23rd July
This morning was very much the same as the
day before (Ed. but maybe 2 hours earlier :-(), we all woke up early and we had porridge and eggy bread for
breakfast, the ground was very muddy as it had been raining most of the night.
But when we woke up the sun was shining and it was a very hot and humid
morning.
As everyone was getting ready for the day
ahead, I was worried about the Cerro Chato trek, being so far away from home
had hit me and I didn’t feel like I could do anything, even simply walking seemed
like a hard task for me.
As
we set off I was convinced that I wouldn’t be able to make it to the top. The
first 3km seemed tough the day before so I was dreading doing the same walk
again, especially because today seemed considerably warmer, and we knew it was
a much longer and harder walk. The whole way to the entrance of the waterfall
where we went yesterday I didn’t believe in myself, but with everyone’s
support, especially Taggart staying with me the whole way and telling me I
could do it. I probably got to the end because he bribed me with fanta and
werthers originalsJ
As we reached the entrance we all sat down
and we ate half of our dinner as the walk up took a lot of energy and everyone
was very sweatyJ. We all got a werthers original and we were ready to go to the top.
Well, until we saw the top! The walk to pay for entry to Cerro Chato was up a
slight hill which seemed liked torture to our blistered and tired feet. As we
all prepared to eventually make our way to the top, Mr Taggart finally lived up
to his promise (slightly) as he bought me a bottle of coke! The way up was very
steep and because it was humid and wet the ground was very slippy as a few
people slipped trying to get closer to our goal. A viewing point had been set
up half way to the volcano and the view was absolutely amazing. We decided that
this would be the best place for eating the other half of our lunch, today we
had a bigger lunch with TWO sandwiches, and there was quite a variety of
sandwich fillers which was highly appreciated as I think cheese was starting to
get boring.
As we were getting higher and higher we met
people on the way which told us just another 20 minutes we were so relieved to
hear that there was not long to go. Then we reached steps, lots and lots of
steps. It seemed like we were going up steps for ever, I felt like giving up as
the stairs were getting too much. The people we met earlier were definitely
lying about the twenty minutes as it felt like we were climbing up stairs for
days! As I started to lose faith and started to think that I would never make
it to the top again, Cliff’s motivation and determination to get me to the top
made me realise that I probably could do it and that just because I’m tired
sweaty and I am unable to feel my feet, this doesn’t mean I should just quit,
and turning around and giving up shouldn’t be the answer. I thought about how
good I would feel getting to the top and I would prove people wrong by reaching
the top of a volcano.
As I reached the final steps I could hear
others who had already made it cheering me on as I climbed my last step. I have
never felt so proud of myself for anything before, it was such a big
achievement for everybody, as we all struggled in some way to make it up Cerro
Chato.
As we descended down and back to our camp
site we were all tired and looking forward to food and a good night of sleep.
Going down was so much easier than on the way up and we probably made it back a
quarter of the time it took to get there. As we reached the final stretch of
the way home, darkness hit and we had to walk home with our head torches.
We were all so thankful for reaching our
beds for the night! And we could finally cook. Myself, Sophia, Ellie, Danny and
Miss booth were cooking tonight and we put as much veg inn to make a very
hearty meal as we all deserved it. By time we had finished eating and washing,
the group was very tired and we all needed to sleep!
Overall it was such a good day and I can’t
believe I climbed a volcano!! I don’t think we would all be able to make it without
the support that everyone has given each other, everyone sticking together
makes me realise how amazing our group actually is!
I honestly thank the whole group so much
for helping me every step of the way and getting me to the goal, and bringing my
spirit up.
I’m missing everyone at homeL
Steffi x
Steffi stough
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