Volcán Villarica
Last Tuesday, 3rd of March 2015 at 3.00am local time, Volcano Villarica in Chile's Nothern Patagonia region erupted for the first time since 1985. Pachamama (the indigenous term for Mother Nature) strikes again...
Over 3.000 people in the surrounding area were evacuated, although thankfully nobody was hurt or injured; and a 5km radius remains out of bounds. It has however been confirmed that the seismic activity has calmed down and there is no further danger.
The Villarrica Volcano's eruption is significant to me, not only because I have always been fascinated by volcanoes, but also because I had the unforgettable experience of hiking to its crater almost two years ago.
It was a challenge that surpassed any previous physical endeavor as well as putting my ability to overcome sheer heart-pounding fear to the test. Not fear that the volcano might erupt whilst I was on it might I add, but that I would slip and somehow slide down the 2800 metre drop!
On the edge of Volcano Villarrica's crater with Sienna's daddy, Cristián and my mother, Elaine.
Although I didn't know it at the time, I was actually just pregnant with my baby daughter Sienna. I went on to have a 100% natural birth just over 8 months later which for me actually exceeds my physical and fear-facing achievements in Villarrica.
And now, as Pachamama has surfaced in the form of glowing red lava in the dead of last Tuesday night, I feel in awe of nature's omnipotence and the superior energy that lies beneath Earth's surface. I felt on top of the world that day at Villarrica's summit (it was the first time I had been above cloud-level with my feet still touching the ground), and it is truly exhilarating to have had such a genuine connection with nature. I have gained raw strength from these experiences, and just like Mother Nature I will not stop here...
Image by La Tercera
Image by La Tercera