Tag: trivia

Top 5 Lakes With the Highest Elevation in the World

Posted on Lacey Spear
Crater Lake on a green hill with a larger lake in the background.
Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock | Vicky SP
  • The lakes with the highest elevation in the world:
    • Ojos de Salado, Argentina
    • Tres Cruces Norte, Chile
    • Acamarachi Pool, Chile
    • Lake Lincancabur, Chile/Bolivia
    • Aguas Calientes Pool, Chile

There’s nothing like gazing at the lake from the dock or back porch of your lake home. But can you imagine a bird‘s eye view of these incredible bodies of water? Some lakes are situated at such heights that you must hike for days to view their sparkling waters.

As you will notice, South America dominates the list of lakes with the highest elevation. Although some sources rank Asian lakes such as Lhagba, Changste, and East Rongbuk as top-elevation lakes, you will not find them on this list. As HighestLakes.com points out, Lhagba and Changste no longer exist, and East Rongbuk only appears during the snowmelt season. Plus, some Asian lakes may not be documented, as it is challenging to procure accurate information about the Himalayas. Nonetheless, if you’re ready to take your lake trivia to new heights, check out these top 5 lakes with the highest elevation in the world!

1. Ojos del Salado, Argentina

The frozen crater lake on Ojos del Salado in Chile---the highest lake in the world.
Photo Courtesy High Adventure

Argentina’s Ojos del Salado (“Eyes of the Salty One”) ranks as the world’s highest active volcano and contains the lake with the highest elevation on the planet. The small crater lake rests at an elevation of 22,615 feet (6,893). In 1937, Polish explorers discovered the lake; today, many tourists hike the volcano to view its waters. Notably, there has been some contention as to whether Ojos del Salado is a lake since it only has a circumference of 328 feet (100 meters). Despite this dispute, the lake continues to attract travelers and adventurers from all over the world.

2. Tres Cruces Norte, Chile

Tall mountain with small body of water nestled in it.
Photo Courtesy of XDEEP

With an elevation of 20,361 feet (6,206 meters), Tres Cruces Norte (“Three North Crosses”) ranks only under Ojos del Salado as the second-highest lake in Chile and the world. The lake rests on the lowest of the three peaks in a half-open caldera—a hollow that forms when a volcano erupts and collapses. The Polish explorers discovered the lake in 1937. Then, in 2015, Madswimmers—a group of Polish divers—completed the highest swim in the world upon diving into the Tres Cruces Norte lake. Today, it is an attractive scuba diving and hiking destination.

3. Acamarachi Pool, Chile

Clear body of water in front of tall volcano.
Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia | Acamarachi Volcano is pictured, but the actual lake lies at the volcano’s summit and is not in the photo above.

Soaring 19,836 feet (6,046 meters), Acamarachi (“Black Moon”) is the tallest volcano in the northern segment of Chile. A crater lake rests on the volcano’s summit and is kept ice-free by the nearby magmatic heat. The lake is 10–15 feet deep and, at one point, was the site of the world’s highest underwater dive. The volcano is also famous for its Inca mountain sanctuary, where several ancient figurines were discovered.

4. Lake Lincancabur, Chile/Bolivia

Lake Licancabur in Boliva/Chile.
Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

Licancabur is a symmetrical volcano between Chile and Bolivia, reaching a peak of 19,410 feet (5,916 meters). It contains a crater lake with an elevation of 19,409 feet (5,916 meters). The lake stretches 328 feet (100 meters) long, 229 feet (70 meters) wide, and 26 feet (eight meters) deep. Most of the year, the lake is frozen. However, in the warmer months, it is in liquid form, as pictured above. Although the temperatures can often dip to -22 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 degrees Celcius), Licancabur Lake houses a plethora of planktonic fauna.

5. Aguas Calientes Pool, Chile

Red pool of water on Aguas Calientes.
Photo Courtesy of High Lakes

Climbing 19,436 feet (5,924 meters) high, the Aguas Calientes (“Hot Waters”) Volcano is situated in Chile. Within the summit lies a small crater lake with an elevation of 19,260 feet (5,870 meters). The lake has an intriguing red tint due to its substantial population of microorganisms. The winds often carry sulfuric acid and water vapor clouds into the waters, making them acidic. The lake’s ecosystem relies primarily on photosynthesis but can also be influenced by the hydrothermal activities of the nearby volcano. Interestingly, many have studied the Aguas Calientes lake as a potential terrestrial parallel to Mars.

Bonus: Lake Titicaca, Peru/Bolivia

Handmade floats on Titicaca.
Photo Courtesy of KimKim

Although Lake Titicaca does not make the list of the top 5 lakes with the highest elevation in the world, it is the highest navigable lake on the planet. While the other top lakes are small bodies of water, Lake Titicaca spans 3,200 square miles (2,048,000 acres). Situated in the Andes Mountains, the lake has an elevation of 12,500 feet (3,810 meters). It is the second-largest lake in South America, after Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela. Lake Titicaca also attracts many tourists due to the 120 handmade floating islands crafted by the local indigenous Bolivians, the Uru. They not only live in these unique homes but also offer tours of them year-round.

Now, you know where to find the top 5 lakes with the highest elevation in the world. If you’re an adventurer, add them to your bucket list and plan a hiking excursion. Or, if you like staying closer to home, visit LakeHomes.com to view the breathtaking lakes in your local area.

FAQS

The volcano’s small crater lake rests at an elevation of 22,615 feet (6,893).

In 1937, Polish explorers discovered the Ojos del Salado.

With an elevation of 20,361 feet (6,206 meters), Tres Cruces Norte (“Three North Crosses”) ranks only under Ojos del Salado as the second-highest lake in Chile and the world.

In 2015, Madswimmers—a group of Polish divers—completed the highest swim in the world upon diving into the Tres Cruces Norte lake.

Soaring 19,836 feet (6,046 meters) high, Acamarachi (“Black Moon”) is the tallest volcano in the northern segment of Chile.

The lake is 10–15 feet deep and, at one point, was the site of the world’s highest underwater dive.

Licancabur is a symmetrical volcano situated between Chile and Bolivia, reaching 19,410 feet (5,916 meters) at its peak.

It contains a crater lake which sits at an elevation of 19,409 feet (5,916 meters).

Climbing 19,436 feet (5,924 meters) high, the Aguas Calientes (“Hot Waters”) Volcano is situated in Chile.

Within the summit lies a small crater lake with an elevation of 19,260 feet (5,870 meters).

The lake has an intriguing red tint due to a substantial population of microorganisms. The winds often carry sulfuric acid and water vapor clouds in the waters, making them acidic. The lake’s ecosystem relies primarily on photosynthesis but also can be influenced by the hydrothermal activities of the nearby volcano.

The crater lake on Aguas Calientes Volcano in Chile.

Although Lake Titicaca does not make the list of the top 5 lakes with the highest elevation in the world, it is the highest navigable lake on the planet.

Lake Titicaca spans 3,200 square miles (2,048,000 acres).

Situated in the Andes Mountains, the lake has an elevation of 12,500 feet (3,810 meters).

Lake Titicaca is the second-largest lake in South America after Maracaibo in Venezuela.

Lake Titicaca also attracts many tourists due to the 120 handmade floating islands crafted by the local indigenous Bolivians. They not only live in these unique homes but also offer tours of them year-round.

Lake Placid: History of the Winter Olympics

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of AP via ABC News

Once every four years, people across the globe come together in shared excitement about the Winter Olympics. This major international event involves multiple snow and ice sports competing for the most prestigious sporting medals in the world. Inspired by the ancient Olympic games  held in Olympia, Greece, the modern games began in the late 1800s and have been thriving ever since. But the Winter Olympics began slightly later. In Chamonix, France, the first ever Winter Olympics were held in 1924, featuring nine categories of sports including cross-country skiing, curling, and bobsleighing. Since its inception, 12 countries on three continents have hosted the Winter Olympics. This year, the world is gearing up for Beijing, China’s hosting in February 2022. 

Of all the cities that have historically hosted the Winter Olympics, only three have hosted twice. Besides St. Morris and Innsbruck, the third is Lake Placid. This village nestled in New York’s Adirondack Mountains is home to a gorgeous lake by the same name. Today, we’re delving into Lake Placid’s history with the Winter Olympics, and why this lake area deserved two spots in the games’ history.

Lake Placid: Winter Olympics 1932

4 Feb 1932: National Delegations parading in the Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the 1932 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, New York State, USA. \ Mandatory Credit: IOC Olympic Museum /Allsport via The Atlantic

For Lake Placid’s first hosting of the Winter Olympics, we have a man named Godfrey Dewy to thank. In 1929, this president of the Lake Placid Organizing committee gave a passionate speech pitching Lake Placid as the Winter Olympics destination. His speech, paired with the area’s reputation as a premier winter sports venue, landed this region the gig. Even in the middle of the Great Depression, this small town of 4,000 people was an excellent site for the games, and Mr. Godfrey donated his family’s plot of land for the bobsleigh track. Not only was the event a success for Lake Placid, but also for the U.S. as a whole. The 1932 Winter Olympic Games marked the first year that the U.S. won the medal tally.

Lake Placid: Winter Olympics 1980

Photo courtesy of STAFF/AFP/Getty Images via Daily News

In 1980, Lake Placid earned its spot as an Olympic destination for the second time. However, unlike the 1932 Olympics, global conflicts and the emergence of television made it more difficult for this small, upstate town to host such a major event. With even more attendees to the event and a wider audience through T.V., transportation was inadequate to meet these demands. In terms of global politics, it was also the height of the Cold War and the Soviet Union had just invaded Afghanistan. However, despite these constraints and setbacks, the Winter Olympics in 1980 were ultimately a success at Lake Placid. The U.S. ice hockey team won against the Soviet team which had previously dominated the olympic scene. Additionally, U.S. speed skater Eric Heiden won the gold for five consecutive races, setting an Olympic world record.

Will Lake Placid Host Again?

Photo courtesy of LakePlacid.com

Lake Placid has already established its Winter Olympic legacy as the destination for the 1932 and 1980 games. However, its hosting history may not be over. Lake Placid is home to several original venues including the Olympic Sports Complex, Whiteface Mountain, and the Olympic Center. Although its small size might be a hindrance to the future Olympic games, those advocating for Lake Placid’s hosting in 2026 suggest partnering with other areas in the region to accommodate more guests and more resources for athletes. So, it’s safe to say that this may not be the end of Lake Placid’s Winter Olympics career! 

At Lake Placid, its history in the Winter Olympics is only one interesting aspect of this beautiful upstate lake region. To learn more about what makes Lake Placid special, check out our listings in the area at Lakehomes.com!

5 Fun Facts About the History of Soap

Posted on Camille Smith

While social distancing at the lake, the infrequency of human interactions can make proper hand-washing feel unnecessary. However, being surrounded by nature rather than a congested city doesn’t mean you should skip the soap. During the pandemic, lake and city dwellers alike should follow CDC guidelines, which recommend washing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Although most people learned this skill at age two, CBS News reported that 94% of people are washing their hands incorrectly. The pandemic has shed more light on this issue, emphasizing the important role of soap in preventing the spread of infections. In honor of soap’s spotlight during quarantine, we’re diving deep into the timeline of this basic, yet a fascinating product. Here are five fun facts about the history of soap. 

1. Soap has Existed since 2,800 BCE

Photo courtesy of artfire.com.

According to the American Cleaning Institute, the history of soap begins in ancient times. Only two basic ingredients are involved in making soap: a fat (e.g., animal fats, olive oil) and an alkali (e.g., sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide). The earliest societies discovered this simple mixture’s cleaning power. In ruins from Ancient Babylon, archaeologists found the formula for soap– cassia oil and wood ash– on a clay tablet. They used soap to clean textiles rather than for personal hygiene. Ancient Egyptians also created soaps by combining vegetable and animal oils with alkaline salts. Unlike Babylonians, they used soap for bathing and treating skin conditions. 

2. Its Name is Tied to a Roman Legend

Photo courtesy of Lydian Naturals.

According to legend, soap’s name comes from Mount Sapo in Rome. When animal sacrifices happened on the mountaintop, wood ashes and animal fat flowed down, mixed with river water, and produced soap that women used to wash clothes. Although Mount Sapo is possibly fictitious, historians do know that Ancient Romans were familiar with soap. Historian Judith Ridner told The Conversation that “sapo” first appeared in Pliny the Elder’s Historia Naturalis. In 77 A.D., Pliny mocked the product as a frivolous styling substance that Roman enemies, the Gauls, used as hair dye. Further, Latin expert N.S. Gill told Thought Catalog that although Romans are renowned for baths, they used soap for textile cleaning rather than bathing.

3. Soap was Once a Luxury Item

Photo courtesy of Today I Found Out.

In the 1500s-1700s, soap was revered among the rich. The switch from animal fats to vegetable oils was vital in the history of soap. It produced a better smell, and the Silk Road globalized Syrian Aleppo soap and Spanish Castile soap. These factors made soap a coveted item. According to The Pharmaceutical Journal, England’s 1712 soap tax reinforced its luxury status and drove many soapmakers out of the country. Soap’s exclusivity began to shift when French chemist Nicholas LeBlanc discovered how to make soda ash from salt. This “LeBlanc Process” sped up production and played a key role in the eventual mass production of soap. Propelling this shift, manufacturers like William Gossage created low-priced, high-quality soaps in the mid-1800s.

4. People Used to Think Soap was Unclean

Photo courtesy of ThoughtCo.com.

When the American colonies began, most people avoided bathing and the use of soap. According to the Smithsonian Institute, it was a common belief that water spread diseases, and a layer of dirt was good and protective. Americans’ misinformed public attitudes changed in the mid-1800s during the Civil War. The Union War effort disseminated information about the benefits of soap, and the demand for affordable soap increased. Around the same time, Procter and Gamble created the first perfumed ivory soap. P&G was also the first to sponsor radio dramas and advertise during their shows, thus coining the term “soap operas” to describe these dramatic programs. 

5. Most Modern Soaps are Detergents

In the 21st century, soap is commonplace, and its benefits are well-documented. However, you may not realize that the soap in your home is probably not soap. After discovering a synthetic cleaning product, German chemists created detergents as a soap alternative in the early 20th century. Compared to true soaps that have a gummy deposit, detergents are smoother and easily create suds. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there are very few “true soaps” on the market. If you find one, you’re likely to notice a difference between its texture and that of a detergent. 

The next time you wash your hands at your lake home, take a moment during the 20-second lather to appreciate this product’s history. We’ve come a long way since 2,800 BCE, so let’s continue taking part in its future. Stay safe, and enjoy the lake!

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