How do you pack for a hike where the weather can vary from (30 to 80) degrees in a day? Normally
it’s not difficult as you take what you think you might need and add extras. However, when one has to
carry the burden, one becomes more circumspect. With a combined 50 pounds in our packs, we descended
about 1,200 feet into the crater from our starting point which took us 3,500 feet below the eventual exit.
We parked the car at the visitors’ center at the summit and approached two men and a woman who were heading
to their car. We asked whether they would be kind enough to give us a ride to the trailhead, some seven miles
below. The Missourians obliged. When we asked whether we could expect them to collect us three days later,
they thought about it and realized we were not serious. Sometimes our accent and manner give Americans
pause for thought or maybe, they see through the silliness.
A later positioned moon, in poor light, creeps above the mountain.
Jenni-fresh, strong and highly motivated by the gorgeous volcanic desert.
Red Crater, we spent time exploring it three years ago during a day-hike.
The weather was gray and rain looked imminent. Each time we put on our rainwear, the rain ceased.
When we removed it, the rain returned. We are not smart enough to realize we should have kept the rain
gear on for the full descent. Upon arriving at the cabin, only a four-mile hike on the first afternoon,
we noticed two youngsters approaching. After greetings were exchanged, they headed for the campground.
We opened the hut and realized we would have it to ourselves. We shouted for Kendra and Dan to join us
for the night. We enjoyed a wonderful time together, talking to youngsters filled with wisdom well beyond
their years.
We made a point in an earlier missive so we suppose it’s correct to follow through now. We were hoping
for no volcanic action in the crater but warned the editor it did not preclude the ‘earth moving under her feet’.
Fortunately, the volcano was dormant; unfortunately, the earth under the editor’s feet remained ‘asleep’, too.
You can’t win them all.
Smoking Mounds with the highest peak behind (rear-right).
Full sunshine in the west as the clouds follow us from the eastern side-the destination rim behind.
The sun, clouds and mist set off the deep-colored red sands.
The first evening provided a rising full moon, one which was different from any we remember. It was
reminiscent of the sunsets we have seen on the island in form but without the bright light. It edged
up over the side of a mountain and was, for a time, partially shielded by clouds. Add in the sunset
colors and it became a moving experience. This continued as the size appeared to grow, the clouds
dissipated and the orb positioned itself high in the sky. We are appreciating more and more the natural
wonders that abound. Some are tucked away while many others are there for the taking.
Early morning clouds above eastern boundary with a view of Mauna Kea, Hawaii Island. We intend
to hike to the summit of this beauty soon.
Early morning departure. View of mountain bathed in sunlight uncannily similar to one in Peru.
A strong Haleakala scene with a big drop-off under those clouds. Trails can be seen down below.
Side view from Sliding Sands trail.
We were also privy to a rather unusual occurrence when a pair of nene geese began to mate. It was a
fascinating experience, for us too, and we believe not commonly seen. The specie is considered the most
endangered bird in North America according to park sources. Perhaps, a bit more of mating activity will
do the trick because we understand this type of behavior can become quite enjoyable for its participants.
We have a sequence of pictures that we might publish but of course, for mature audiences only. A nene
remains with the same mate for life. We remember when humans considered that an admirable trait. Apparently,
the birds must be old-fashioned.
“No, editor, we are not trying to make a point.”
The businesswoman dressed, locks up the house, checks the birds' feed and departs for the office.
The biggest mountain we spotted on crater floor.
On the edge of a slightly blooming golden cliff
A red diamond in the rough?
On the second day, we headed for the eastern boundary of the park. This enabled us to see most of the
eco-systems within Haleakala on the seven mile walk. We were close to a rain forest, passed through thick
vegetation, treaded on hard volcanic rock for a while followed by volcanic stones and finally soft sand, the
latter in completely barren regions that almost glow in colors of red, orange, green, blue and gray. The sprinkling
of plant life, including the proud silverswords, adds character to a volcanic desert. Although walking on the
various surfaces can be quite tough together with steep climbs, the beauty, serenity and vast, open, uninhabited
spaces provide feelings not easily describable. It probably means something different to each individual.
Another of the red crater within a crater, favorite.
Jenni on the final stretch after traversing the crater at different levels.
To be continued…
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
No comments:
Post a Comment