Tuesday, October 26, 2010

On the Road-Big Island

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park:

A lava flow crossed the road in 1979, closing the road and burying the sign, encasing it in stone forever. This photo was taken down on the coast.

Kilauea caldera -- In essence, the drive you take over about twenty-five miles (or so) is taken over an active volcano and series of calderas. There is a lava tube system that empties out into the ocean.

At the opening of the Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku). It feels much like you're going to enter a Disney-style ride.  The descent through the rain forrest (where it was raining -- as one might expect) into the black lava tunnel is slightly surreal, but fun.

I had high hopes of some off-road driving in a rented Jeep -- but I found that the road had been PAVED. I felt sooo betrayed! The Saddle Road used to be an unimproved road. No longer... :^(

3 comments:

Opus #6 said...

Love these pics. Sorry they paved your road "more traveled". :-(

LL said...

I know, Opus - HOW DARE they pave a road!

But the volcano was cool and HOT at the same time.

darlin said...

Looks like you're right in your element LL, that road closed sign wouldn't stop you back home. It's a shame that they paved the road, that would have been an awesome adventure.

Was 79 the last year the volcano erupted? I know nothing about volcanoes or Hawaii and nor will I unless I ask.

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