Climb a Volcano

“Upon reaching the top, we could approach the rumbling, 315-meter wide crater as closely as we felt comfortable. I vaguely remember some warning to “watch for sudden explosions, a lava clump killed someone a couple years back…” but we were free to admire the crazy, mineral colors ringing the caldera. Gasping for air at altitude and choking on sulfur, it’s safe to say that there are few feelings that compare to staring straight into the center of the earth at one’s own risk.”

“It turns out that it’s incredibly difficult to climb a mountain/volcano when you can’t anticipate what’s up ahead. Slopes of ash are impossible to gain footing on and the lava rock grips your shoes in a really funny, almost velcro like way. (Have you ever used a pumice stone? Imagine a mountain made of it and then try telling me I’m making up excuses.)”