8.11 Mauna Loa—Part 2—A brutal hike
Following a night of adventure, we set off from below the weather station to reach the peak of this active volcano. If you recall, the night was spent sleeping in the car acclimating, a synonym for not sleeping. We anticipated the day might be somewhat anticlimactic after a most interesting evening. A few reasons still lingered on whether to consider canceling the hike: The wind was strong, the temperature was at freezing, oxygen was in short supply and the early going was tough. The latter point, of course, was foolish but it happens. By the way, the station monitors global warming. We would like to see them think locally, rather bring more warmth to the freezing volcano. The Destination—Moku'aweoweo Caldera, Mauna Loa, at 13,700 feet. (Try prounounce that name) Soon after commencement with Mauna Kea in background, Jenni in spacesuit for dealing with altitude and cold. The view is prominent the whole way up. We used it to judge progress along the route Jenni captures...