Hello all, my name is 2/C Nick Paolini and I have the pleasure of writing the blog for Saturday 17 January 2025.
I woke up this morning earlier than I needed to and, after dozing in and out of consciousness and scrolling TikTok more than I’d like to admit, I finally swung out of bed, excited for what was ahead – hiking Volcán Acatenango. Acatenango is an over 13,000-foot-high dormant volcano that sits next to an active volcano, Volcán de Fuego.
Breakfast at Violetta’s came at 0700, and we had the usual spread that always hits right before a big day. Then it was back to the hostel for some mental prep and a chill rooftop session soundtracked by Zach Bryan’s new album. By 0800, the twelve of us piled onto the bus to the trailhead. The hour ride blended my folk-country playlist and the crew’s habit of blasting Linkin Park like it was a Friday night lights game.
When we arrived, Evan and I grabbed a quick coffee, freshly ground, smooth, and the kind that told you it was going to be a good hike. I’m writing this now after the climb, still buzzing from one of the wildest days I’ve had in Guatemala. The hike up Acatenango wasn’t easy. The air got thinner with every step, and at 12,500 feet, everything burned legs, lungs, and mind. Every time we stopped for air, we’d look up and see another steep stretch waiting. It was mental warfare, but it was worth every ounce of sweat.
When we finally reached the camp near the summit where we would be spending the night, the view was extraordinary beyond the power of words to express. Below us, the world looked still, Antigua silent, and clouds drifted beneath our feet. There’s something humbling about standing above the clouds, hearing nothing but the wind and your heartbeat. Then, without warning, Volcán de Fuego rumbled. At first it was just a low growl, followed by smoke but by dusk, it erupted. Lava lit up the sky, black ash launched upward, and we all just stood there – twelve cadets taking in a moment that didn’t feel real. Later, we enjoyed a meal prepared by our guides, sat around a fire pit, and shared some good laughs before getting into our tents for the night.
All for now, – Nick Paolini
