World's First Traverse of the Boiling Lake Dominica, West Indies - July 6, 2007

After many months of preparation, I am now the first person to ever go out over the Boiling Lake by rope. There's a reason why nobody has ever done this before...It was very difficult to plan and execute plus there were the unknown danger factors. Three rainy nights were spent camped out at the lake. The first day, we hauled up all the equipment and set up camp with the help of over a dozen local porters. Day two was spent preparing the rope anchors and stringing the ropes across, then the third day I went out over the lake. Once out over the middle, I took a water sample and even lowered some eggs down to into the water to cook our lunch. The energy required to keep such a large volume of water boiling so vigorously is incomprehendable, especially during rainy season. Pictures from my initial survey trip to Dominica can be found HERE.

Go to the Toronto Star to see the slideshow and hear the interview.

Along the grueling jungle hike, a glimpse of the Boiling Lake.	Upon our arrival we find that the lake is as active as ever, continuously boiling.

At the lake's shore, the water is still too hot to touch and this part is no where near the boiling section.	These eggs started off brown but after I cooked them in the lake, the shells turned jet black, like someone had painted them. They still made for a decent lunch.

Double checking all the ropes & rigging.	Steam engulfing our kitchen area overlooking the water.

Out onto the rope I go. Cameras rolling.	Heading out towards the middle.

The condensation dripping off the ropes & gear made it seem like I was being rained on.	Finally, above the most violently boiling section. The heat & steam here were incredible.

Ropes heading off into nothingness.	On my way back.

All systems working perfectly.	The view from below, at the lakeshore.

Special thanks to Extreme Dominica for their help.

 

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