Climbing Volcano Misti

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We set off climbing at 1.00 a.m. As we climbed we could see the lights of the whole city spread out far below us. As the sun rose behind the volcano, it cast a huge cone shaped shadow over the city below. We couldn't even see the city clearly. It just looked like a smudge. To one side we could see another snow-capped volcano, Chachani which is 6005 metres above sea level.
       
It seemed such a long way down! It was hard work walking up as the slope is gravel and slippery. As we climbed higher we found this ice formation. It took us 11 hours to reach the top. Here we could see it, but it took a long time more to actually get there. It only took 4 hours to get down as we were able to run and slide down the gravelly slope. Allen George, one of those who went with Steve, climbing wearily the last few metres to the top. We were very glad of the sticks the guide gave us!
       
On the summit is a huge cross made from short sections of railway line bolted together. It was taken up over 100 years ago and took several months to complete! We spent about half an hour at the summit which is not very big. We took time to admire the view from what seemed like the top of the world. The crater is huge. It is possible to climb down some way.
       
We decided that climbing down then having to climb out again before being able to climb down and home was not a great idea! The air is so thin at nearly 6000 metres above sea level that it is hard to breathe. To the left of this volcanic ridge on the edge of the crater you can see a reservoir. The crater. Misti is 5822 metres (19,088 feet) above sea level. It is only dormant, not dead. Sometimes you can see small plumes of smoke coming from the crater.
       
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