hot rocks, melted shoes

I joined a scrabble of tourists to climb the volcano El Pacaya (Volcan El Pacaya). Volcanoes seem like the earth´s pimples to me, when the planet was going through its awkward adolescence millions of years ago, it was covered in nasty erupting volcanoes all over the place. But now that it has settled into its early 20´s, like myself, it is only prone to the occasial outburst. There are 5 catagories of volcanoes, Pacaya being the type (4) that has small eruptions every few days when it is active. Luckily, when we went there was still lava flowing from a recent eruption, and I was able to get real close (close enough that I smelt the rubber soles of my Merrels start to melt!) There were some friggin´ hot rocks between the cracks of the pathway leading up the side of the cauldron. I dropped back well behind the group to enjoy the tranquility and solitude of the natural environment there, without being molested by the constant prattleing of brain dead tourists, who cant seem to ever shut up for even a minute to soak anything up! The views down into the valley were awesome - black, scarred volcanic rock dropping away into a steep green valley which stretched down for thousands of feet into a hazy golden dusk. From the top it really did look like Mordor (I was scanning for orcs but we were lucky that day) I know that Mordor doesnt actually exist. Really I do.




Overcoming my fear of horses



I have fire in my mouth



Sky Dragon



Descent into Mordor



Maybe not

Have arrived in Lago Atitlan now. Spending a few days in Santa Cruz and working my way round the lake I guess until I get to San Pedro, Guatemala´s bohemian backpacker event horizon. Good place to exit and head up to Xela (Shey-la).