White Volcano

Last time I threw in some pictures of our White Volcano adventure. More pictures this time.

In the early 1900’s, there was a sulphur processing operation on White Island. Some 14 people lived and worked there to extract sulphur which was used for a variety of purposes – mostly medicinal. I can’t imagine living on the island for lots of reasons, but a big one is the unpredictability of the volcanic action. On an ill-fated day in 1914, 14 people died and the sulphur processing facility were destroyed by a lahar.

Here are some shots of the ruins.

There is very little living on the island as a result of the sulfurous gasses emanating from the central lake and caldera. There is, however, a thriving colony of birds on one of the upland slopes. All of the slopes exposed to the gasses, however, are barren.

A few pictures of Iron Lady sitting (albeit uncomfortably in my mind) just offshore.

And our trusty dink, Beer Can, waiting for our departure.

Some more shots from around the island.

We wanted to get to the caldera, but things got a bit too “active” so we retreated to Iron Lady. As we departed, there were a few large bursts of steam and gasses. Glad that we saw it from a distance.