Kamchatka, land of volcanoes and colors: impressions Sep 2019 - part 1: Karymsky, Mutnovsky and Gorely

Some impressions taken during our recent Kamchatka expedition in Sep 2019: Karymsky, the great Mutnovsky gorge and a visit on a lava flow field at Gorely volcano:
Go to: Part 2: Tolbachik to Shiveluch | Part 3: Tolbachik | Part 4: Avachinsky & Koryaksky

Karymsky volcano in a quiet phase (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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We find a very fresh volcanic bomb impact at the feet of the cone. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Many breadcrust bombs can be found lying on the ground, here a smaller one... (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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But also larger bombs can be found. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Close-up of the cracked surface of a breadcrust bomb weighing several tons. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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After an explosion at night during 3-4 Sep, the conduit of the volcano seems to have been "opened" a... [info]
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Ash cloud rising several hundred meters. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Group observing the activity at Karymsky (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Red tundra plants and erupting Karymsky volcano (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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View of the Avacha river from the helicopter on the way back to our base in Elizovo. (Photo: Tom Pfe... [info]
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During a hike on the slopes of Mutnovsky, we cross many small creeks. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Part of the group walked ahead. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Group at the edge of a large canyon, invisible unless you reach the rim. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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View across the main canyon towards a smaller side canyon. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Small waterfall in the opposite wall where the side canyon meets the main one. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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View uphill along the main canyon, about 200 m deep. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Massive lava flow and tephra layers are exposed in the vertical canyon walls. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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We slowly walk uphill along the northern edge of the canyon, constantly admiring the spectacular sce... [info]
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Snaking path of the canyon near its narrowest point, only about 5-10 wide in place. (Photo: Tom Pfei... [info]
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Thousands of years of volcanic history are exposed in the canyon walls. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Softer tephra layers in the canyon wall maintain moisture and are covered with green mosses. (Photo:... [info]
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View towards the summit of Mutnovsky volcano. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Tundra colors are at their best in September. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Upper part of the canyon. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Block of altered volcanic breccia lying on the ground, probably transported here by glaciers. (Photo... [info]
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In the uppermost part of the canyon, a relatively young red cinder cone is exposed. (Photo: Tom Pfei... [info]
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The canyon starts with a 70 m drop from the main valley. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The meltwater river forms a deep waterfall at the canyon's beginning. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The waterfall generates a rainbow with the evening light. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Yellow-brown ocher as formed from alteration of volcanic rocks in this section. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer... [info]
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We have descended onto the lower terrace at the same height as the top of the waterfall. (Photo: Tom... [info]
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Looking back downhill into the low evening sun. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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This is as far it was safely possible to look at the top of the waterfall. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The plateau from where the waterfall starts is an old lava flow, its water-polished surface now illu... [info]
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On the way back to camp, orientation is easy by two prominent hills, which are actually eroded remna... [info]
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On the feet of Gorely, we visit an enchanted old lava flow field. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Patches of deep-red tundra contrast with white mosses and the black lavas. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Photo occasions are endless. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Green flat hill. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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View of Vilyuchinsky volcano from the pass, a classic and stunning viewpoint. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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