4th
March
2008
GeoMeme of the Day: Death Defying Geologists Edition
posted in Geology |It seems Geotripper has ignited a meme that’s burning it’s way throught the geoblogosphere: Death Defying Geologists.
I’ll keep my entry visual and unoriginal:
NOVA/Horizon shows featuring geologists doing this usually end with the narrator sombrely telling us over a black and white photo of said geologist that “tragically, shortly after filming this, Professor X was killed by a pyroclastic flow”.
I am dreaming of taking a detour and climb up Erte Ale in Ethiopia sometime this year when visiting friends who work in development aid in Addis Abeba. I already have a spare hammer I am planning to put on a rope to throw down into the lava lake to get my own private sample. Still, would love to try your approac, too, seems much more comfortable but also memorable.
I was already wondering about the shorts. I’d be scared some sparks might incinerate my bare leg. And a bit of luck with good conditions can never hurt! I hope I have some good conditions one day, too. Don’t worry about me in Ethiopia though. My friends have good connections to local guides who know the place better than anyone else. I wouldn’t even dream about going there alone and without professional company! No one could confirm I was really there!
Erte Arle! Bastard!!!
I’ll second that idea of wearing more than shorts standing next to flowing lava. Standing upwind is an important item to remember. I thought my pants were gonna catch fire when I was having the experience!
I showed this photo to my friend, and she thought you were roasting a hotdog with your rock hammer.
Good post.