We got up early in the morning (at least early for Bern & I) and left for the other side of the Island at 6:30 am. We were heading to Hilo and the volcano's on that side.
What a beautiful and rugged shore line greeted us on the east side. Not as many beaches but way more lush. We are lucky to be there on a sunny day, which isn't guaranteed here.
This was at a view point on the east shore. There were a couple
families tenting here. I didn't envy the sleeping on the ground but I did envy the sound of the waves.
We stopped to see Akaka falls. It was lush and beautiful, but we
were a little disappointed. We thought we would be able to get
closer to the bottom.
The flowers and green growth around the falls were magnificent.
No idea of the name of this flower
Another view from higher on the mountain down to the
east coast just north of Hilo
Stopped for the best fresh smoothie made with guava, banana, pineapple and coconut (all fresh)!
The crater at Volcano national park. It is spewing lots of steam and sulphur from the base of the crater. At this time there are no active flows on Big Island. The last lava flow stopped 4 weeks ago, but the underground pressure is still always present.
We decided to drive to the area where the latest lava flows have flowed into the ocean. From 2-10 pm you can walk to an area to view the solid lava and until a few weeks ago you might see actual lava.
The road we were driving on was cut off by a lava flow. We got to walk the last 1/4 of a mile by foot.
This lava flow quit moving about 20 years ago. The owner of this home, bought it sight unseen. Apparently there is no water/hydro at the site and only a very rough road. House sites on this flow can be purchased for about 2 grand if you are brave enough to build here. The most recent flow came past this home less than a 1/2 mile away. HMMM
I loved to see how the lava, in as little as 10 years, could be reclaimed by plants that thrive on the porous rock face.
The line and texture of this solid rock was amazing. Just imagine this rock as pitch black. My photo's don't do this justice.
I loved to see how the lava, in as little as 10 years, could be reclaimed by plants that thrive on the porous rock face.
The line and texture of this solid rock was amazing. Just imagine this rock as pitch black. My photo's don't do this justice. 
Amazing photo, Heather. We are enjoying your stories and pictures and anticipating seeing all of this in the future. LOVE the "Where's Bernie" photo in the flowers -- too funny. That textured photo at the end of this post is fantastic too.
ReplyDeleteWill be following T & L's blog now too. Really.....what else do I have to do here but dream of being somewhere hot again (haha)?
Love you guys lots. Have fun!!!