| Ahh Kilauea. The lava is flowing, so off we went. Because of the Indy factor and his need to eat 2 square meals a day, we took an early morning trip. We are lucky to live Hawaii. Only a mere 2.4 hours away from the lava flow, we arrived before the tourists and clouds. We did not see glowing red lava like on CNN. But it was a magical time indeed. We saw lava flowing to the sea under the clear blue island skies. The lava looked like mercury and asphalt mixed together and watching solid ground "move" was more like a weird hallucination than a wonder of nature. It didn't look real. Walking over the flow, you know when your standing over lava because suddenly you can't breathe and you fall backwards. Looking deep into the cracks you see the sliding stone. Pure silvery black creation. The brand new rock under your feet crunches as you smash through it, kinda like walking on broken panes of thick glass. The smell is terrible. Sulpher, burning rock and boiling ocean smell wrong and there were a few people gagging. This is where smokers have a true advantage. If your on the island anytime soon, please drive Chain of Craters Road in Madame Pele's domain. Even if you never see lava, the goddess of fire and creation gives you incredible views. Off the road lay several amazing things like Holei Sea Arch, ridiculously deep craters from the earlier lava vents or if you still have some energy: Pu'u Loa Petroglyph trail. One of the most mystical places you'll ever visit, heavy mana and so delicious in its bleak environments and glorious past. All in all, a perfect day in Hawaii. |
