Kawah Ijen

A very early start (12:00 am) for our hike up Kawah Ijen. First get our health certificates and then travel the windy road to the start of the hike. Get our equipment (i.e. gas mask, headlamp & goggles ) and start when the trail opened at 2am. So many people. Unfortunately we have to wait for all 25 people in our group which slows us down drastically. Need to don gas mask before arriving at the crater rim. Descend into the crater with the masses. Steep hike down. Feels a bit like what I imagine Hillary steps were like. Even have private guides dragging their clients along. Make it to bottom and get a chance to view blue fire - caused when sulfuric gases come in contact with oxygen and burst into flames. Way too many people pushing for my comfort. Very cool though. Trek back up quickly but still miss sunrise. All around frustrating outing. Back to our hotel by 10 and sleep for awhile. Lay around before venturing out for seafood.Read more