Laguna Colorada - ?
Trip Start
Jan 2003
1
174
200
Trip End
Dec 2003
?, Bolivia
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
Ignoring yesterday's showing, we were once again suckered by the lure of a spectacular sunrise. Once again we were left to rue our decision as any further minutes in bed would have been greatly appreciated. That though, was the only disappointment of the day.
The initial appointment on today's itinerary was the 4850metre high geyser basin called Sol de Maņana. I had been impressed with the geothermal activity in Rotorua but that has now paled into insignificance. augustino seemed in a better mood today and immediately demonstarted the fumaroles' dangerous but amusing interactive qualities by throwing his cap into the powerful jet of steam. Soon everyone was throwing various items of clothing into it, watching it rocket up 20 metres or so and trying to catch it. The other pit's attraction reduced because of the nauseous odour of sulphur but I'll never grow tired of watching boiling mud.
Next on the agenda, the thermal pools provided a much-needed bath for those who indulged. Personally I couldn't bring myself to get out of my ten layers of clothing in the first place. Despite perfect blue skies, at this kind of altitude it is ridiculously cold.
The Bolivians' imagination evidently ended with Laguna Colorada as the next two adjacent lakes we saw were Laguna Blanca (White Lake) and Laguna Verde (Green Lake). Laguna Blanca is far from impressive and far from white but Laguna Verde is an appetising minty green colour. If that wasn't photo-worthy enough, it reflects a huge volcano behind it creating a once in a lifetime sight.
That's where the tour ended for Louis, the Irishman, as he crossed the border into Chile and at the time I wished I was going with him. We faced what we believed to be an arduous day and a half drive back to Uyuni but lunch on the other side of Laguna Colorada immediately dispelled that myth. On the east side of the lake the pink-red colour is prominent and I doubt there's a prettier place in the world for a picnic. Any disappointments about Laguna Colorada were put in their place with this second visit.
Day three - actuality kicks arse of preconceptions.
