16.06 Haleakala, an introduction to a Wonder
After spending two nights in the Haleakala National Park, more specifically, in the crater, we found ourselves in constant wonder. At the scene of natural destruction many years ago, whoever is prepared to enter the crater is more than rewarded for the effort. We will go into further detail of the experience in the following missives but will limit this one to these opening words and a few pictures. We have so many photographs that it is almost impossible to relegate any to the sidelines. Finally, on Friday morning, the third leg of the hike, we left the eastern border of the park and trekked over nine miles to the western side, gaining 3,500 feet, much of it over the last three miles. The Sabbath arrived appropriately and just on time for our weary bodies and elated souls. Diversion to high ground on Halemau'u Trail. We descend into the crater on the first afternoon in light rain; hiker wanders among rocks. We wonder why our cheeks were damp after wa...