8.09 Halema'uma'u Crater at dusk: Nightlife on the Rocks
We altered our schedule today in order to accommodate a night or at least, an evening hike. We were a little nervous being alone with our editor in the dark. What would we do if she took advantage of us in the great, dark outdoors? … We should be so lucky . We’ve been meaning to get to this crater, which sits on an active lava lake, for a night view. It’s the crater spewing sulphur dioxide each and every day. You’d think that after 4 years it would grow tired. Tons and tons of gas spiral into the sky, both day and night, without a break. Although the nights are very cold and wet, the excitement of watching the show warmed the body and spirit. We are pleased we had the opportunity to observe Mother Nature put on a majestic performance. However, we are the first to admit that although it is pretty, the destructive nature of eruptions wreak havoc on the lives of many and for those that have suffered, we give pause. We read that Hawaii (The Big Island) is the youngest of all Ha...