Cotopoxi 19,346 feet tall, the tallest active volcano in the world. Legend states that it erupts every one hundred years. The last time she erupted was 1890. About the 18,000 foot mark there is one of the most beautiful ice glaciers in the world, and that was my goal for that day. There was a Nazarene work-and-witness group of college students visiting the Ecuadorian mission at the same time, and they wanted to join James and I for the climb. Another missionary named Todd joined us as well. James and Todd have climbed this and other mountains in the area many times. There was a total of seven of us so we opted to take the old Chevy Suburban on the trip. Candy packed James and I a great lunch of sandwiches, and we threw them in the back of the suburban. After the two and half-hour drive we made it to the base of the mountain. Due to the mild slope of Cotopoxi we were able to drive up to around 15,000 feet. When we unloaded the truck I noticed how short my breath was and felt a little dizzy for a moment. This was my first experience at high altitude and I had no idea what I was in for, so I began to load up my camcorder and camera gear etc. James proceeded to give some valid advice and recommended me reconsider my load and bring only my small camera. Later that day I was very thankful for that advice. The mountain was very deceiving to me because the slope up to the orange roofed refuge seemed very mild, but I was mistaken. The soil was thick black sand of lava rock and every step up the hill, you slipped back two while filling your boots with painful rocks. Instantly one of the girls of our group requested to stay back at the truck and wait for our return this evening. I found it extremely hard to breathe and had to stop every ten to fifteen feet and rest to catch my breath. Every ten minutes I would look back and see the parked vehicles down below and snap a picture and then the clouds would roll in and the temperature would drop considerably blocking my view down the mountain. James was not having any problem with the altitude other than waiting for me to catch my breath. But patiently he would tell me that it would be ten times worth it once I was able to gaze upon the massive glacier. I was drained of all energy and freezing because we were totally enclosed in wet, cold clouds. I tried to concentrate on every step slowly climbing to the refuge building that seemed to be getting slightly closer. I gazed at my watch and was shocked - three hours since we left the truck, I was embarrassed to think that while I was at the truck and could see the orange refuge atop of the hill I thought it would b a minor fifteen minute hike. I always carried my journal and would add to it every chance I had, so I would never forget the experience and the true feelings at the time. Here is what I wrote while I was resting for a short break. 'It is VERY cold and I am definitely not used to the climate and elevation so the going is hard! I am not exaggerating in the least when I say that this is the most physically demanding thing I have ever done in my life! I can see the refuge probably a hundred yards straight up from here where I am sitting but it will probably take me at least an hour to get there. This is frustrating due to every two steps, I slide back one and every five, I stop to catch my breath. I would consider turning back but I would never forgive myself for not giving it my all to experience this beauty.' I know there are probably mountain climbers saying that I am making a bigger deal of this than I should and actually as I look back and read my journal I can hardly believe that it was so difficult. I must remind myself that this was my first time in an altitude higher than 7500 feet and I didn't have any clothes for the cold because this was a jungle trek not alpine. And, frankly, I underestimated mountain climbing. It taught me a great respect for the high peaks of the world. Since then I have climbed again. At last I reached the enclosed comfort of the refuge. This building is used in case of people being stranded on Cotopoxi, the bright orange roof being able to be seen in most weather from that side of the mountain. After a short rest James said we will actually begin walking across the mountain instead of a dead climb and we proceeded through the snow only having to climb another five hundred feet. As we proceed closer to the glacier I can't believe my eyes and ears! The beauty of this ice wall extending many hundreds of feet high is breathtaking and the loud explosion sounds of the ice cracking and breaking rattles the nerves. James and I get our picture taken against the massive glacier and then proceed in climbing it a ways. There are icicles hanging, some fifty feet long, and ice caves everywhere. Walking through these massive hanging icicles and caves gives me a feeling of being in another world, and I thank the Lord for allowing me to experience such a wonderful creation. As we walked along the glacier the ground is a slick ice cracking and moving at all times, and if you come to a complete stop it still gives the feeling of moving. After a couple hours of exploring, it began to cloud up and sleet. Due to my striving altitude headache we decided to head back down. Grabbing some lava rock for a souvenir we started across the mountain. I think the best way to describe this experience is comparing it to the first time seeing the Grand Canyon in Arizona.