Jesse Quiñones (pronounced keen yo nez)

Climbed La Soufriere today. This is the largest active volcano in Guadeloupe. Nearly 1500 meters, took us around 4 hrs. Physically and mentally challenging but damn was it worth it. There is a sign as you get close to its edge that says La porte de l’enfer. Which translates as ‘the door to hell’. Standing right at the edge, you can feel the volcano’s raw power. It’s violence. The sulfur in the air is so strong you’d faint if you stayed too long. But you can also feel its beauty. Mother Earth is something special. The trek was a powerful reminder. Sometimes the most magical experiences can come off the back of hardship and challenges.