8.07 & 8.08 Caldera and crater rim (Friday); Thurston Lava Tubes et al (Sunday)
Volcanoes, craters, calderas, steam vents—fascinating with danger lurking all around. Sulphur dioxide spews from holes in the ground at the rate of tons per hour. Lava flowing towards the sea, destroying anything and everything in its path, capturing fresh land from the ocean and annexing it to the island. Change and growth, difficult but necessary for both humans and land. There is a lot going on underground—we only see the result of the action when the earth’s crust cannot withstand the force and pressure; then it explodes. We make no pretence to understand it; at least, we are learning a little. Many of our photos depict mist and cloud. This is steam, contrasting condensation and vapor. It has rained each night in Volcano Village, our town on the eastern side of the island and lately, during daylight. Fortunately, it rained for thirty-six hours commencing Friday night through Sunday morning, thus not affecting our outdoor activities. We had a great day of weather yester...