Guatemala: Assault on Pacaya

Wisps of steam and smoke drift from the Pacaya volcano. Many years ago, I climbed Pacaya. It was a tough climb. First, it was hiking through the trees. Then it was sliding through loose lava scree (which will ruin shoes in a single climb). My hair was blowing horizontally in the high wind. I didn't think I was going to make it to the top. No how. No way. I kept going. And just as it was getting dark, I reached the rim. It was one of the most magnificent things I've ever seen. Bright bubbling orange lava glowed and let off steam. It was awesome.

I may never climb Pacaya again, but looking up today, I remember.