Volcano Expedition

Ever since we got to the Caribbean, I wanted to visit a volcano. Our first chance, after having skipped Statia and not having enough time in St. Kitts, was Nevis.

The crew of Almost There, Skylark, and Taia, 11 in total, got together at the dinghy dock and armed with lots of water and snacks, took the bus that would leave us at the start of the hiking trail. Unfortunately, the trail is not that simple, and after 2.5 hours it got too difficult for the young tripulation and we were forced to go back. The hike was incredible and we had a great time, even though we didn't get to the top of the volcano.

I have to say I'm very proud of the kids. Even though they were tired and it wasn't always easy, they didn't complain and just kept going.

Exploring a cave.

Repelling to see a cascade.

Happy people!

Our next destination was Montserrat. We were all looking forward to visiting the volcano, but were quickly dissapointed when we found out it has been closed to the public since it erupted in 1995.

That being said, we were able to get close to Plymouth, the old capital city that is now covered in ashes, using the car our friends from Skylark had rented. It's a very desolate picture! The green of the vegetation is a drastic contrast to the ash-covered parts of the land. As you get close to it, you can smell the distinctive rotten egg smell of the sulphur that's still coming out of the volcano.

On our way to Plysmouth. At the far end of the picture, you can start seeing the ash-covered beach.

Looking at the ash.

Huge contrast!

Looking at Plymouth.

Close up of the old capital city. All the houses are abandoned.

After two days in Montserrat we sailed to Guadeloupe, the most developed island of the Caribbean. This time it was Almost There that had rented a car and together we went to hike the volcano. The trail up to the volcano is easy and well mantained, covered with a big variety of lush vegetation, including some algae that is approximately 500 million years old. About half way to the top, the day got grey as we started to walk through the clouds and the temperature dropped a bit. After 2 hours of walking up hill, we were at the top of the mountain (1467 m.) with an incredible view surrunding us. As the volcano is still active, you can clearly see the smoke coming out of it and smell the sulphuric air.

Starting the hike to the volcano

500 million year old algae. The orange color is from carotene.

Almost at the top, walking in between clouds.

We made it to the top!

The volcano and its sulphuric fumes.