It’s a long way down

Megan wanted me to title this post “I love that you like to be clean, but also like to get dirty.” Which is what I said to her after sledding down a volcano with both of us so covered in volcanic soot that we had to pick little rocks out of our hair for a few days.

It was a short, but arduous, hike to the top of the Cerro Negro volcano on a beautiful sunny afternoon. They told us to bring 2 liters of water each, and we needed it.

The views from the top were almost enough to make the experience. Sun rays over the line of volcanos leading up to the one we were on made it magical.

All suited up, it was time for the main attraction. What seemed really scary from the bottom actually looked more fun than scary from the top. Control of the board was accomplished by leaning back holding onto a rope on the front of the board and keeping your feet off the board on the ash. Leaning forward and digging in heels slowed you down quite a bit, until it didn’t, and you (meaning me) lost a bit of control and got speed wobbles, nearly crashing. Exciting for sure!

We took the afternoon sunset tour and were rewarded with amazing views of the sunset around the volcano.

And what happens after dark? Well, the bus we came in on turns into a party bus! Ugh. We were warned this happens, but being told and experiencing it are two very different things. I’m convinced that they took a route at least twice as long to get back to town so our 20-something companions could dance the night away. Flashing lights, extremely loud dance music, and pre-mixed rum and cokes are fun for 10 minutes… and then a feeling pure hell seeps in and steals your soul.

Overall a fun and unique experience, and even better next time with ear plugs.