8.16 Mauna Kea, sister of Mona Loa, two incredible mountains and volcanoes

We have no idea what Heaven is like. However, like many people, we have a little imagination and
use it to conjure images in our mind. Sometimes we share these ideas; other times we avoid making a fool
of ‘ourself’. Standing across from the largest mountain mass in the world, at an altitude of 12,500 feet,
1,200 below the peak, with thick white clouds straddling the saddle between the two Maunas, Loa and Kea,
it felt like Heaven. On one side, volcano cones stood proud, the sand and stones swept smooth by the winds,
devoid of any flora. Beyond the red and dark brown sand interspersed with cinder stones, the low clouds
provided an ideal backdrop in virgin white. As we turned again, Mauna Loa’s peak, a place we sat last week,
peered above the clouds, the rest of her great body dressed in shrouds. At one stage, its massive size felt
so intimidating and overpowering that we almost raised arms and exclaimed, ‘We surrender’. The dynamics of
the weather moved mist and clouds back and forth, changing the scene constantly. We were in awe.

Mauna Loa, from Kea, partly shielded by clouds

Doesn't get much steeper than this

When the going gets tough...

Each time we continued climbing, after watching the dramatic performances, we found that Heaven is much like
earth when it comes to physical endurance—it's tough. We mentioned in an earlier blog that we gained 3,300
feet on the hike but did not attempt to reach the summit. We began late and after hiking Mauna Loa the
previous week, we visited this equally magnificent mountain more out of curiosity. It means we have some
unfinished business on the island. Nevertheless, it was a superior hike; we consider one of our finest.

Trying to absorb the dynamics of an incredible place

Many cones scattered over the mountain—this one with cloud background

Some consider the many observatories positioned a little below the summit to be the finest in the
world and on the premier viewing spot, too. The University of Hawaii manages the location, which houses
observatories owned by various countries including, Britain, Japan and quite a few others.
It is the place where the real stars ‘hang out’.

The return down to the Visitor’s Center was a breeze. The pace was fast as we struggled to keep our feet
on the ground—the steepness encouraged our legs to break into a jog, something we had to fight. In the
distance, we observed cars struggling towards the observatories close to the peak. A ‘four-wheel drive’
vehicle is encouraged when taking this road, both up and down. What a mountain. What a treasure!

The early going, the promise of good sights

Barren but attractive, shaped so naturally

Take a break, you earned it, Jen

“Please hurry along, we’ll be late,” shouted our editor.
“Won’t be a minute, we’re just watching the last of this movie,” we answered.
“Movie? You’re sitting outside the supermarket. What are you talking about?” Jenni wanted to know.
“Look at all the moving pictures. Every second person is covered with tattoos in this state,” we answered.
At the time, we wanted to see if the eagle on the one fellow’s arm would attack his buddy’s snake as they
shook hands.

Of course, we are trying not to be judgmental but we wonder why people desecrate their bodies in this fashion.
Hell, you want to harm your body healthily, go climb a mountain.

"Loneliness of a long distance Walker" (a borrowed title), or how to trudge and drag.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

Did you notice what's behind you?

Attractive desolation

Playing hide-and-go seek again