La Campana

Wow- this past week or two have been even busier. I just returned from a trip to Santiago. However, before I update you on that, I would like to blog a little over a camping experience I went on with some Chilean friends.
There were 7 of us total, and let me tell you, this sort of camping was much different than the camping I do with my family. There was no camper and no car. We backpacked in food, sleeping bags, clothes, drinks, and tents.
We basically climbed a mountain. They call it a hill, but I suggest we change that name. It is 1880m high. The Lonely Planet travel book says, "The abruptly steep trail to the summit climbs 1455m in only 7km - an average gradient of nearly 21%." It is about half way between Santiago and Valparaiso.
Okay, we stayed overnight one night before climbing and descending. Our camp spot was really remote. It was a campground, but from our campsite, it was hard to even find our way to the bathrooms and back, as we were surrounded in woods. After eating, singing around the campfire, and playing cards, we layed under the stars. This was a unique experience for the Chileans, because they usually can't see the stars like we could that night. I think this is due to the smog and light pollution in the big city. However, as I said, we were so remote, that the stars glowed. :) While we were laying there on the ground, we heard an animal running at us. One of the guys in our group yelled out, "Horse". It was dark, and we all jumped up in a hurry. It ended up being a cow. Two more followed it. They were still quite a ways away from us, but when lying in silence on the ground looking up at the stars, any animal moving quickly at you sounds scary. I do not know why these cows were out and about, but it made for an interesting story. The sky was also interesting because some of the stars we saw cannot be seen in the U.S. and vice versa. For example, I do not think we can see the Big Dipper here.
Anyway, the next morning, we got a late start (Chilean time is very different) on the day. Then, the hike up took us about 5 hours and the hike down about 3 hours. I can honestly say that I did not know if I was going to make it up. It was SO intense! It was hard work and it was hot out. But we made it to the top, and there was a book chained to a huge rock, where those who had successfully climbed all the way to the top could sign their name. The last 2 hours of the climb up were so tough. There were rocks all over, and at times I was climbing on all four.
The view was spectacular! To me, it was like mountains. However, I am confused on the difference between the terms mountains and hills. We climbed so high that we could see where the clouds ended. It was incredible! Actually, where the clouds ended was probably only half the way up or so. There were 2 water spots on the way up. As for bathrooms, there was nature all over.- hehe
On the way down, our group really had to book it. However, due to the climbing conditions, we had to be rather careful. On the second half of the way down, I was walking second, following a male from our group, who was our current leader. On two different occasions, a huge spider crossed the trail. I had never seen a spider like that. It looked like a tarantula. I screamed. :) The third time something like this happened, the guy in front told me to quick pass. I asked if it was another spider. He said he heard a noise and listed some of the things it could be. I was thankful to walk quickly past that spot. We laughed. With the exception of a couple large blisters on my foot, I made it back safely with my group. The views were gorgeous. It was a rather cheap excursion for me and was definitely worth the hard work.
God's creation is gorgeous, and it was great to see it. I was also fortunate that some new Chilean friends invited me to go with.