A Martian Hike

A bike and hike to Bat Cave turned into a "Martian hike."

My bike has sure opened up many more hikes for me.

 

If there is a Mars on earth this is it.

A fine line between red cinder and black ash. A bit difficult to walk through.

A few plants here and there.

The backside of Sister Peak that I hiked several weeks ago.

So far this has been my favorite Ascension Island hike.

What an awesome hiking day!

White lava.

The fumarole (a volcanic gas/steam vent) opening for Bat Cave. 

Bat Cave is a letterbox hike so there is a stamp inside. It looks a bit tricky to get to the bottom of the cave. It is about 20 feet with a 14-foot ladder. One must climb down the purple rope to reach the first rung of the ladder. Since I was alone I declined to enter. If I fell or injured myself and not been able to climb out who knows when someone would find me.

I had removed my rucksack with my water since it is so heavy. I attached my headtorch but if I fell without water I would have been dead in three days. No thanks.

A good view of the fumarole.

The surface of Mars!

The white is white lava sand.

Such fascinating geology.

Contemplating the enormity of it all. I love exploring such unique areas of this world.

Huge cliff rock formations!

The end of one of my favorite hikes of all time. I hope to return with a friend so that I can safely enter Bat Cave.

I have yet to see a camel on Ascension Island.

                                        

                                                    A 360 view of this Mars hike.