Mounting the Summit -7/11

Today we were picked up at 1:30 AM and driven through the weary, foggy night to the base of a volcanic mountain called Batur. We arrived at our destination around 4:00 AM. Our goal: to reach the summit which is more than 1 mile elevation, or about a 2 mile walk that wraps upward. But by up, I mean a very steep up. I thought this would be tough, like climbing a big hill, but I was still surprised by its difficulty. The terrain is very rough, volcanic rock that makes it challenging to find firm footing and a bit unnerving knowing that a stumble could be very, very bad. There are no guardrails or paved paths. Armed with only a guide, named Kutut, a flashlight, and a backpack with a few items, like water, Mindy, Tonya, and I started our climb. I can't say the beginning was necessary easy, but the trail only got steeper and more rugged the more we ascended. I foolishly kept thinking we must be getting close, only to find the rugged path continue endlessly into the thick fog. The fog, I realized later was probably a blessing. We kept our flashlight beam squarely on the ground ahead of our steps. The fog blanketed us -preventing from seeing our surroundings. Only later on the descent would we see the precarious nature of our path.
One step after another we went up, up some more, and up again. The higher we got the more breaks we needed. I found it more and more difficult to catch my breath. Our guide stayed with Mindy and asked a local climber to guide Tonya and I up. We finally reached a small flattened level with a small shelter where we could safely stand and relax. The rest was much needed and felt good. After a several minutes, Kutut and Mindy joined us at the level. After they had a break, we continued on. A bit further we came to another rest area. Here, Kutut shared that this is where most stop and the the views from here are nearly as good. He advised Mindy to stay, but said Tonya and I could go up further if we wished. I left the decision to Tonya secretly hoping she would opt to stay. Kutut shared that we had about 30 more minutes to the summit. Tonya decided that we would forge forward.
And, by forward, I really mean up, a very steep up. What I thought was hard before, I now was missing. This was no longer a walk, it was a climb. My breath shortened with each step. I had to pause and catch my breath about every minute. The lava rock became a combination of pebbles and sand, which made it even more difficult to find a firm footing. Kutut grabbed Tonya's hand and helped pull her upward slowly. I would take two steps and find my footing give in the pebbles and slide down. The only thing that really kept me going was knowing I couldn't stay where I was at. But slowly, very slowly, we continued.
Until at last we reached the summit - a flattened area of about 20 square feet again with a small hut. Kutut show us to a small opening in the lava, where steam escaped. We waved our hand in front of the opening feeling the natural volcanic heat grab our hands. Kutut placed some bananas and two eggs in the opening. In about 15 minutes, he pulled out 2 hard boiled eggs and cooked bananas.
The view was still thick with fog, so we really didn't see anything - at least not for about 20 minutes. But, then, miraculously, the fog and clouds parted very quickly, like a electronic curtain for a window, exposing the spectacular view all around us. We saw the villages and farms below us, the distance mountains as far as Lombok, and the bulges in the earth in three concentric circles unveiling evidence that we were standing in the middle of three craters from centuries ago.
We took an alternate route down, which was suppose to be easier. And, perhaps it was easier, but it was still a bit tricky finding firm footing. We arrived at the base a little after 10:00, proud of the journey we just completed.
What do you do after a climb up a mountain? You go to the the natural springs at the base. Our drivers drove us to the natural hot springs nearby, where we enjoyed soaking our bodies in the hot water (as warm as a hot tub) gazing at the mountainous view.
The day continued with a stop for lunch, visit to a coffee plantation, a long drive back, and dinner at the restaurant in our hotel.
It was a fabulous day, but I should sleep good tonight.

Our view from the summit. 

Tonya and I celebrating our successful hike to top of Mt Batur behind us in the picture.  

Tonya and Mindy relaxing in the Hot Springs after the trek.