Road to Antigua and climbing Volcan Pacaya, Saturday & Sunday 3rd - 4th October

Today was a half day drive from Lago Atitlan to Antigua. We had been given a choice of either a leisurely start and a scenic moutainous drive to reach Antigua in mid afternoon. The alternative was an earlier start and drive along the main road, a shorter drive to arrive midday in time to watch the rugby Engand v Australia at a sports bar two blocks from our hotel. It was put to the vote and there was an overwhelming majority for the shorter drive to watch the rugby.

We let our hotel and drove out of town.

We climbed the hill and through the next town passing colourful buses and narrow crowded streets.

We were soon back on the main road heading for Antigua and its unusual to see people travelling on the roofs of buses and getting in and out of the bak door as it is moving.

Thia was one of the very few moments over the last five months that I have seen people cycling for pleasure.

We reached Antigua and I had a few moments to see the main plaza before the match.

Australia won by a lead of over twenty points.

Antigua is the former capital and Guatemala has had several capitals which have moved between various locations until the last move to Guatemala City. Antigua was hit by two large earthquakes in 1719 and 1771 prompting the move to a safer location following extensive damage. Some of which can still be seen today.

It was unfortunately the time that we had to say goodbye to Kate who was returning to UK but we also said hello to Jim and Ginger from Denver USA and Lear and Yvette from Australia. My choice of felafiel and Kate second from the right.

The next day was a trip to Volcan Pacaya, to walk up the volcano and see the view. Fuego was the active volcan that we couldn't walk up and Volcan Agua was the nearest to Antigua but very steep and a difficuly climb hence we went up Oacaya.

 The cloud had already started to build thus the views weren't as great as they night have been.

 The most recent lave flow in 2014 that filled in a small crater to the right of the photo.

 The heat being given off was still high enough to cook marshmallows.