23. Volcano

Today we (most of the students at the academy, and the horse team) walked to the volcano, the highest peak in St. Vincent. It is called La Soufrière, and the highest point is at 1234 metres elevation. We can see the peak from the academy, but we left at 5.30 AM to drive to the other side of the island (and mountain). The drive took 3 hours, around the island to Georgetown, which is almost directly opposite to where we came from. We drove the long way around (via Kingstown) because that way, the roads are better. Of course, it ended up being me who told the driver to stop because I was carsick. So I ended up starting the trail on an empty stomach. There are very winding roads here, and we were sitting in a van without seat belts, really packed together (but not wanting to squish the other people).

When we arrived at the trail and started walking, the time was 8.45. I ended up almost at the back, with a group of 4 people (me included) who kept a very slow, but steady pace. I liked it very much, although it was hot, and I was sweating so that my T-shirt was wet through. The nature was beautiful, and I was not feeling sick at all. It was a bit heavy, especially when there were steps to climb that were taller than up to my knees. We took enough good breaks. When we came to above the tree line, the trail became much steeper. I took my time, and arrived at the rim at approximately 12.30 PM, having spent nearly 4 hours on the walk up.

The crater of the volcano.
The hot spot is the white area with the steam,
 and behind the hill in the middle, you can see the lake.

We took a good break at the top, then walked around the rim to where there was a place to go down into the crater. Seven people went down into the crater to go to the 'hot spot' of the volcano. This volcano is active, and the last time it erupted was in 1979. The name 'Soufrière' is French for sulfur outlet, and that was exactly what it was. We could smell the sulfur in the air when we were walking the rim.

After a good break, we headed down on the other side, towards Richmond Vale Academy, or, as I refer to it now: home. I took it really slow, as I have a history of knee problems. My knees started protesting early on, so I had to press on through pain to get home, down from the volcano. I finally made it home at about 5.30 PM (after wading through two rivers and walking a deep dried-up gorge a river had made), and I could hardly stand. My knees were aching and protesting even when I was sitting down.

I took some painkillers, and then it was time for dinner, which was pizza! Lovely, home made pizza! When I finished eating, I could hardly keep my eyes open, but I had to share this experience with you (and I can't fail at BEDA when I have come this far).

Even though there was a lot of pain involved in the end, I enjoyed the hike very much. I suspect I will feel it in my muscles tomorrow and on Monday, but it was a very nice day. The nature (jungle) and the view was fascinating and breath-taking (when I had any to spare, that is). A big thank you goes out to the people who kept an even, slow tempo that I could follow, and who walked with me when I was really slow.

Books read: 18
Pages read: 4816