YA LEUM.31 — A(bad) downfall during a volcano hike
I have never visited a volcano before. We heard the city of Berastagi is the town midway to very popular volcanos, Sinabung and Sibayak; also the route to take to Lake Toba — the largest volcanic lake in the world.
Mt. Sibayak is a volcano that can be seen from Berastagi, although its last eruption was more than a century ago, there are lot of geothermal activity, steam vents and hot springs.
In the day after, we woke up early to visit Mt. Sibayak because there was still a hike to do before arriving to the volcano. We hired a guide because someone told us it would be needed…
The first part of the hike was not the most difficult, although steep, it was still in asphalt. However, after that, we had to climb a steep rocky ground. The closer we got, the better we could listen to the steam vents roaring. In the air, there were big clouds of steam and the sulphur smell was everywhere. Some people describe the smell as rotten eggs.
It was possible to be close to the steam vents to look and hear the sound. It was even possible to touch the sulphur, although it was extremely hot. The sound was just the most impressive thing, like a helicopter or a strong engine.
On top, there was a nice view over the cratera, the volcano and hills. Fortunately, there were barely people. So, the experience became magical.
Our guide was always friendly and willing to take us pictures. On the way back, we expected to return quick since the way down is always easier. The way back was slippery, since it had been raining softly for a couple of hours. There was sulphur, mixed with the water in the rocks, so the way back was not as easy as we thought.
Still, we had to be back by 2pm so we speed up the pace. That did not last too long, because I slipped and fell on top of my knee. So, my leg folded back and I had a momentary sharp pain that would not allow me to straight the leg. After that, I had so much pain I could not stand.
Our guide was five stars, because she immediately stretched my leg to leave it in the right position.
I had to walk with the help of Mathieu, however I was walking so slow, we would never make it on time to still go to other town.
First, we needed to arrive to the local bus, but that would just take ages. There was no one around because the hike was mostly in nature. At some point, just an old man that passed by us in his motorbike and our guide begged him to take me to the local bus. In the beginning, he was not too sure…but he finally accepted.
I arrived at the local bus quick, but Mathieu and our guide had still to do the hike themselves. We were running behind schedule, so Mathieu and the guide had to run all the way.
They arrived exhausted, but Mathieu told me he made jokes all the way and she always laughed and talked a lot.
We made it to Berastagi just in time!
We had booked a car to take us to Lake Toba and when we arrived, they were just about to leave. Everyone was in the car ready to go, waiting for us. We jumped quickly, still recovering from the previous trip back from the volcano.
When I finally had a more comfortable seat, the knee pain smashed me!
Four hours in the car, tight, full with luggage and me, trying to find a position that helps me alleviate the pain in my knee.
Let us formalize it. I suffered so much from the pain! Finally, I asked someone in the car If they had painkillers, and that alleviated slightly.
We arrived in Lake Toba already in the evening.
74,000 years ago, a gigantic volcanic eruption opened the largest cratera on Earth — Lake Toba. The lake surrounds Samosir Island.
A small island, in low season, with a moderate feeling of tourism.
Upon arrival, Mathieu looked up for some accommodations, but we were not convinced. It was dark, the places were expensive and empty. It felt odd. We always had the tent, but not ideal for my situation, however I still prefer to stay in my tent rather than in a place I do not like.
Someone indicated us a nice guesthouse close by, so we decided to check. When we arrived, there were only some young people who could not speak English. They could not tell us whether there were rooms available, so we asked to set up our tent in the garden and we would ask tomorrow.
We had dinner in the only open place, it felt we were in a ghost town, outside it rained lightly.
We returned shortly to rest and prepare a comfy place for my knee. Outside, the rain was still falling… And I finally could sleep.
We woke up with a clear sky and a bright sun, but also with someone knocking on the tent.
When I unlocked the zip, I had the best view over the island and the lake.
On top of us, a cheerful and young lady looks inside the tent and said “Are you guys ok there? Join me for a coffee…”
October 2017,
Patricia Assis
