You might recall that on a number of occasions I have posted some dramatic photos that Alejandro received from a friend. The friend is a mountain climber and serves as a guide to visitors who wish to climb some of Mexico's highest peaks. This weekend he climbed Iztaccíhuatl, the third highest mountain in the country. He sent Alejandro this picture taken as they were descending "Izta".
In the background is Popocatépetl, the second highest in Mexico. The recent rains have left "Popo" with a mantle of snow. The peak used to be perpetually covered in snow and even had some glaciers. However, due to warmer temperatures and volcanic activity, the glaciers are gone, and during the dry season the mountain is a gray snowless cone. For years now, "Popo" has been off-limits to climbers due to its frequent eruptions. It is almost constantly exhaling smoke and ash.
This is a web cam photo of Popo from early this morning.
Even though yesterday was a warm, rainless day, snow remains at its summit. We've had a respite from rain for the last several days. However, this week we should return to the normal rainy season pattern of daily precipitation in the late afternoon or evening. So, "Popo" will probably retain its snowy crown.
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