Boiling Lake: Inside a Volcano

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Yesterday, I conquered the most difficult and demanding hike on the island, Boiling Lake. In fact, this was my first hike on the island!! Eleven of us grouped together in early morning, all reaching for the same goal/sense of accomplishment.


Boiling Lake is situated in the Morne Trois National Park. The hike to Boiling Lake takes approximately 6 hours to complete. It is 8 miles of extreme terrain; passing through sulfur springs, overs mountains, and through gorges along the way. 

The first part of the trial brings us from Titou Groge to Breakfast River.  This portion of the hike was a gradual incline for almost an hour, ending at the beautiful clear water of Breakfast River. The river is pure water (one could drink the water with no filtration) and several individuals topped off their water bottles here.

View upstream of Breakfast River

Meche and I taking a break

From Breakfast River to the top of the Valley of Desolation is about another hour hike. However, the incline is very steep! From the river bottom, we climbed up to 2,500ft, and then continued onward to another mountain (3,168 ft). At this point, the wind was so strong it could knock you over! But the cool wind felt wonderful against our backs! And although it was cloudy, the breaks allowed us to see the beauty below.

Almost to the top 







From the top of the mountain, the trail descends steeply into The Valley of Desolation. Here we were warned to stay on the trail, for area is active and there are some parts that would engulf a leg in minutes. Although, with a guide we were safe...also in the valley, the ladies (and guides) decided to get mud (sulfur) facials!

View as we hiked down to the Vally of Desolation


Jenn x2 and I with our mud facials


Crossing the sulfur spring

At the bottom on the valley, we crossed and re-crossed a winding hot stream.  The next stop was Boiling Lake, which was just one “quick” climb away. Boiling Lake is at 2,640ft and it only one of two boiling lakes in the world (the other is located in New Zealand). The lake itself is appears to be like a cauldron of bubbling grayish-blue water. Cloud vapor surrounded the lake, however, it was cleared every now and then by a swift wind.
Up and Down, heading into Boiling Lake

“The Boiling Lake is actually a flooded fumarole, a crack thought which gases escape from the molten lava below. It is 200 ft across and the present depth is unknown. The sides of the lake are a mixture of clay, pumice, and small stones. The water seeps through the porous bottom to the hot lava below where it is trapped and heated to boiling point.”  (dominica.dm)

Boiling Lake 11-11-2013


It was a beautiful hike, and the pictures do not do justice. The vibrant colors of green were spectacular. This is definitely a hike that Josh will need to do! 
    

Check FB for more pictures :)  

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