It was not quiescent at all when I went there on 17 July. Herein I present my photographic documentation of the state of Saint Kitt on that day:
- Arrival on the large island. Everything looks fine over here.
- Checking on the volcano. Definitely more active than when Kea and I explored the islands
- A structure on the rim - I hate lightning, but I braved it for this shot. Ominous!
- Safer lower down, no projectiles from the lava. This is a vent on the south side.
- OK, no projectiles, but it's still pretty lively. [view of the crater from the air]
- Higher view [of the crater]. I love my broom.
- Something else pointed out in Caledon chat which prompted me to visit - strange water levels! See the raft is floating?
- Another view of the sinking water levels around the islands. That building is supposed to be underwater.
- There were the occasional outcroppings of... is this pahoehoe or a'a? Or is it a fumarole? Drat.
- I held my breath for one last shot - this is underwater smoke or steam from that side vent. The water was very warm, and I left as quickly as possible.
Although the heat and the flowing lava were alarming, as long as I had my broom or some other means to move away quickly, I never felt I was particularly at hazard. Sadly, this seemed to also be the conclusion of the survey team Guvnah Shang hired, except their overly-optimistic conclusions led to mass disaster.
In service to the Society, I am,
Tanarian Davies