Day 60 - Around Granada, Nicaragua

GRANADA CITY AREA (02/03/09)

Taking a boat trip on Lake Nicaragua we enjoyed views of the water and overlooking volcanoes. The one in the background here is called Mombacho volcano.

One of the islands in the lake was converted in the 1770s into a fort. The fort El Castillo was built to guard against British invasion.

Lake Nicaragua is so huge it is hard to tell it apart from the sea until you see the reeds growing around the edges.

One of the 365 different islands was populated by a troop of spider monkeys.

They are incredibly acrobatic.

Once again they were at least as interested in us as we were in them and came right to the end of the branches.

They really were amazingly close.

Next we went to visit a collection of volcanoes. In the foreground you can see piles of volcanic rock left over from the last big eruption around 200 years ago. Behind is a rapidly growing mound which is predicted to grow into the next big volcano. Due to the fact that the top is sealed the mounting pressure should guarantee a large explosion.

The huge crater of Masaya volcano. Whilst no lava is visible 15000 tonnes of smoke and gas are released per day.

The volcanic landscape was almost otherworldly.

Next to the crater rim there was the foul smell of sulphur and chlorine gas.

This is the bottom of the crater taken through a haze of smoke.

There were also spectacular views in other directions from the top of the volcano.

Very excited to be so close to an active volcano.

Even more excited, although disappointed there was not a big eruption whilst we were there.

The cloud of smoke was visible even from many miles away.

A view of the whole crater. The white coach in the bottom right hand side gives you an idea of the size.

Having lots of fun.

Next we visited Laguna Apoyo, a huge crater lake. It is difficult to appreciate the size but it stretched 6km from side to side.

Enjoying the view.

The city of Granada in the distance on the far bank of the lagoon. Even further beyond the city is Lake Nicaragua.

We finished off the day by visiting a local family run pottery factory.

We watched them make decorative clay pots from start to finish. Here cooling down in a traditional brick kiln.

This man is making a woven bamboo basket. It is a common sight to see local women carrying these huge baskets on their heads full of lots of different goods.