2/17/2008 5:17:19 PM

Marietjie,
This is an active volcano in Indonesia. I hiked up to the rim and then down into the crater to get this shot. There was a lot of smoke - sulfur dioxide - and every time the wind changed and it blew in my face, my throat burned. It was like my saliva turned to acid! I tried to hold my breath for as long as possible until the wind shifted.
Jim

2/17/2008 5:28:17 PM

This is such a gorgeous combination of color tones, between sulfur deposits, the green water and deep blue sky. A special capture of this dangerous spot!

3/5/2008 7:02:24 AM

Thanks, Yves. I love this picture myself.
Jim

3/5/2008 8:05:03 AM

Wow, Jim! Did you ever work for this shot! But what a pay off. It is amazing. Wish I could hear about your trip.

3/5/2008 10:00:26 AM

Nancy,

Yes, I did work for this shot. It was a fascinating trip. The sulfur is mined, and laborers carry about 200 lbs on their back up to the top of the rim over a rocky trail (and they wear either thin rubber boots or thong sandals) and down the mountain, and they get $3 per trip. I speak Indonesian, and I asked one of the young men how many trips he can do in one day. He said if he feels strong, two.

Jim

3/5/2008 4:25:10 PM

Oh my gosh. Thanks for the glimpse into your experience!

3/6/2008 8:25:39 AM