Poas Volcano- Is it Alive?
October 1st, 2008 by jose
After being carried in Mrs. Pickering’s backpack, we finally approached respectfully the largest volcanic crater on earth. We were told it was a grand honor if the volcano would grant us permission to see its glory.
The Poas Volcano is 3km in diameter. The sulfur lagoon is turquoise in color and is the most spectacular site with its gas columns spewing. The lagoons average water temperature is 40 degrees celcius.
As always Miguel Angel had a story for us. The story is not a legend, but is something he has witnessed himself. Thousands of visitors come to see the crater on a weekly basis. When too many make too much noise clouds roll in and hide the entire crater. Many visitors will have to leave without ever seeing the mighty Poas. If Poas is pleased and visitors respect its majestic presence it will reward them with incredible views. Is the volcano alive?
We also heard about a legend that talks about a dragon that lives inside the lagoon. As Miguel Angel mentioned a dragon my ears perked up, and I immediately thought the dragon might be Pachamama or guard the crystal skull or be Pachamama itself. I edged closer to the crater and asked with great reverence, “Oh mighty Poas might you know where I could find the crystal skull?” When no answer came and no clouds started rolling in, I shyly added the question, “Donde esta Pachamama?” I continued waiting for Poas to cover itself in clouds as a sign of my disrespect. Suddenly I heard a faint whisper go to my friend Arenal. He might be able to help you find the crystal skull, which will reveal who and where Pachamama is.
9 Responses to “Poas Volcano- Is it Alive?”
Mrs. Menger’s class wants to know was it really 104 degrees F or did we calculate incorrectly?
Dear Jose,
We were so excited to find out you got to walk all the way to the tip top! You must be soooooo tired. LOve, Mrs. Balek’s Class
How cool our those volcanoes. Leah said they look like a big swimming pool. The students told her she would probably not want to swim in it. We are having a fantastic time traveling with you. We are keeping up with our own traveling journal and taking notes. We have collected some really neat stuff. Josh thought it was really cool you could see two bodies of water (Pacific and Atlantic Oceans) we’ve learned about this year from the same point. You can’t do that in Jacksonville.
Information from 6th Grade Science Class regarding the Poas Crater/Volacano:
Mr. Halloran’s Class:
“Could you get any closer to it?”
“The Poas Crater is about 1 mile wide.”
“Why is the water so crystal blue and clear?”
“Geysers erupt regularly in the crater.”
“Did is smell bad around the Poaz?”
“There are 2 sulfur lakes in the area…”
“When was the last time it erupted?”
I’ve been to the bottom of Mt. St. Helens and have witnessed the awe of God’s might in creation contained in a volcano. You were so brave to continue your trek upward. Could you smell the sulfur? Did you see the skull? Were you able to catch a glimpse of the dragon?
This is amazing and utterly beautiful. The kids have been reading your blogs in math, social studies and science. They are all amazed at what you are seeing. The weather looks absolutely incredible. Wish we were there with you.
Did you see the top of the clouds? They seem so high in the sky. That was incredible! The crater looks so small,however, when you mention it is 3km wide it seems so wide. That looked really hot! That was an awesome view of the crater! Do you really think that there is a dragon inside the crater? Was it hard climbing up to the top to view the crater? That is really cool that you can view the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. The last time I saw that much smoke was when my mom made spaghetti last night! You must have really enjoyed that view! Is there something living in the crater? Were you nervous about the poison gas? We are enjoying following along on you incredible journey! Mrs. Wrenn’s class
Did you smell the sulfur from the volcano?
What did it smell like?
Mrs. Hall’s class
Mrs. Menger’s class, Mrs. Balek’s class, Mrs. Davidson’ class, Mrs. Inclan’ class, Deacon Sorrey, Mrs. Freyer’s class, Mrs. Wrenn’s class, and Mrs. Hall’s class,
You could smell the sulfur some, but it was not too strong. Jose was tired from his walk up to the top of the crater. He had to climb in my backpack. It was a 1 km walk to the top. Also, we were about 2,000 meters ( approximately 6,000 ft) high so the altitude made it a little harder to walk as well. There is less oxygen the higher the altitude so your body has to work harder.
There is another lagoon in the area, but it is not releasing gases any longer.
Mrs. Inclan, you could not get any closer to the crater than what we got. The crater is so steep and the crater is constantly emitting gases. The last major eruption has been several years, but I don’t know the exact date.