Lava-toasted marshmallows

Last Saturday, I finally made it up to Volcan Pacaya. (The first time, I organized the entire trip, only to get very sick with "intenstinal problems," to put it delicately.) This time around, only a few other volunteers went, as well as some Peace Corps medical staff. It was a cloudy day, so the visibility was poor, but the forests and farmland that the trail wound through was a brilliant green. It felt good to be on a trail again, even though it was crowded with lots of student groups.

When we neared the summit, we walked out onto the uneven black hardened lava. Hot air floated up through vents. We made our unsteady way to a live lava flow. I was surprised by how quickly it flowed. I busted out marshmallows and chickys (chocolate covered cookies) to make a Guatemalan style s'mores, which tasted fantastic. It was worth the wait.