Closer And Closer These Fearful Masses
Approach, And Scarcely Permit A Passage Through A Narrow Cleft; We
Had To Climb Over Blocks And Hills Of Lava, Where It Is Difficult To
Find A Firm Resting-Place For The Foot.
The lava rolled beside and
behind us, and we had to proceed carefully not to fall or be hit by
the rolling lava.
But most dangerous were the chasms filled with
snow over which we had to pass; the snow had been softened by the
warmth of the season, so that we sank into it nearly every step, or,
what was worse, slipped back more than we had advanced. I scarcely
think there can be another mountain whose ascent offers so many
difficulties.
After a labour of about three hours and a half we neared the summit
of the mountain, where we were obliged to leave our horses. I
should, indeed, have preferred to do so long before, as I was
apprehensive of the poor animals falling as they climbed over these
precipices - one might almost call them rolling mountains - but my
guide would not permit it. Sometimes we came to spots where they
were useful, and then he maintained that I must ride as far as
possible to reserve my strength for the remaining difficulties. And
he was right; I scarcely believe I should have been able to go
through it on foot, for when I thought we were near the top, hills
of lava again rose between us, and we seemed farther from our
journey's end than before.
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