15th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Sunrise from Mount Agung

After leaving the night before on a trek up the active volcano Mount Agung, we reached the summit at sunrise - the highest point in Bali. 7 hours of hiking had brought us to a magnificent view over the entire island as light bathed the land and images of swirling magma beneath our feet hovered behind our eyes. Our local guides had patiently lead us the whole way, stopping occasionally to revive us with fried bananas. From the top of the volcano we rested, watching as the red sun bathed the entire land in new light. This photo from Mount Agung was taken a year ago, and today the volcano rumbles with life - all signs suggest a major eruption is imminent, and all nearby people have been evacuated.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2016
Date Uploaded: 11.2017
Photo Location: Indonesia
Camera: NIKON D3100
Copyright: © Ashley Hudson