Road to Volcan Cerro Verde, Wednesday 7th October

This is not the sort of sight that you want to wake up to when you go for an early morning dip. A land crab that has fallen into the pool. It was rescued along with a duller coloured female and they scooted off to hide under a pot.

We left Los Cobanos en route for The Thre volcanoe National Park As we approached we had a photo opportunity and stopped for a photo but sometimes the best photos are from unusual positions including standing on Betsy's bonnet..

The view from the bonnet without power cables, trees and telegrph poles in the way.

At another mirador or look out the view was partially obscured by vegetation so pictures had to be taken at arms length of the water filled crater below.

Then it was arrival at our camp site and a great place it was with views to all three volcanoes.

Santa Ana at 1970m.

Cerro Verde, 2030m high above my tent with a cabana next door.

We were due to walk up Izalco 2381m and we assembled at 3pm to pick up a guide and two police guards (against bandits) and waited an hour....the guide was no where to be seen and there was no guard....only a single policeman to stop us going any further.

We rearranged a hike for 7am the next morning and had time to kill. There were few other walks to be had except back to the road and up towards Cerro Verde as far as the police check point. So we had time in camp to relax and ended up playing some games, including trying to throw a frisbee over the top of a wine bottle.

And we were treated to a great sunset before settling down after an almond chicken dinner and later around a campfire with Zoe plying the guitar and violin.