Cerro Negro volcano, Nicaragua

We were on the bus at 8 am for Cerro Negro, a nearby volcano, to climb it. The guide refused to let the Australian Georgina go. She was very cross and said if I could do it so could she. Everyone thought she was delusional - she struggled on the flat - don’t know the issue as she’s in denial.

The first bit was climbing over steep big bits of lava then the going was 2 steps forward and 1 back climbing on smaller pieces on a path. We were almost at the shoulder when I felt dizzy. The guide took my arm and said it was cold - low blood sugar he said - luckily I had a sweet in my bag. I didn’t know I had that problem - I thought it was the heat. Further on Brett, the US diabetic was resting on a rock, waiting for his glucose tablets to kick in. He gave me a couple and after that I was fine and made it to the top.

Going down was like a scree run only a long way. Some of the fit ones were more intimidated by it. It was steep and a bit scary at first, but once I got a rhythm going I was ok and made it down.

The bus got stuck in the lava and had to be pulled out by rope so we got back 1/2 hour after the expected time.

Time for a cold beer, a shower and then later we’ll explore Leon.