So yesterday was interesting to say the least. Originally we were all supposed to take a tour of some mangroves and later spend the night on the beach, but because of the recent earthquake just off the coast, there was a tsunami warning and we were forced to change our plans. At breakfast we were still trying to figure out what we were going to do when Oli and Aaron came in. They had worked really hard and actually arranged for us to climb up and ride down Cerro Negro, one of the many active volcanoes in Nicaragua.
We all were super excited and quickly ate breakfast and were on our way. After a really long bus ride to the volcano, we got out, grabbed our sand boards and started our hike. The hike was quite challenging. Everyone was really supportive of each other, and eventually we all made it to the top. The views were amazing, and the ride down was worth the hike up.
Being El Lider Del Dia yesterday was definitely a challenge. I had been preparing the night before for a beach day and ended up doing something completely opposite. I had to be flexible and willing to change at a moments notice.
The theme for the day was protecting the environment and the challenges of doing so. Cerro Negro is located on a nature reserve, so it was the perfect location. At the nightly meeting we discussed the pros and cons of eco-tourism and came to the conclusion that, while eco-tourism is effective at raising awareness and funds for the conservation of the environment, too much of it can in itself harm the environment. For example, if too many people go sand boarding down Cerro Negro, there could be an increase in litter around the volcano or erosion. It was really an eye-opening experience, and I’m sure we will all be more aware of how we try to protect the environment.
So glad to hear that there was no significant damage or injuries as a result of the earthquake. The volcano adventure sounds amazing and I love the picuture of you “falling in”! Great job leading the day & being flexible & open to a changing schedule. Keep up the great work, we love you Sis!
Mom, Dad & Jo
Xoxo
WOW! Although the plans changed I am sure your long trek up the volcano was WELL WORTH those VIEWS! Amazing, breathtaking views that you may never see anywhere else! I Know the earthquake must have shaken you all up, and make you realize how fragile the situation could be for you all. We were here just praying that nothing bad happened to you all! The pictures you got are great! WOW, what a wonderful photo-opportunity it was up there at the top! We brought D to camp yesterday, he was excited to meet new people on his new adventure, it was a beautiful setting in the middle of HUGE redwood trees. Cute little cabins lined the hillside. We were greeted with large chocolate chip cookies 🙂 My fav!
Well Missing you and cant wait to hear more 🙂
Love MOM
xoxox
Hi Malia and the group, its so neat to read and so very special to see the pictures. It looks so amazing and the hike must have been a long one. I am very sorry to hear about the earthquake. We were all at home worried and looking online to make sure you would be safe. It was super scary to hear that news. Thank heavens all is well. Thinking about you and so happy that all of you get to be part of such a life altering experience. Malia, I wanted to give you the update on little Sophia…she is grabbing things and touching them. It’s wild how much she is growing. We all love and miss you. Love Auntie
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Hi Malia and the group, its so neat to read and so very special to see the pictures. It looks so amazing and the hike must have been a long one. I am very sorry to hear about the earthquake. We were all at home worried and looking online to make sure you would be safe. It was super scary to hear that news. Thank heavens all is well. Thinking about you and so happy that all of you get to be part of such a life altering experience. Malia, I wanted to give you the update on little Sophia…she is grabbing things and touching them. It’s wild how much she is growing. We all love and miss you. Love Auntie
What an exciting blog! Sand boarding? Sounds fun, I’m looking forward to Shelby telling me all about it. The hike sounded amazing, the view was a great payoff after such a long challenging hike up I bet.
Keep blogging and enjoying every minute of your adventure in Nicaragua!
Monique, Peter, Jake, Ethan, and Bradley Buchmann
Wow, this sounds amazing! So exciting that you get to do something like this, truly once in a lifetime. I can’t wait to hear all the details and see some great pictures from the trip. I miss you tons, Shelby, and I’m SO excited and anxiously waiting for you to come home! Enjoy the rest of your trip sis!
Love, Nae
How many people can say they climbed a volcanoe and rode down! Great way to recover from a 6.5 earthquake. Hope you can get to that beach another time. A big thanks to the leaders for arranging this at the last minute. This truly is an exciting trip.
Dory