La Réunion

The sky over the island looks vaguely threatening as we approach our berth in Le Port. We have planned a day long excursion to Piton de la Fournaise.

Réunion, like its neighbor Mauritius, has volcanic origins. Unlike Mauritius, it is quite a bit younger and has been recently active. 

The last lava flows, from fissures on the east rim of the crater, were in July, 2023. We will take a bus to the viewpoint on the west side of the crater (red star in photo). Elevation: 2300 meters.

We pause on the drive up for a view over one of the many deep ravines slicing through the volcanic rock. As anticipated, the cloud cover is thick. 

We continue to the outlook over the rim, and are greeted by even thicker clouds and rain and strong wind. Oh well.

On our return, we pause for a look around the “moonscape” just below the rim. We use the opportunity to pick up and study the light volcanic rock.

Time for lunch. We stop at a Creole restaurant for some “Cari de Poisson/Poulet” with white beans, rice, and a spicy salsa. This being France, we also have the  obligatory red wine with our meal. 

(Note: La Réunion is indeed a part of France. The Euro is used for payment. We could use our cellphones with our European rates. The highways are modern and well maintained, thanks to money from the continent.)

After lunch we visit the Volcano Discovery Center where we learned a little more about volcanoes. (We would have learned even more had we spoken French.) Eve and I are struck by how much of our journey on the ship has taken place through or along tectonically active regions. 

Here are shots from a film of the last lava flows two years ago. 

Back on the bus for our drive back to the ship, Susanne, our local guide, provides a live commentary about life on the island. She is very knowledgeable and very entertaining. Should you visit La Réunion, she is a great resource!

Despite the rain and clouds, we have had a fine day. Next port of call: Durban, South Africa.