Izalco

Evan striking a pose as we ride up to Izalco in the back of a beat up pickup truck.  From San Salvador to the base of Izalco we had ridden on a normal bus but at the base we found that we had already missed the only bus to the mountain.  Walking up the hill, we quickly were able to hitch a lift with some workers headed up to pick up a load of coffee or other such product.

At a rest stop overlook of the lake.

We had to walk about two kilometers up another part of the road.  Evan struck a pose by an overlook of the lake as we tried to thumb another ride.

Luck was once again in our favor and soon we had a ride with another group headed up the mountain.

Santa Anna.  We would have climbed this mountain but it was still closed after having erupted a few years ago.  It killed a couple of tourists in the process.  No bueno.

Izalco, Lighthouse of the Pacific.

We trekked down the slopes of Santa Anna and across the lava field below Izalco.

Stopping for a rest break partway up the volcano.

This mountain was quite steep.

Aaron amongst the fumaroles.

The ground was steaming all around us.

I stuck my finger in a fumarole to keep the steam in the mountain.

Looking into the caldera of Izalco.

Santa Anna in the distance.

Volcano power!

Aaron in the mist.

It was a long way down to the lush farming areas below.

The three intrepid adventurers at the top of the volcano.

The metaphorical cork holding the lava in.

Starting our descent of Izalco.

The descent was mighty steep.

Evan running the scree.

Riding the Scree.

Climbing over the lava flow back to the flanks of Santa Anna.

Out descent path.

Climbing up through the jungle.

Riding on a bus back down to the main highway.

San Salvador

Looking out into San Salvador (and at the fast food restaurant signs) from the hostel roof.

On the roof of the hostel.

Aaron, the Peace Corps volunteer that we were working with.

In our hostel room.

I had short hair.

A cantaloupe.

Kay joins Evan on the roof.