The hour long walk through volcanic rock and sand was sticky but enjoyable - it was fun to see the lake that surrounds the crater grow in size the higher we walked. 
We met a group of young girls along the way, trying to sell water to the wary travellers - they were so bubbly and full of life, we had an enjoyable 10 minutes relaxing in the sun with them. 
At the top we were mesmerized by the glistening green crater lake but were not so keen to go for a dip in the smoldering sulphuric waters that have left the rim of the lake a poisonous looking yellow. 
We enjoyed our picnic lunch while taking in the 360 degree views, and then went for a walk around part of the rim, where we got views down over Taal lake and the fishing villages that line its edges.
On the boat ride back we convinced the driver the stop in the middle and allow us to plunge into the green waters of Taal Lake - though we were slightly skeptical of its level of cleanliness!!
Just as we jumped back in the boat we hit the rain, but we were already wet so it didn't really matter!
Back at our hotel we re-entered our room with a look of despair - the accommodation standards in the Philippines has been shockingly low, especially on our budget! Though this is really our only complaint about the Philippines, as we've thoroughly enjoyed our time here.
For dinner we dined on a picnic of steamed rice, fresh tomatoes, and canned chickpeas/tuna while watching kids fishing from a nearby wharf as the sun set over the lake, and battled with the mosquitoes - the winner was clearly of the winged variety!
Adlibing a volcano.
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