edge or even with a startling view of the scenery around us, but we had the unique experience of roasting marshmallows on her steaming rocks. Many people climb Pacaya to stand near the active lava flows that began in 2006, but we would have no such luck. Sugary treats cooked on sticks shoved into small crevasses would have to do.
Once done, I sat huddled against the wind a short distance away. I curiously felt a strong compulsion to meditate but the crowd of people distracted. I expect that I was just drawn to the strength of the force on which I sat, or perhaps it was the need for deep rest after putting my soft self through such a climb. Either way, I enjoyed the strange peace that shadowed my sense of accomplishment.
As the group gathered to begin the trip back down the volcano, we were quickly faced with one last devilishly steep incline. I leaned heavy on my walking stick while Pete handed his to another man who was struggling. Pete dropped back to walk beside me, when his fitness level could have easily seen him leading the pack.
“Sorry you have to stay with your wimpy wife,” I said as he took my hand and we began the incline.
“I’m with you to the end honey,” he said, before stopping suddenly to capture wayward horses, eating sparse grass from the dark and foreign landscape. He then added: “Which may actually be soon,” as another gust of wind forced us to both arch our backs in a braced position against the clouds that overcame us.
I’m glad you survived to write this post! I definitely need to get into better shape before I even attempt anything like this. Looks really amazing, despite the bad weather.
I thought the hike was actually pretty easy. The views were pretty incredible and the weather was not too bad once the cloud blew off. I wish we were allowed to go higher on the volcano or would have seen some lava, but I’ll have to see if I can book another hike.
wow, the 3rd photo really shows you how sweeping the landscape is up there. loved it – would love to do it again!
Thanks Annie. Once the clouds blew we were pretty shocked how beautiful it was.
Your husband rocks!!! Gorgeous pics!
*blush* thanks Andi 🙂
Nice one, thanks for sharing! I’ll put that on my Guatemala todo list 🙂
Cheers Patrick, hope you enjoy and maybe get to see some lava when you do.
Glad you posted about this! We are going there this July and were considering the 3 day hike…which I think is a little to intense…I think I will stick to the day hikes! Great post, fyi I will also be the wimpy wife!
I was debating on the 3 day hike on our first stint into Antigua but never did it as we only had 4 days. Now that we are back for a week, I might take sign up. The day hikes are definitely beautiful and worth it, and there are more intense hikes than the one we did if you are looking for a bit more challenge. I would rank this one as easy.
Great post, got a little teary at the part of your husband being so sweet. 😉 Nothing like a great traveling companion. Love reading your updates!
I would do anything for her and most of the time we work brilliantly together as a team. I find it the most rewarding when we both can achieve something and share in the glory together 🙂 Thanks Lena!
Must have been quite scary, the first picture actually shows that. Loved the part where you felt completely at ease and had a desire to meditate. Nice touch in the end, lovely to have someone who sticks by you all the way!
Have a nice day 🙂
The weather was intimidating at first, especially when we were walking along the ridge and can’t see nothing but cloud. But when the sky finally opened up, wow the sight was incredible. As always, thanks Arti!
We did this when Zac was four. Absolutely loved it. He got very macho when a guy in our group said, “There’s no way that kid can do this” and proceeded to outlast him to the top.
Zac is a rockstar. I’m sure at 4 he would have run laps around me up that mountain.
I always have my head in the clouds (figuratively) 🙂 Looks like such a rewarding climb.
Haha, as do I most days Megan, as do I! I wish we had seen some lava, but it was still a good climb. 🙂
I just hiked a volcano in Bali and the pictures here certainly bring back memories. Except instead of horses, we had “volcano monkeys” (as our guide put it).
Horses, monkeys, same same! Ha. So excited to one day get to Indonesia as it is ‘volcano central’. Can’t get enough of the landscape.
Great photos 🙂
Very cool. Definitely want to add more hiking to my travel life.
Wandered around the Santorini Volcano and quite enjoyed it other than the sulfur smell. Never thought to roast marshmallows in the heat though. Neat idea.
We LOVE hiking. This one was a little tough for me as we hadn’t done any in awhile, but we try to as often as we can. And hiking on volcanoes might be my favourite. 🙂
ohh we didn’t have the chance to eat marshmallows on the volcano like you…it’s original 🙂