volcano boarding

before i left i created a list of things i hoped to do while on this trip. while i had lots of ideas of places to visit, things to see and foods-drinks to try i considered that list just a guide something to look back to periodically while the ¨to do list¨ was more serious. i am happy to say that i have checked off the final item on that list (there weren´t that many items really)...the final item, VOLCANO BOARDING!

it is a big attraction here in Nicaragua, specifically in Leon as it is only done on one volcano, Cerro Negro. it is the youngest and most active volcano in Nicaragua; the last erruption was in 1999 and apparently it erupts about every 8 years...yes it is overdue for an erruption. so what is volcano boarding? well i could make some random attempt at describing but basically it is sledding down a volcano on a small, narrow peice of wood with a metal piece nailed to the underside.

to go you must go with a group and Charlize and i decided on Quetzaltrekkers because they are a great organization that supports a local organization that helps children and young adults called, Las Tias AND on their trek you not only get to board down 2 times you also get to hike into one of the craters (see below).

much like any other new and rather extreme activity once you get to the edge and are minutes away from taking the proverbial leap there is the thought, ¨what the hell am i doing?!¨it is that moment that i find most thrilling as it is the moment your brain registers all the information and does all the computations and comes to the understanding that all the logical evidence points to this being an illogical idea that is clearly motivated by emotion. hahaha and as all that becomes clear...you are off! speeding down the side of an active volcano!!!

want a better explanation and some cool photos, check this out...
http://www.outpostmagazine.com/2010/03/16/thrillseeker-volcano-boarding-in-nicaragua/