I was ready! I was pumped!

I was going to hike the volcano Pacaya just outside Antigua Guatemala with my son and daugher-in-law. Little did I know that I wasn’t as physically prepared to hike it at the speed of the guides as I should have been. You must know, I’m a little stubborn and I like doing things on my own terms and pace.

I was DETERMINED to walk up that volcano on my own two feet.

I mean, I had been going to the gym and walking (what I thought was a lot) to help get me prepared.
We got off the bus and all I needed was a quick potty break, a walking stick, and I could hit that trail running. Wrong. As we began the ascent I quickly realized running was not going to be feasible. No worries, I can walk.

It’s a pretty steep ascent at the beginning and within a short amount of time I was sucking air pretty hard!

Steep at times (often actually)

A sweet guide came up from behind me and said, “Miss. Taxi. You enjoy.” Politely telling him “no thanks I got this” I turned my attention back to my breathing, which honestly, wasn’t going so well. How could this be happening? I’m 52 years old but in decent shape. This should be easier, I thought. I kept on trudging upwards watching the rest of the group get farther and farther ahead.  The third time this guide approached me with his four words I heard another voice from behind. It was my sweet Lauren who encouraged me to take the taxi (horse with the guide). He looked me straight in the eyes and said, “you enjoy”.

What I didn’t want to admit to was that I NEEDED him

and his trusty steed, but that I was terrified of horses. Like seriously, scared to death. I’d been thrown from a horse when I was little and have been afraid ever since. And besides, this was a HIKE, not a ride. But I saw my daughter-in-law up on a taxi of her own and I realized that my stubbornness and pride were getting in the way of my actually being able to enjoy the experience and beauty around me, because it’s hard to look around when you’re trying to keep from passing out. Did I mention that the elevation is a little over 5,000 higher than where I live? I took my guide’s hand and he helped me up. Now, I’ve not been on a horse in decades so to say I was having to work hard at staying calm is an understatement. But in what was probably less than a minute my breathing was calm, my eyes forward and my smile had returned. I called out to Lauren and we declared “No shame!” “No regret!” This was a trip of a lifetime and we were going to enjoy every minute of it (from this point forward).

My sweet daughter-in-law, Lauren

My personal tour guide

I was doing it!!

I was getting to the top of this volcano trek, just differently than I initially anticipated. All along the way, my guide showed me things, handed me lava rock and special leaves, and told me about Pacaya’s eruptions that he has personally experienced. It was basically my own private tour! As we neared the peak of our trip, we passed a few hikers. They, too, were trying to catch their breath. I no longer felt defeated for having to ride rather than walk.

It was liberating, honestly. Who cares that I couldn’t keep up with the others? Not me. Not anymore. We all made it to the same location and we all got to experience the spectacular views! So I needed a little extra help making it to the top, I still got there. No shame! No regret! Many memories!

Now…you go make some amazing memories…no matter what it takes.

What an amazing view for everyone!

Garrett hiked the whole way!

We made it! Lifetime memories as a family!