Suh GG Friends and Family! This is Kush and Kenny, aka the Swag Daddies, and we were the leaders for this day’s fun day: Volcano Boarding!
Our day started early, with everyone waking up at 5:30 AM, and then we ate pancakes and eggs at the usual comedor. After we finished eating, we went back to the hostel and got picked up by Quetzaltrekkers in two trucks to go volcano boarding at the Cerro Negro Volcano. The ride was about an hour long and it was a shaky ride, but everyone was asleep anyways so it was all good. We arrived at the Ranger Station at 9:00 AM, and from there, we got to the base of the volcano and began our forty five minute hike up the sandy volcano with our boards and jumpsuits in our bags. It was a challenging experience, but everyone managed to push through the steep path. Everyone was encouraging and helping each other, despite the windy conditions.
Once we got to the top, we took lots of pictures and enjoyed the scenery. The only thorn was waiting to slide down the side of the volcano since we were all so eager to get down. There were a few falls, but everyone was safe and had a great time. Some people (us two) went over a ditch and flew into the sky. After everyone slid down, we went back to the ranger station, where we made our very own special burritos with beans out of a bag, chips, and salsa, which were accompanied with OJ. We then took the same trucks back to the hostel and showered. There were volcanic rocks in everyone’s hair and it took multiple washes to get them out. Later, we had some free time where we played card games and socialized while eating snacks. After that, we went to the comedor to eat a traditional Nicaraguan tamale which tasted interesting. Lastly, we went to the Ruben Dario Cultural Festival at the Central Plaza, where we watched performances and a light show.
What surprised us the most today was that no one chickened out of going down the volcano without any complications. What we are most proud of today is that everyone showed compassion for any students who had a hard time climbing up the mountain. There were several students who offered other students help, such as giving them water, holding their boards, taking breaks with them, etc. The most inspiring people we met today were our tour guides Jacob and Hallie. They do all this work for free because they know that by their work, they can help several kids in Nicaragua. Their passion for helping these kids takes away their desire for money and allows them to volunteer for a good cause. Being El Lider Del Dia was actually tiring but a rewarding experience. We constantly had to stop to make sure everyone was drinking their water and also had to make sure no one was overworking themselves or getting hurt.
But in the end, we learned that the whole group had it in us to become a whole family and work together to achieve one goal.
[Editor’s Note: Check out the tiny, tiny dots on the slope mountain–those are people!]
Wow, that is amazing. Volcano boarding??? I’m sure you all will remember that forever. Sounds like that was a lot of fun.
We miss you Special but are so happy that you are experiencing this.
Glad to see a group photo with so many smiles.
Love you.
Mom.
Thank you for the group shot! I know I was being annoying about it but we parents miss you on this end too!
Sophia-
That looks tiring and I hope you weren’t too exhausted. Was it fun?
I know you’ll be busy now with the project since you only have this week to finish.
Did you eat your nacatamal too?
Love mom
Cats miss you, I had door closed yesterday but when I opened it later they all rushed in!
Tio keeps asking if you are ok.
So glad everyone had a fun, safe day volcano boarding. From the comments and pics, it looks like the group has bonded quite well.
Kali, I’m sorry I did not get a chance to talk with you in person, but daddy told me all about what you said. I’m back in Hawaii through today to take care of grandma who is recovering well. They all send their love to you. Can’t wait to see you late Saturday evening. I love you. Hi to Hillary and Ada, too.
Love, Papa
Hi Kush,
Enjoyed yours and your co-leader Kenny’s blog about your visit to the volcano and can’t wait to see some more pictures. So proud of you and your team! Volcano boarding looks like lot of fun and I am sure you all enjoyed it! It is wonderful to see how you are learning valuable lessons from everyday’s experiences there. See you soon!
Lot of love,
Dad
Aditi
I was wondering what Volcano boarding was, now I know…wow what an amazing experience.
Looks like the whole group had lot of fun.
Amol Mama came back to stay with us Sunday ,he is going back to India on Friday. Shamita and Ravi too visited sunday evening and stayed back for dinner. I had made chicken curry. We were all missing you. Babai facetimes with Dipti and ask about you all the time if you are oaky.
See you soon, Take care.
Love you
Mommy
Hi Natalie, you guys look like you are having fun. All thumbs up must mean you didn’t get hurt coming down the volcano. Nathan has his first day at lifeguard camp. Fortunately he knows some kids there already. Hope you’re staying healthy. We miss you!
Mommy,Daddy, Nathan and Olive
Looks like so much fun! Glad to hear you all supported each other to make it to the top. What an incredible view and accomplishment!
Poppa Wells
Now you’ll be ready for snowboarding… call me when you get time. Be safe and have fun..
Whoa, volcano boarding! We’ve never heard of that–looks like it was a fun experience and a great way for the team to bond. Great post and photos, Kush and Kenny.
Hi Maya–can’t believe this is the last week and you will be back soon. In some ways the time went slowly for us but I’m sure the days flew by for you with all the activities. Take good care of yourself for these last few days and see you soon!
Sofía, me da mucho gusto ver tus fotos saber que has disfrutado tu estancia en nuestro país. A tu mama le gusto mucho. Espero que tambien vos te vayas con una buena impresión y quieras regresar, para que compartamos y conozcas otra parte de Nicaragua, te mostrare lo bello que es Chontales, prometo no ofrecer mucho gallopinto!!!!
Muchos abrazos para vos de mi parte y de mi hija Izel.
Cuidate!!
Besos
Josefa
Hi Sean!
Glad they were able to post pictures of the volcano boarding. Looks fun. We’ve enjoyed reading about your trip.
Sean, thank you for sending us the email on Friday. It was fun to share it with everyone at the ranch over the weekend. We missed having you with us and look forward to seeing you this weekend. Enjoy your final days.
Love,
Mom, Dad, B & Hawke
Hello Global glimpse, What an amazing day. Looks like a lot of fun. I’m glad to see that everyone took precautions, protected your clothes and your faces. Michael ,I loved the photo’s of you and the group. The forecast calls for rain for the next 3 days. So be prepared. Use your rain jacket. If you still have money buy some rain boots. Love Mom
I loved reading the post! volcano boarding sounds super duper awesome!! 🙂 i just hope flying in the sky wasn’t as scary as it sounded when I read it :p. Im glad that the trip is going great for you Kenny, and I hope the rest of it is as amazing as you!!
Best wishes,
Parry