
I too have a portal in an area with no lava. It's actually in a Nethercave, so it's safe from Ghasts and kind of serves as a base camp. The exit of the cave leads onto a cliff that's above a huge lava lake. Lots of Glowstone galore.
I LOOOOVE THE NETHER! But it needs more stuff.
@Technos: I don't know much about Minecraft multiplayer, so I can't help you. D: