Sunday, February 24, 2008

Dominica! Boiling Lake


Dominica boasts the largest boiling lake in the world. In their Morne Triton National Park, a very loooooong, arduous hike takes you through tropical rain forest, tropical elfin forest, rocky areas fondly named "the valley of desolation" (photo) and finally to the lake. It's a challenge and it's worth the effort.

For 8 hours we walked...the hike was about 95% stair stepping/climbing over rocks...17,000 stairs planted on the mountainsides by volunteers over the years...and that does not include the areas with no stairs. By stairs I mean sections of fallen logs placed in the ground to give grip especially during wet conditions.
We saw wild parrots, countless forms of plant life, sulfur springs, natural hot tubs, rock slides, and drank from crystal clear mountain streams. The lake is big and boils like a cauldron...we were met by a refreshing rain burst to reward our hard work getting there. It was truly an amazing journey.

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