the earth ink

The Earth Ink is happy to announce that Andrea was one of the first prize winners of the AFAR | Eddie Bauer Live Your Adventure Photo Contest! Posting a photo from the hot and unexpected hike up Volc á n Cerro Negro to participate in the unusual adventure sport of volcano boarding, the picture gives perspective to the rocky new volcano and the length of the hike around the crater rim before the hikers fling themselves down the mountain on wooden boards. As one of nature's amusement rides, this mountain outside the small city of Le ó n, Nicaragua should not be missed. To see the Grand Prize winner and see the other winners, check out the AFAR announcement page . For a little more information, a recent post from The Earth Ink,  Volc á n Cerro Negro .

It took an extra month, but the 2013 Christmas card production is over for Andrea (and The Earth Ink). Here are some fun statistics about this year's distribution: 228 total cards were mailed. 20 cards were sent internationally to 12 countries. Cards were sent to 29  of the United States + Washington DC. Each card took about 6 minutes to hand make ( 22.8 hours total) which does not include design time. There are 152  cut out images in this year's card. Yikes! All but 1 card was sent out before the postage increase. The card was cut from one 11x17 sheet of recycled paper using sustainable inks. The card makes use of a verse from Philippians in the Bible about looking forward to achieve our life's goal (see below). The card measures 50 inches long - and still folds up to fit in a first class envelope. And now that the major Christmas card effort is complete, a design idea is already in the works for the 2014 card.  Not that I have already obtained a...

Nicaragua is full of beautiful scenery and opportunities to learn about the land and waters around and in the country. Made of volcanoes, many of the outdoor activities in the country involve engaging with the mountains and craters. Even kayaking  through Las Isletas  in Lake Nicaragua is an education in the violent  history of the area. The islands are piles of lava rock that blew out of the adjacent Mombacho Volcano. This photo is taken on the  Volcán  Cerro Negro. As the youngest in Nicaragua, this volcano smells of the sulfur vents and the rocks and ash at the top are hot to the touch. The best way to take in this recently formed geographical feature is to climb up to the top to take in the terrific view and "volcano board" down the side. Prepare to be filthy, but fulfilled by the adventurous experience.  Tierra Tours  offers a number of Nicaraguan adventure trips including volcano boarding on Cerro Negro.