The big volcano and the beach!

After an early morning play in the surf we have breakfast and then drive out to the base of Sierra Negro Volcano. This active volcano last erupted in 2005. In the blazing heat of the equatorial sun, we climb along a trail for about an hour before reaching a viewpoint at the edge of a 4 mile wide caldera, the opening at the top of the volcano (2nd largest in the world). Below is a vast sea of hardened black lava with steam emanating from the various cracks. Our hotel has packed us all hearty snacks so we hang out here for a while enjoying the view and recovering from the uphill climb. After an easier (and cooler as it clouds over) hike down again, we transfer to a local farm where we are served a wonderful lunch with all foods coming from the farm. I can't help wondering if the chickens free range grazing around the farm are looking for one of their lost buddies....Later in the day we try snorkeling again at a local site (off the shore) but the locals are feeling the intense heat as well and the area is packed with people. We end up back at Isabela lodge and Steve and I enjoy happy hour (Caiperinas!) while the kids get some well deserved kobo time.