PaulPallazola
December 3, 1989 Cartago, Costa Rica
On my first visit to Costa Rica in 1989, I learned that the Irazu Volcano, one of the country’s two active volcanoes, had erupted in 1963 when President John F. Kennedy visited. I wondered what “Irazu” meant since the hotel I was staying in San Jose had the same name. I learned that it was a word the indigenous people used meaning “thunder”, which seemed to fit.
When I visited I was struck by the nearly smell of sulfur which I’m told is common in any active volcano. Irazu had erupted over 20 times in the past three centuries and carved a mountain with five craters. It was beautiful and frightful at the same tame. It was letting off steam but seemed pretty calm overall, not like the movie scenes of volcanoes that played in my head. I solemnly took it in, realizing I was a witness to a part of creation that was still unfolding.
I like the shape of volcanoes and loved living where I could see Mt. Rainier everyday for a few months, but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere near a volcano showing signs it might get active again. And I hate the smell of sulphur.
Because the sound of a thunderlike explosion then the name was given, right?
It’s always great to be a witness to a part of creation that was still unfolding!!!
Wow this was an interesting story and great photo.
We tend to think of geology as something that happened in the distant past, but in some places it is still a work in progress…
More places than we’d like to imagine…
Technically it is a WIP everywhere, but usually on such a long timeframe we don’t even notice. Then it speeds up and we notice…
Nice shot, even though it must have scared the hell out of you all! What an experience! Unusual story to re-tell about your travel journey!
I remember wondering if my shoes would melt before we reached the van. It was a magnificent, good for once in a lifetime, no encore please:)
It must have been an amazing and impressive sight!