C.J. had his plane ride cancelled on him this morning and now goes up Monday, with any luck. He has some amazing photos from the top of Mauna Kea that I will post soon. For now…a couple of shots from C.J. and a couple from Linda.
The Experience of Eruption
The odd looking one that is just red and black by Linda was taken ten minutes after the eruption started, from our driveway! I have to say…that kind of volcanic sky will fully awaken you instantly. So bright and looked so close that I woke up our neighbors…who were then equally horrified! We live on the side of the Hualalai Volcano, it is active, but not erupting. Geologists have told us we’d only have about one hour to evacuate if that volcano goes off. So, we were a bit fearful that it had erupted. Fortunately, we found out quickly it was Mauna Loa, which is about 20 miles away. Luckily, not a threat to our area.
I am hearing that hotels rooms, cars rentals and helicopter reservations are filling up fast here. Will head out in few hours to shoot until sunrise. I will update you soon on progress. The eruption is showing some minor slowing and the front is advancing at only 40 yards an hour toward the Saddle Road…still two miles or so away.
Lava Tubes
Currently, I am half way through writing a new book about a terrifying adventure that Linda and I had inside a remote lava tube. I saw it today and that lava tube is now under about 30 feet of new lava. For those who have been to the top of Mauna Loa Access Road…that one lane road up to the NOAA station at about 12,000 feet…the flow crossed that road at the steep turn that has the white cell tower structure…the area of a lot of lava tubes. It is completely covered.
Although the Mars simulation structure and the NOAA structure seem to be spared so far, but both are cut off from electricity and the NOAA station can not be reached by car.
Come see this if you can. Certainly well worth the trip.
Aloha,
Don Hurzeler for C.J. Kale, Linda Hurzeler, and Lava Light Galleries, Inc.