“People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck

Thanks for that John – you’re correct. For today we spent 11 hrs on a guided tour of the volcano park in the SE corner pf the Big Island. We learnt heaps on volcano’s in general, and in particular the latest lava flow to come from Kilaeua. A government warning was issued in recent days as a 2 mtr wide lava flow has sprung (that’s my term) 30 kms away from the volcano itself. Travelling at 250 yds a day it is expected to become a nuisance in the coming days. It has the potential to cut off as many as 10,000 residents from the rest of the island. The home of our driver tonight said his home is likely to be threatened, having purchased it only a year ago.

While we were learning of the reality of life on a volcanic isle, our tour was indeed interesting. We did a crater rim walk, viewing the open crater from a distance of about a mile – it lokked a helluva lot closer. WE walked thru a 100 ft long lava tube, which is where a hollow cavern was formed upon the lava flow cooling, and is like walking thru a mine. We got up close and personal with the steam vents – this is where moisture drops into cavities or fissures, creating steam to spew forth. You stick your head above one of these to get your “facial” – I tell y’all, within seconds, if you can stand the heat, the moisture drips from your skin and your clothes stick to you from the intense steam temperature. Do not do this commando! Then the biggie – we viewed the volcano opening (from a safe distance) and in the inreassing dark saw the red hot glow of the latest eruption. Fascinating stuff!

I must say, our young female guide was a walking talking encyclopedia on all things naturist, horticultural and historical. She is a well learned person that is putting her efforts into sustainable living by growing her own produce – an interesting story herself.

But the winner today was certainly the magic of the volcano. This island has several volcanoes, which when measured from the base (underwater) are the worlds tallest mountains. It’s a little weird listening to your radio and hearing emergency warnings on lava flows and the possibility of the need for evacuations. Especially as you could outrun it. But in all seriousness, we hope our hosts remain safe and well. The reality is, one day this island will come to an end due to volcanic activity, maybe in our lifetime, but probably not. Ponder that as you eat your raost lamb on your back deck.