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.

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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.

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

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

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Some more shots from around the island.

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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.

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