Volcano Hike

In July after all the family left, except for Derek, we had the awesome experience of hiking to see the lava flowing into the ocean.  We were fortunate enough to have a good friend and guide in Kale. He offered to take us on this little jaunt.  It is about a four mile hike into where the lava was flowing.  We met Kale in Hilo and then drove to where we started hiking. About half way in it got dark, so on went the head lamps. The volcano, Pele, put on quite the performance for us. Since then the lava has completely stopped flowing into the ocean. It had been consistently flowing since 1983. So, we feel very fortunate to have seen it before it stopped.  It could start up again any day....anywhere....it is anybody's guess.
Those of us that went were: Kale Recaido, Dustin Forsyth, Sonja Bruce, Derek, Cub and I.

Starting out, Kale, Derek and Sonja.

Dustin and Cub

We started out by heading right out to this new black sand beach and then headed up the shoreline.

The lava formations were amazing.

New growth is trying to get started.

The difference in elevation between flows is evident here...clear off to the right is what remains of Kalapana subdivision that was almost completely destroyed by lava.

What is left of Kalapana Subdivision

The kids with lava flowing in the background....this is when we first arrived, shortly after this a couple new lava rivers opened up.....it was amazing.

New river starting towards us.

Flowing like crazy here....ocean waves on the left.

Silly Sonja!!

Quite an experience to say the least.