The dragonfly is enjoying the nice day in Tumpang on the ancient stones of the temple.

Good morning, Semeru!
From Tumpang the activity of the volcanoe can be witnessed.

Back in Tumpang the plastic bottles were a good proof for the altitude difference we encountered this day.

Trekking back to Ranu Pani Semeru showed again some of his nice looking ash plumes.
The volcanoe is a perfect contrast to the foggy rain forrest in front of the picture.

At Ranu Kumbolo we encountered an Indonesian trekking group. One guy was able to speak a little bit English. It was quit interesting to chat a little bit with him. It looked like that a lot of Indonesians know the jewels in their country and organize trekking tours to the volcanoes.
Finally the picture with the whole group was a must - no excuse was allowed ;-)

June 7th, 2004
Finally arrived on the top of Semeru after a tough ascend.

The dust which covers the peak made walking very painful. Two steps up, one back. But the view from the top towards the Bromo caldera was breathtaking.

On the peak the strong wind carried masses of fine dust. It was like a sandstorm.

Climbers coming up the traditional route are not passing the crater. The huge hole in the ground is still far away.

Eruptions like the one on the same day around 5:44 are not dangerous at all. Even up here nothing can be heart from earths throwing up.

And then we saw it: Sunrise on Semeru.

Eruption June 6th 2004 17:08 (Java time GMT+07:00)

Eruption June 6th 2004 16:30 (Java time GMT+07:00)

Eruption June 6th 2004 16:11 (Java time GMT+07:00)

Eruption June 6th 2004 15:51 (Java time GMT+07:00)