I debated the morning or afternoon. I needed to make a decision on what time to hike Pacaya. I eventually selected the afternoon hike for a chance to see the sunset. It often influences my choices. But at the time when the sun started its descent we were already on our descent too.
I still didn’t give up on a sunset image of the special moment I always cherish, but as the fog rolled in creating decreased visibility it seemed unlikely. Plus, we hiked with haste. The tour group needed to return before darkness swallowed us up on the mountainside. There are no lights on the mountain. This is Guatemala, and this hike was essentially fresh from a 2009 eruption.
Then suddenly an opening in the fog provided a view, a moment. I paused. Time froze for me, but continued for the world or so it seemed. I reached for my camera and captured a memory. This memory and the reason why I chose the afternoon hike although I discovered so much more on my hike the Guatemalan Volcano of Pacaya
worth the hike everytime.
A sudden burst of energy increased my downward slalom on the loose volcanic stones between young trees and then eventually the dirt parth. I made it out with time to spare. And the sun, which provides the energy for life, gave me the boost I needed in its final minutes of the day. Thank you.
Happy Sunset Sunday!
stay adventurous, Craig
This Sunset Sunday post is part of the the Get to Know Guate Series.
Pingback: Guatemala Volcano Hike - Lessons on the Hike of Pacaya | Stay Adventurous()