When I get this advice, I am not sure to laugh or worry: “If you see an eruption, run the other way.”

When I start in the early morning shade …

… it is cold …

… and beautiful.

The track starts to rise, …

… the vegetation thins.

I pass a lake …

… when the sun climbs over the ridge, …

… lighting things up.

The terrain becomes more rugged …

… and the path follows a small stream …

… into the rocks, …

… up to the plateau.

The track crosses the snow …

… to the next ridge …

… and a great view.

Earth exhales.

Behind the ridge …

… lies a descent through sulphuric fumes …

… down a slippery slope …

… to emerald lakes.

At the end of the slope …

… I rest.

I look back …

… before I continue …

… through the danger zone …

… to the other side.