number although it's a large one as well nicely rounded. More importantly, in our opinion, is that we
believe this hike was a particularly good experience with some worthwhile pictures—some of our favorites.
The dawning of a new day, taken at over 11,000 feet on Mauna Loa, at 6:20am. Clouds fill the
valley between two giants. (Waited many month to capture fiery-edged clouds)
You might have noticed that we have a particular affinity for the Maunas, Loa and Kea. The Long Mountain
and the White one make this island particularly special for us. Mauna Loa dominates Hawaii with it presence;
its sheer volume including height are incredible. We mentioned before that although it protrudes more than
13,600 feet above the ocean surface, it’s true height measured from the depressed seabed, is an amazing
56,000 feet, twice that of Mount Everest. When we get our snorkeling gear operational, we should try climbing
from the seabed. Thankfully, we are able to live in an imaginary world much of the time.
Jen remains on track as heavy snow fell after our last visit (only last week). The going was tough.
Hualalai in the distance.
Jenni retroactively finds lost hiker on Mauna Loa. Apparently, he was 'goofing off' in a lava tube.
A couple of years ago, on our first visit to this island, we read that one should acclimate before
commencing hikes at relatively high altitude. We decided to sleep in the car at the time, thus allowing our
lungs to adjust as well as provide for an early start. After the previous week’s drama on the Long Mountain,
we decided to do it again and for this occasion to invite the editor, without high winds, to join us. One of
the reasons for the invitation is that many friends instructed us not to hike alone. We know they are correct
because we remember a command in the bible in which it is said: “man should not live alone”. It is not a
big stretch to substitute ‘hike’ for ‘live’, we suppose. We were also excited to be in position to view both
a sunset and sunrise; we would be on the mountain in the late afternoon and of course, sleep there.
Sunrise on Mauna Kea. Snow capped summit with observatories visible. We hiked to peak 8 days before
without any snow on the mountain. The right-rear peak is at 13,800 feet. (Below are insets)
Last week's pictures on Mauna Kea Peak, without snow, provide perspective of (left, middle & right-side) observatories.
See picture above using three insets.
The third volcano in the vicinity, Hualālai at sunrise, protruding above gorgeous clouds. It is about
3,000 feet below Mauna Loa's summit.
In early stages, before we hit real snow, Jen moves up with Mauna Kea summit in background.
After a cold night in the car, her feet begin to thaw finally.
Do you ever get that 'sinking feeling'? The earlier snowfall surprises us. Our cousin, Joel Zeger,
sent us snowed-in pictures from Toronto. Hawaii, Canada same weather.
We checked the weather forecast and received some useful information. Of three different expert opinions,
we could expect daytime highs of 39, 55 and 74 degrees during Monday. Exactly what we needed—a lottery without
much chance of reward. What we had failed to think about was snow. The previous week, the mountain was clear.
Unknown to us, the snow had sneaked in and partly covered the mountain. Whereas it provided a wonderful contrast
against the black lava rock, it created so many hazards that after three hours, we were forced to turn back—the
risk of serious injury was too great. On occasions, a full leg had sunk into soft snow in one of the many hidden
crevices.
The weather forecast anticipated a mostly clear night. It was correct. However, on arrival at the ‘campsite’,
heavy high cloud together with rain ruined the sunset we had anticipated would be spectacular. Fortunately,
our patience was rewarded with amazing sights from 6am the following morning. For the view of sunrise, with its
fiery effect on the clouds, together with the sunrays striking both Mauna Kea and Hualalai, were worth enduring
winds and cold throughout the night and early morning. We had thought of sleeping on the ground, in theory,
but the weather was most convincing about reconsidering that option.
Turning to the west to 'feast' on the effects of sunrise after a disappointing evening's sunset.
The previous night's clouds return to cover Mauna Kea later in the day, only summit visible. We viewed
the volcano during the complete hike and by the time we reached the car, it had 'disappeared'.
Going to all lengths and heights to avoid treacherous, soft snow. Week before it was volcanic rock only.
While sitting in the car, watching the rain, reading and snacking, we realized we did not need to be
there for acclimation. It seems that our bodies handle 14,000 or more feet quite reasonably. Without the sunset,
because of poor weather, the advantages would remain a sunrise and early-start hike. Funnily enough, it was
enjoyable sleeping in the car—makes a change from the sidewalks and alleys. We have become strong believers
in drinking a lot of liquid. We should, however, have eased up on our intake that afternoon. As an exercise,
try positioning yourself in a hatchback, crawl out of the sleeping bag, search for flashlight and sandals, vault
the backseat trying not to land on an editor, open the door in biting winds and freezing temperature, lower the
garments, even more difficult for a woman, and then shoot into the wind. In the early hours of the morning, one
is not that aware of wind direction which of course, is critical. Should the temperature have been a little lower,
it would not have been surprising to have created instant ice cubes. We have much sympathy for our editor
as she has a higher ratio of outdoor breaks, unfortunately.
"Do we still have to go through that little lot?" The editor inquires.
"We've looked at clouds from both sides now and still somehow..." Looking down on clouds is a wow.
Once the clouds lifted, the night sky came alive. First, the moon made a glittering appearance. Thereafter,
the stars lit the sky with such clarity. This was on display the whole night which, to be fair, made the bathroom
breaks that much more pleasant. The ringing of the alarm brought us to the surface and an incredible day was about
to begin. The views of Mauna Loa, covered in snow, was a delight although it hampered the hiking. Mauna Kea with
its dusting on the summit was particularly beautiful. For us it had enhanced meaning as we had hiked to that peak
the previous week before the snow. Our hikes on these two mountains were, as anticipated, the highlights of the
visit to Hawaii.
Masked bandit rides into town and realizes, "Boy did I take a wrong turn...for a change."
For scenes like this, sleeping in the car becomes attractive.
'Did we ever mention how much we love clouds?' First sun hits Hualālai early, some 3,000 feet below.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Only a slither but still effective
No comments:
Post a Comment