What a shambles today has been. I met my guide and the other two guys who I would be sharing my climb up Volcan San Pedro. They were two friends traveling together from Spain. In many ways it was a perfect opportunity to absorb more Spanish and practice my own. However, I spent the majority of my time focusing on where I was stepping and breathing enough air.
Literally though, I felt like I was sprinting up the volcano. No matter the reason or excuses, I just was not up to the challenge today. I felt like I was doing a full on sprint for the 3.5 hours it took from my hotel to 2000 metres (or feet) from the top of the volcano. When the guide said we still had another hour to go, I knew I just would not be able to continue on. Although I am disappointed I couldn’t make it to the top, it definitely inspired me to get myself back into shape. Before I left I considered myself a reasonably fit person, and this climb just kicked my ass and informed me that the opposite was true.
Also taught me the valuable lesson of brining food on a long ass hike. Definitely not my brightest moment.
Additionally the climb down was incredibly steep and I managed to fall several times. One was into a tree stump, leaving me with a nice bruise. The other times left me with nice dirt stains on my pants. Guess this means I need to get my laundry done asap. However, it was nice to be able to go at my own pace and stop and take some photos of the views I could see. I also enjoyed the fresh air and greenery, to make up for my failed summit.
On the way back down I managed to meet other hikers with their guide, a local man walking his two dogs who asked if I wanted to join him up the volcano (...no), and two police officers who were very friendly. They also seemed surprised that I made my way down the hill by myself, but frankly I didn’t feel like I was ever in danger of anything other than fatigue or falling down.
When I made it back to the main entrance, I was glad to just stop and chat for a while with Carlos and Francisco. These two guys worked at the entrance to record those who climbed the volcano and kept the parque entrance clean. They were also nice enough to order me a tuk tuk. I had told the lady who runs Hotel San Francisco that I would return around 11am (it was past this already) and I was starving. It was 15Q worth paying.
After paying for another night here ($1.90) I showered to make myself feel human again. I was definitely content with a hot shower and fresh clothes. I then headed out to find food to eat, which I found at a restaurant named Clover. The restaurant definitely had an interesting crowd. The guy working there was an expat with excellent Spanish, a drunken old man smoking a cigarette while downing 1 litre of Gallo beer (at noon, I might add) and another older gentleman waiting for his food. It was good vegetarian food and very filling.
I returned to my room because I found myself falling asleep at the table over my meal. After a three hour nap, I was ready to pick up my laundry; only to discover it was closed already at 5:04pm. I thought that it was open until 5:30pm, so I guess I was wrong on that frount. Oh well, there is always tomorrow.
I made my way back to The Buddha for more food and found sweet relief with their veggie curry. I also have to admit I love the solitude of the place. The first level is the bar with a billiards table at the back. The second level is the restaurant with comfy sofas and a quiet vibe. My only company was a guy taking a nap and the two resident dogs. One of which found my presence intrusive, the other was delighted. She even took the bold step of sitting beside me while I waited for my food to arrive.
I watched the sunset from the window at The Buddha while eating and studying Spanish. I was definitely pleased to be able to just sit and chill for a while. I was back at my Hotel by 6:15pm and now I am watching Gladiator while writing this. Another easy and boring night for me here after my disappointing attempt to climb Volcan San Pedro.
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