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| Walking along the rim |
On the southern island of Tanna sits one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes. From the anchorage at Port Resolution, Mount Yasur looms over the mountain just three miles away and spews clouds of ash into the sky. Frequently low rumbling can be heard that can be mistaken for thunder, yet no storm is visible. It’s the angry volcano gods reminding of its constant presence and potential power. It was a must to look this creature in the face.
After 40 minutes in the back of a pick-up truck on the bumpiest road in the world, we arrived at the park gate where it took two men five minutes to calculate fares for seven adults and one child. As Jackie outlined a fare chart to the driver, we read the visitor instructions and took the obligatory photos. Then up to the volcano we went. |
| Entrance to Mt Yasur Park |
It was just a five minute uphill walk in black volcanic rock and ash to the rim of the monster. We could hear its beckoning yet threatening call but could not see anything until we stood on its rim. There were two active vents at the base – maybe a short 500 foot ski run down – that constantly belched and spewed bright orange fire and lava from their throats. The wind blew the ash and sulphur smell directly into our faces so that it was very difficult to breath, and even see without eye protection. Shielding our faces, we proceeded along the rim to gain a better view and await the approaching darkness. Several times we jumped back and gasped at the sudden roar of the animal. The mountain seemed alive and we weren’t sure it was happy we were there.
Imagine the best fireworks you’ve seen that seem to go on forever. Well, this show does go on forever. Time after time, the lava shoots straight up into the air, sometimes higher than the rim. We were mesmerized for two hours, watching this constant scene with mild trepidation but mostly exhilaration. It was a fantastic sight!
