Up before dawn for breakfast and then hike again. Sunrise before the rim, not nearly as majestic as last night's show. Crater Rim proves awe inspiring. Such a massive explosion to create this spectacle.
Short break before descent to crater lake. Steepest downhill I've ever traversed. Outlandish grade against sheer cliff walls. I'm amazed. How did this trail ever get formed to begin with? How do these porter's face such a brutal course? And who in their right mind hauled the concrete necessary to cement metal hand rails in place? I'm really appreciating these heros today.
The lake is sublime. To think it's all rain water, perhaps thousands of years worth of build up. To one side it spills its banks. River cascading over super heated volcanic rock produces natural jacuzzis where it pools. The water is opaque with microorganisms. Eugh. We strip down for a dip. Hot water and hot sun combine to form unbearable heat. No use pretending to enjoy this onslaught, it's too extreme. Maybe at night with cool moon overhead the cloudy water could be properly enjoyed.
Lunch, again the typical carb overload. Then bid adieu to the lake as we make our approach to Puncak (poon-chahk) Rinjani (Rinjani's summit.) Clouds swirl pass with rising hot air. The way is endless and treacherously steep, I'm falling behind. All that ambition from yesterday is yielding negative returns. Should have maintained my reserves. Body is burning fumes at this point, can't keep up with desire of the mind. Not yet aware of how hard my knee will fail. Camp at flats before final ascent. We'll wake at wee hours tomorrow to breach the summit, watch the sun rise. It's late afternoon. Find some shade and pass out. So outta shape. Despite the pain this is good for me. Body, mind, and soul.
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