Up at 6 and headed to QuetzalTrekkers for our El Hoyo two day hike. Andy got a quick shower, damn him, I haven't showered in several days and it's going to be two days more. QT made breakfast for us which consisted of eggs, toast and potatoes- this was a good sign of things to come. Then we had to pack our bags. Each of us had 5 large water bottles, a sleeping pad, and Andy and I took some food (everyone was supposed to take something but they didn't), and poor Andy had to take the extra tent because he was one of two guys and the other dude already had a tent. Oh yeah, Andy also took of his backpack's belt at home so he was going to have to carry all the weight on his shoulders. That's going to suck. My pack weighed 31 and his 45 lbs. OK let's do this.
A 45 min truck ride to the first volcano for some boarding. Our boards consisted a piece of plywood w/ some metal on the bottom and a couple of pieces of plywood sticking up for our feet and butts. This was going to be interesting. It was hot outside, probably 95 on the Cerro Negro volcano. We hiked up it and saw some sulfur holes that were very active. The water/sulfur coming from the holes were very hot and of course smelled bad. The wind was blowing hard, I tried to use the board as a wind projector to push me up the mountain, it kinda worked. The views were amazing from the top. We then proceeded to put on the jumpsuit, goggles and gloves. There were holes all over the place, I'm sure there would be much damage done if we crashed.
No one volunteered to go first so I nominated Andy. He was a trouper and took off down the mountain. The farther back you sat the faster you would go. I lost track of him at off in the distance but he was going at a pretty fast rate. I guess I'll see how he is at the bottom. When it was my turn I took it slow at first them leaned back. You tend to turn a bit which means you'll crash so I would slow down a little when that would happened until I corrected myself. I made it down w/o any issues and it was fun! Andy took a spill at the end but no harm was done. Success!
We carried the boards back to the waiting area where we got them. The place was heavily guarded by army guys. Apparently people come out there to poach iguanas (which may or may not be legal) however the issue is that when they poach they burn down trees to get them and start forest fires. We grabbed our heavy packs and started the hike. Mind you it was noon, blazing hot, and the first 90min was up a steep hill w/ no tread because it was volcanic gravel. It was not easy and we only breaked three times. Andy had a hell of a time carrying his heavy ass bag but he, like usual, was one of the first ones. I didn't have such an easy time. I had my knee brace on which helped me a ton, but it was so damn hot.
After the torturous hill the rest of the hike was pretty flat but it was still quite now. Now I see why we needed so much water. Our hiking guide was a kid out of high school and he was practically running. I don't mind walking quickly but I didn't have many chances to look up since you had to watch your step on the rough terrain. Andy and I were def the oldest ones there so we proved we could keep up with the youngins. We had funny conversations along the way. The Europeans were saying how Americans and Canadians say 'awesome' too much. Remington (from Canada) said well maybe we are just happier and more positive? Well said my maple leaf friend. That would explain why the Swed's were perplexed when we said Utila was awesome. Why is it awesome they asked w/ no enthusiasm. Andy and I were stumped. Well, it's the beach, it's warm, we're about to dive, and we're on vacation- duh.
We made it in record time to the camp, about 3 hours total hiking. The view from our campground was spectacular. We had the huge sinkhole above us, our camp was in a crater, and we had views of several volcanoes, Lake Managua, the ocean, and crater lake which we would swim in tomorrow. After we rested for a bit we hiked up to see the sinkhole and then to another large sulfur hole, and then just enjoyed the view. As we set up our tents the QT volunteers (they are not paid) cooked us Christmas Eve dinner.
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