Biray Versus the Volcano

Let me preface this blog post by saying that Tom Hanks has got nothing on me when it comes to dealing with volcanoes. During our weekend excursion to the state of Michoacan, we were presented with the (optional) opportunity to climb one of the largest, dormant volcanoes in Mexico. Being one to pursue most-things-active, it was a no-brainer that I would jump on board this outdoor excursion. However, nothing prepared me for the challenges that I was to physically, psychologically, and spiritually face. (PHOTO: You can see the volcano way in the back. If it looks far, far away... well, it was! And we were headed to the TOP of that.)

For starters, take a look at our guide! The kid was in pants and a t-shirt, wearing nothing but old shoes! He had NO water bottle, NO backpack for a change of clothes, NO poncho, NO energy-boosting snacks, NO first-aid kit. It seemed that the expectations for this hike were set low from the beginning. Clearly, there was NOindication of a life-threatening adventure, at all. Afterall, the kid claimed he’d been climbing the volcano since he was 10 years old (he is 16 now, btw). In the event one was to get swallowed by the crevasse of lava rocks, our guide was certainly not equipped to save anyone. Actually, no one was. Only later did it become evident that this was going to be a test of the survival of the fittest. Period.

The 7-hour hike (yes, you heard right – SEVEN hours, at least) started off quite peaceful and enchanting. The trail took us through some of the most luscious parts of the area. Lots of greenery, colorful insects. The sun was beaming with pride, the breeze cradled a fresh scent. The clouds floated happily above our heads. (Feel free to insert any other personifications of nature here). The students were gleefully sharing stories and telling pointless jokes to pass the time.

About an hour into the hike, the trail – *poof* – disappeared! In fact, there was no trail, just a sea of lava rocks. Knowing where to step became a conscious and arduous process. One false move would've resulted in a nasty fall, a bad cut on your arms and legs and perhaps paralysis from your journey to the cone. The increased intensity of the hike was evident by the conversations detailing horrible dying scenarios in which one of us was expected to volunteer our bodies for consumption, in the event we needed to eat someone to continue living. THAT'S how scary it became. Between the black lava rocks and blue sky, our true colors definitely began to shine. (PHOTO: No incline setting on a modern treadmill could've prepared one for the experience the glutes and quads had to endure)


Luckily, the positive energy of our group and collaborative efforts helped our perseverance (at least until we arrived to the bottom of the volcano). (PHOTO: Darin helps our photography instructor, Robert, up a difficult climb) Our water supply half drained, our nutritious samplings mostly consumed, we were told that climbing up to the core of the volcano was to be the most mentally grueling and physically taxing part of the journey, but (we were hoping) the most rewarding. Rewarding? As in, there’s a massage parlor, Antonio Banderas playing a guitar, and a smoothie bar at the top? Yeah, didn't think so.

Literally, stuck between a rock and a hard place, we slowly ventured up the mountain – trading two steps forward for one long slide back. Although it seemed like a significant period of time, it took about 30-45 minutes to finally reach the peak from the base of the volcano.


So, was it worth the bruised ankles, bloody palms, spider bites, and altitude-induced light-headedness? Good question. Philosophically speaking, (and I’m sure it could be different for everyone) it's not what's at the top that matters – it’s the journey there, right? (PHOTO: Wendy, Biray, Jessica, Adrienne at the core of the volcano)



But c’mon, who is kidding who? I was waiting for the host of the Amazing Race to tell me I'd won the million dollars. Since he wasn't there, I had to settle for the savoring taste of a TWIX bar. Good thing Jaime wasn't there to steal it from me this time! (PHOTO: I'm kneeling purely for the aesthetic framing of the shot, NOT because I was entirely exhausted.)




As you can see, we were all in good spirits once we made it to the top. In fact, we were so delighted, we had to send a shout out to all of our YouTube friends!







No less than 5 minutes after reaching the top, the clouds formed quickly, fog surrounded the volcano, and like clockwork the rain began to pour. It was as if mother nature had said, “So you think you’re tough, eh? I see you’ve made it through my lava rocks and climbed up my volcanic walls. Let’s see if you find your way in thunder and hail.”

What was this - Labyrinth, the movie? Was David Bowie awaiting our downfall, threatening to send us all to the bog of eternal stench? Geez!

Surprisingly, coming down from the volcano was entirely more entertaining than going up. A slide of fine volcanic ash created the pathway down. Only a five-minute fumble down the mountain, eating dirt along the way, we reached the base. Sounds crazy, but I never laughed so hard in my life. I wanted to scream “As Youuuuu wiiiiiisshhhh!” as I toppled down, but didn’t have the breath to yell and wanted to keep my mouth closed to avoid eating the mudslide.

(PHOTO: This is a shot of the volcanic mud/ash-slide)

(PHOTO: Although it's hard to tell from the picture, you can sort of see the people sliding and falling down.)

This was truly an experience I will absolutely remember forever!!