African Experience - Crater Lake

Artist: Julie Langford

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African Experience - Crater Lake

This is the ancient lake called Crater Lake, in the Bakote region of Cameroon, West Africa – called this because it is an old volcanic crater at the base of Mount Cameroon, which has filled up with water. The climb up the outside crater wall, was the hardest part of our 16 mile trek, taking a good 45 minutes to navigate and negotiate the wrangled and twisted tree roots [as well as a multitude of crawly critters].

What was amazing about this lake is – when on the ouside of the crater, you are actually only a stones throw away from it – yet, without taking the climb, and peering over the top of the crater wall, you would not know of it’s existence – in fact, not many local cameroonians even know it is there.

Our guide – a former hunter [We used this method to promote alternative livelyhoods, so that hunters can make a living from alternative methods to hunting], was an absolute genious. His knowledge of the forest was just amazing. He helped me a few times when I got stuck on the crater wall, all the time, showing great patience and taking the utmost care of us. He was in his late 40’s with a family of five children to bring up, and we became good friends with him before leaving Cameroon.

His name is Daniel, and I dedicate this view to him, as he gave it to us.

The photograph, although it shows a good representation of the lake, will never compare to the sight that beheld our eyes as we first peered over that crater wall and the feeling of achievement that filled our hearts.

Julie Langford, 6 months ago
aphoto4you, 6 months ago

interesting description…..i like when members describe what it is..i enjoy reading…thanks for sharing…stunning image…..for sure my Favorites
susan davies, 6 months ago

this is really breathtaking, really love it jules
Meach, 6 months ago

Great image and a great story Jules – I found everybody in Africa to be like that – wonderful country.
Julie Langford, 6 months ago

Thanks all, I like the story behind this one Bianca – it will stay with me forever.

It really was breathtaking Sue, an awesome feast for the eyes.

Yes Meach – the African people were so lovely, very genuine and very polite – and I loved the way they all called my – Oiy, whiteman
Meach, 6 months ago

They called us (and everybody else) Bossman or Bosswoman in the Gambia – if they learned your first name and called you it it was considered a great honour
Julie Langford, 6 months ago

Yep, much the same in Cameroon Meach – A few learned my first name and Martys first name, and they called us Miss Julie and Mister Martyn [considered a great honour].
Brian Beckett, 6 months ago

Well framed scene, excellent work well done
Brian Beckett, 6 months ago

Well framed scene, excellent work well done
Jeff Burns, 6 months ago

Gorgeous view this is so beautiful and scenic
Great work Julie
Mark Gardner, 6 months ago

what a beautiful place, well worth the effort
Julie Langford, 6 months ago

Thanks Brian, Jeff and Hank
Heather Rivet..., 6 months ago

fantastic
Julie Langford, 6 months ago

Thanks Heather
Russell Fry, 6 months ago

superb Julie, what a wonderful memory to enjoy in the years to come.
cdwork, 6 months ago

Superb view! Great composition- love the framing
Julie Langford, 6 months ago

Thanks cvdad and cdwork
AndyReeve, 6 months ago

It’s a great shot – love it. Where’s me cozzy. Oooops may be not -crocs?
Patricia L. Ba..., 6 months ago

Beautiful, Julie. It looks so lush to a desert rat like me.
TrEaSuReDiMaGeS, 6 months ago

I just LOVE this and I’m so happy you decided add this to your portfolio!!! It’s such a Beautiful place!!! :-)
Julie Langford, 6 months ago

Thanks Andy, Patricia and Debs no Crocs Andy, but infested with gators. No worries with them though, they fear humans here, as they used to be hunted by them omce – wouldn’t have fancied a swim in there though.
frogster, 6 months ago

Grand shot Julie
Anthony Hedger, 6 months ago

beautiful shot Julie
Antanas, 6 months ago

beautiful view
davidmilne, 6 months ago

Fantastic pic,amazing looking place!
Sean Farragher, 6 months ago

fantastic,,,
ECGardner, 6 months ago

Amazing scene with an amazing story to go with it. I love the way you’ve framed the shot with the leaves, as if we are looking through some secret window into another world. How fantastic.
Lucindawind, 6 months ago

oh its is pretty there .. it looks amazing in the black frame too and thel ake looks like glass
Lucindawind, 6 months ago

and the lake looks like glass that was sorry about that
aphoto4you, 6 months ago

fantastic !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....it sure goes into my favorites love it…
Helene Kippert, 6 months ago

Gorgeous light!
JayVee, 6 months ago

Beautiful image. Nicely framed. I like the top where it gets a bit cloudy. Gives it a bit of a mistique feel.
Heloisa Castro, 6 months ago

Great capture.
nevillecowan, 6 months ago

Fantastic shot, love the story, what an experience never to be forgotton
salsbells69, 6 months ago

Wonderful mystical feel about this image. I imagine it was humid and very serene, Great atmosphere and well composed. Love the framing too. Well done Julie :))
ShepS, 5 months ago

The leave to either side seem to act as curtain opening out onto the main stage – great shot – nice shot
Irene Burdell, 2 months ago

A beautiful shot great reflections and the sunlight on the water is beautiful.
John Brotheridge, 2 months ago

Love the soft colours in this Julie. Find all your work exceptional.
GerryMac, 2 months ago

beautiful and well framed scene!
ilziAndPeter, 16 days ago

yes the eye the heart ,and the emotions are allways gripped by natures reality , compared to what a camera can do. great presentation cheers peter.