By Bailey Jaworski
I didn’t think I was going to make it.
A hopeless feeling set in as I stared at the wall of muddy terrain that lay before me. Beads of sweat dripped down my face as I struggled to adjust my breathing in the high altitude. The heat and humidity of the dense rainforest clung to my body in an eternal embrace. My tennis shoes were caked in mud, and my muscles quivered at the thought of taking one more step. As tears swelled in my eyes, I entertained the thought of defeat and turning back. I looked down, I looked up. I didn’t know what remained of what felt like an infinite hike to the peak of Cerro Chato. What was supposed to be an enjoyable afternoon hike quickly turned into one of the most difficult physical and mental challenges I’ve ever faced.
I continued to gaze at the muddy wall of terrain. It was oddly poetic the way the tree roots danced across the slope of the volcano creating steps for the brave adventurer to climb. The ambiguous chatter of the wildlife transformed into a chorus of encouragement opposing the negative thoughts that echoed inside my head. I paused, made a decision to push through and took one step.
One step turned into two steps, two steps turned into three and with an exasperated grimace on my face, I broke through the barrier to the peak of Cerro Chato one hour later. A cool breeze welcomed me as I gazed around the tropical oasis that had been waiting for me. The lush greenery contrasted against the reflection of the sky on the crater lake below. I let out a deep sigh and released every negative voice in my head telling me I wasn’t going to make it. In that moment I knew: If I could conquer Cerro Chato, I could conquer anything.
Bailey is one our editors on staff. This piece will be featured in our 2016 spring print issue!