Hike 5: Haleakala Crater, Sliding Sands, Red Crater and Moon Shot

A picture paints a thousand or more words

Harsh and gorgeous

Can you hear me?

Stationary clouds filling all voids

A Day of Awe

Here are your options: Go to work and suffer the Monday blues or perhaps you’d like to see one of the world’s spectacular sights. You’d better let me know soon,” our editor demanded in a tone we don’t often hear. “How long is this hike and how high?” we wanted to know. We are becoming quite analytical these days. “Listen, smarty pants, you won’t want to miss it. We are going to be climbing quite high after we drop down first. Count on at least nine miles but prepare to see a ‘masterpiece painting’. By the way, we commence at 10,000 feet so start breathing now, you might need the extra air.” ‘Do we look like a camel?’ we wondered. We’re learning when to hold the tongue…very slowly though.

Diverting to floor level

We decided to spend Sunday night close to Haleakala National Park so we booked into a cottage in the area. In the end, it wasn’t a bad idea but did not save us much driving time. Local knowledge is invaluable. We also extended our stay in the condo for another week. It is a delightful place and we have a nice landlady.

Another of The Great Artist's Works

Even to someone not keen on the outdoors, the hike seemed full of potential. We set off heading to the ‘floor’, diverted down to the ‘Red Crater’, climbed back up to rejoin the Sliding Sands trail, heading down again for the ‘floor’ and then stopped for lunch. The return hike was steep but steady, whatever that means. Result: Embedded in the mind and heart are images that will stay with us for life—we presume we have enough gigabytes of memory in our brains. We are also hoping that we retain firm thighs but we are less certain of that.

Subtle coloring

A phenomenon occurred at the Red Crater. We circumscribed it and stood on the edges notwithstanding the wind that gusted from time to time. It gets a little scary when the wind blows, nevertheless, it was amazing. Back to the phenomenon. You might notice the red t-shirt of the ‘reluctant hiker’ in the picture. The crater is so bright and powerful that it causes the color red to reflect off the t-shirt. Quite something! Hmm. We can ‘hear’ the cynics among you saying: ‘What about the blue shorts?’ Well, what about them? We are not going to dignify your question with an answer.

Another day's work

Spot Lil' Jen................(click on picture & then back button when complete)

A remarkable place, a wonderful day. We’re pleased we skipped work today. Our editor sure can pick ‘em.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

A reluctant goodbye