Awesome Rinjani - Day 2

Nine of the group members had started their day earlier to climb up the summit but the heavy clouds, the forceful wind and the chill factor did not favor us. Only one in the group reached to the summit. Hikers from the other groups also came back without reaching the summit. Those who stayed at camp 1 were a little more favored to see the very brief sunrise.



It was so misty that we could see the seven colors of rainbow in the circles at many spots. Many monkeys appear together with the sun light. They came to grab food which was left by the people. We left Camp 1 about 9am. Since then, I stopped paying attention on "what time is it" or "how long more to reach to the next rest point". After all, we are on holiday.



The decent was so rocky and steep that we need to maintain in a group and help each other to climb down safely. Rinjani trek was so much more interesting than Mount Kinabalu because it has light walking, steep ascent on the soil, and now serious decent. I think it took us about 4 hours to reach the camp site at Lake Segara Anak.



The lake view was astonishing. Now we are in the middle of the mountain range. I am standing near the lake which was 180 degrees surrounded by the mountains except for the valley with a creek into which the water would overflow when there are heavy rains. Nature had built a dam and an overflow stream by itself.



There is a hot spring at at the tip of the creek thus we went down for bathing. We were told that water could be hot as 70 degrees Celsius at the source (before getting mixed with cold water). I guessed it may vary depending on the volcanic activities of Gunang Baru (the active volcano formed in the middle of Crater Lake).



At the small water fall and the pool, water is yellowish due to high sulphur content and nicely warm to soak in. Since that was the only water source for the whole journey, I chose to get down to the water. A warm water bath could also help to relieve muscle tension.



While crater rims were filled with energy and enthusiasm of the hikers, the lake was active with the local travelers. As it was one or two days before full-moon day, we saw groups of pilgrims who travelled far to perform rituals at the lake and shower themselves with the hot spring water.



We were briefed not to leave non-biodegradable items along the journey before it was even started. Materials like plastics are collected by the guide along the way, and burnt at each camp site. There were friendly warnings for the environmental consciousness posted (as far as I know) around the lake area.



Every mountain has its own story. Rinjani is believed to be home for the soul of Dewi Anjani, the queen of the kingdom. While browsing for the legends of Rinjani, I saw a piece of news on The Jakarta Post. I wish I could watch the film. Be it a tourist promotion film or environmental awareness promoter, I am sure the beauty of incredible Rinjani will be captured.

The night fell dark fast as it was surrounded by the mountains. I had nothing to do after the dinner. I thought of reading but couldn't resist the beauty of the lake. So, I just sat down at the lake side and did nothing. The moon was shining on me, the water in the lake reflecting the moon light and the Gunung Baru breathing heavily - I just get myself possessed by the nature.