Jemez
Volcano,
is one of the largest volcanos on
planet Earth. The collapsed caldera is roughly14 miles across --
a striking Shangri-La-like region of grassland ringed by cliffs that offer
magnificent views. We arrived several months after a massive forest
fire burned away undergrowth, enhancing the flame-blackened dignity of
the remaining trees. The Jemez is still active, and we found bubbling
hot springs with brightly colored mineral and unusual soda deposits. (click on pictures to view larger images)
An unexpected bonus: the spectacle
of thousands of hot air balloons suspended over the desert for the Albuqueque
annual balloon festival. Too bad we didn't have time to stop -- but
there's a limit to how much you can do in three days.
