DocD is having a rainy day.
In the Banda Islands in the Mulukus of eastern Indonesia, I climbed to the to of Gunung Api, a live volcano just a short swim (I took an outrigger) from the main island of Bandanera. I started my assent a bit late (9 AM instead of the recommended 6 AM). Hours later, after a rigorous climb, I reached the top. There was smoke venting from the caldera, the ground was hot to walk on. I was tired, so sat on a big rock, but my butt got very hot, so was forced to stand and keep walking. The view from the top was magnificent. I could see clearly, the closer islands of Bandanera and Lontar with it nutmeg plantations. I could even make out the 2 farthest islands of Run and Ai. For a climb like this, I suggest plenty of water, good thick soled boots, and a hat.
