Volcano-boarding in Leon

Spending way more time in Nicaragua than we had planned, we decided to
make an impromptu trip to Leon, in the North-pacific coast. The
colonial city of Leon had much to offer but we focused on the unique
attraction: the active volcano, Cerro Negro. This unique type of
volcano is only one of a few in the world. It remains extremely
active, with two active craters, and is made up of fine volcanic rock,
or black sand. It is also one of the few places in the world where one
can board down on a waxed board at over 50mph. The hike was a bit over
an hours climb over volcanic rock and ash, and arrival at the top
revealed two billowing craters spewing sulfur and minerals. The
descent was very steep, and we slid down sitting on waxed wooden
boards.

The included photo shows part of our hike. The landscape is incredible
as it shows the history of the volcanic eruptions in the past, as lava
has hardened over and blackened on the bottom of the volcano.