A Mountain Top Experience

Literally. This past Saturday, I (Ed) had the opportunity to climb Mt. Ajusco. This mountain (said to be a long extinct volcano) is the highest peak surrounding Mexico City.

A few times a month our university offers Saturday excursions for its students. One friend from Japan recommended that Amy and I come along on this one. After inquiring with one of the trip leaders it was suggested that Caleb NOT attend because the walk may prove a bit too strenuous for him. So, I was on going on this one solo.

I thought that since this was a trip open to anyone on campus it would be a simple walk in the woods… I was about to learn otherwise.

When the day was done our group had ascended approximately 2,500 feet over a distance of three to five kilometers. (Those numbers didn’t impress me at first either, so to add a little perspective, think of climbing stairs, sometimes on all fours for over three hours.) Additionally, we survived an electrical ice storm at the summit (although more than a little daunting, it did provide us with an extra level of motivation that led to a quick descent)!

I hope that you guys enjoy the pictures below. These are rare and beautiful sites from this corner of the globe. It’s hard to believe that the booming metropolis of Mexico City is just 45 minutes downhill.

Here we are at the bottom of the hill with our fearless guide Jorge leading the way. Notice that everything is DRY in these early shots.

This unnamed peak on the top, right is one that we would actually surpass shortly before reaching our own summit.

Here’s a shot of the steepest portion of the climb. I found out quickly that it’s good to be at the rear of the pack in these situations. There are a few advantages to this position. Primarily you have a head’s up in seeing and hearing the rocks that are knocked down the hill from above. (If one of the other bodies doesn’t stop the stones’ progression, you’ll have more time than anyone else to dodge them.)

Additionally, if you’ve nearly drained your own water bottle, a large percentage of hikers will drop theirs on this part of the hill. All you have to do is scoop them up and drink before you start gain ground on your buddies.

We’re finally out of the woods and above the tree-line. This is really some of the most beautiful scenery that I have been around in a long time. I think that this grand landscape would give pause to even the most ardent skeptic of an intelligent designer.

After we had completed roughly 80% of the climb we crested a small rise and came face-to-face with our next obstacle. These malevolent beasts roamed freely on the mountainside and threatened to turn back even the heartiest of souls. The few hikers that we had passed making their descent we heard wailing sorrowfully at the misfortune of losing a member of their party to these behemoths. After a moment of uncertainty, we girded our collective loins and somehow found the strength to persevere.

The summit! One member of our crew had an altimeter which reported our elevation to be 12,795 feet. A great climb, a great day and a great chance to experience clean air, tranquil surroundings and good friends in a very different setting than I’m used to. This was one of those days that ended up being better than what was anticipated.