Day 21: Mombacho

If it weren't so hazy, you could see the Isletas below (where we were yesterday)

We spent the morning on the volcano Mombacho learning not only about the volcano and the various plants and animals it supports but also about the organic coffee plantation on the side of the volcano.  Some of the boys were interested in the way the sustainable practices of the coffee plantation that not only turned the toxic pulp into organic fertilizer but also used the waste water to create methane gas that currently provides some of the energy for the plantation and will soon provide all of the energy for the plantation.  What is most interesting about this system is how simple and effective it is at generating energy, and the boys were thinking about maybe replicating it at Woodberry.

 The ride to the top of the volcano

 Our guide started by orienting us with a scale model

Looking into the volcano

 One of our hikes through the rich volcanic vegetation

 Descending into one of the volcanic structurs

Connor learns about proper machete technique from a local

In the afternoon the boys enjoyed the hotel pool before we went to the famous market of Masaya where the boys negotiated with vendors and bought a whole range of souvenirs.  For dinner we went to a restaurant that was featuring traditional Nicaraguan music and dancing.

A traditional meal

Tomorrow we travel to San Juan del Sur.