Hola from Guatemala,
A walk up an active volcano in Guatemala set a cat among the worried pigeons of my family. “For goodness sake. Haven’t you heard of White Island?” came one reply. After the uneventful excursion and after reassurances had reached their destinations (“Greg, answer us!”), one sedentary sister asked a desultory question: “Was it worth it?”
It’s a question which warrants a detailed answer, wouldn’t you agree?
My answers appear here in descending order of importance.
Getting close to raw nature is one of the great motivations of travel. A volcano is possibly the best way to affirm that we humans are beholden to the might of nature and not the other way around. With no human intervention whatsoever, we can see the wonder of the volcano today and reflect on the creation of land. Much of Central America exists because of volcanic activity. (Guatemala alone has 40 volcanoes.)
There’s a certain undeniable yet indescribable sense of achievement derived from such a strenuous hike. The feeling is a distant target when the slow and arduous ascent taxes the body and heart. Reaching the summit is not the only achievement to be taken from the outing.
By venturing on such a strenuous hike, we are providing sustenance for some locals who derive their livelihoods from the trade. The minor redistribution of income which comes from the expenditure is a whole lot better than patronising a multinational resort chain or franchise. Apart from contributing to some minor erosion on the black dirt of the track, we are treading fairly lightly on the Earth.
It-s a great way to obtain an authentic photograph for this epistle. Admittedly, that’s an utterly nebulous argument, but I hope dear readers appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the physical geography of the region.
It’s a good way to test the limits of one’s body. I can attest to the fact that this was the most difficult thing that I have ever done. It was more difficult because of a respiratory infection I’ve been trying to throw off for the last six weeks. Spending a night in the freezing cold at 3500 metres was possibly a risk not worth taking. But, I survived the night to find that breathing is better than before (another proof that natural cures are better).
The mountain is descriptively known as Fuego. It erupted spectacularly in 2018, living up to its name in brilliant rivers of molten ash. On this occasion, a small eruption every fifteen minutes or so provided just the spectacle required. And, without any doubt, it was worth it.
Adios from Antigua in Guatemala
Gregorio