Mt. Warning

I woke up at 3:10AM and had all the students meet at my place at 3:15AM to start the trek up the volcano. We wanted to make the sunrise (which is the very first sunrise in the country because its the eastern most part) so we had to be up there by 6:30AM. Everyone had only about 4 hours of sleep and was running on pure adrenaline. I was told the hike would take about 3 hours up and 3 down. The trek started with the long haul to the car park which is at the base of the Volcano. It was a 3.5km (2.2 miles) walk all uphill. Some of the hills were extremely steep--I would say from 15% incline to 45-50% incline. It was a challenge to walk just a gravel road with it being so steep, but in just under an hour a group of us had made it to the car park. At this time, my shirt was drenched and I was dripping from my forehead and it was before 4:30AM. We ended up dividing into a couple groups---and I went with the first group who were moving pretty fast. We stretched at the bottom and I had a small snack, then it was time to head up the 1,157 meter high Volcano. My calves were already burning but the fun had not yet started.The trek was 8.8km=5.5 miles up and down again. Most of the trail was rocks, mud, stairs, and water. We kept each other together and motivated the whole way up checking on the last person and guiding with our flashlights. Everyone needed a flashlight to themselves--it was very dark in the rain forest and without one it would have been impossible. I clenched mine in my hand the entire way---jumping from rock to rock, sloshing through mud and water, and climbing on rocks. The trek was very strenuous. There were a few railings at times but the mud, water, and rocks made the path very difficult to move on. Some of the paths had concrete and stairs--I have never seen so many stairs in my life and there was no stopping when they started coming. Up and up and up we went. Climbing rocks, crossing waterfalls, balancing on boulders---I just kept my head down, flashlight forward watching the person in front of me-telling myself I could do this and to keep going. After crossing a waterfall--we decided to take a break-almost an hour in---got some water, took a breather and stretched some more. Then we were off again---hiking up further---harder rocks to travel on, and the terrain was becoming more and more wet as we continued through this rain forest. I was completely drenched by this point----but continually consuming water-I brought up 2 water bottles and my camel-pack too! The only bad thing was there were not toilets from the base up. The very last one was at the bottom by the entrance from the car park-however I was sweating enough I never had to go luckily. The terrain kept getting more difficult and at one point I didn't know if everyone could make it--but our group was determined and very supportive! We can do it--we cheered!! We stopped once more before hitting the hardest part---the end involved pulling ourselves up on all rocks with chains. This was the craziest part---climbing these huge, sharp, slippery rocks for the next 15 minutes all uphill! I could not believe how strenuous this was and then remembered I was climbing a volcano. This part was very hard holding a flashlight but we all struggled through and made it. It took us one hour and 20 minutes from the base of the Volcano up (2-3 hours is typical)--we were cruising and felt it once we got to the top---everyone was drenched but we made it. We took tons of pics when the day broke and sun rose. Wow what a spectacular view---We had struggled so much but we made it! Finally made it to the top and had a few minutes to spare for the first sunrise ever! That was one of the physically straining things I have ever done---wow was I sore and my calves killed. We all had some snack to refuel and drank lots of water. It got a little chilly up at the top because we were all dripping with sweat, but soon the sun pierced through the clouds. The view from the top was incredible. I was higher than some clouds and could see towns over miles. Looking out I could see other National Parks, volcanoes, mountains, such indescribable nature. There were a few different platforms which I walked around and got a look for every angle possible. The brilliant sun came out over the clouds and radiated at all of us! What an achievement and it was only 6:30AM!!
Now that we got up, we had to get down too. The trek down was twice as long and very scary--going down the chain on the rocks was nerve-racking---where do I put my foot and not slip, twist my ankle, or fall. I decided I would take my time, take pictures, and enjoy the nature/wildlife around me. The trek down felt like it took a whole day and it all looked so different than when we went up. The beautiful rain forest had come to life, I got to see 2 small lizards, one huge lizard, a black snake, and a pademelon (like a wallaby). We found some gigantic trees and also several spider webs. There was even a 2 Turkeys along our trek. It was very tricky coming down and I slipped a lot but we made it down by 10:00. The first thing we did when we got to the car park was go to those toilets. Boy did that feel good. That wasn't the end though, we had the entire downhill walk from the car park to the cabin. This was also very challenging because our legs were shaking already and had very little control of the acceleration forward. I took my time again and made it back by 10:30 to the cabins. A total of 15.8km=9.8 miles. What an accomplishment and done so early in the morning. It felt great to meet up with the rest of the crew and finally stretch and sit down. The bus picked us up at 11:30AM and we were on our way back home. Everyone got on the bus and crashed---the bus was silent within 5 minutes of driving. I was exhausted. It felt great to be on the ground again and be sitting. After we got home, a shower was desperately needed and a little energy was also needed.
My legs were rubber and I knew the rest of the day would be relaxing and homework. What a marvelous way to start the day--I am so proud to have made it up!!