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It's a beautiful day here on Maui. I'm sitting in the Northshore Hostel in Wailuku, getting out of the sun for a moment. Let me catch you up on our last destination, BIG ISLAND.
After our three days in San Fran, we flew over the Pacific to Hilo, Hawaii. (This plane ride was much more pleasant, no screaming children, although somebody did have a seizure while we were in the air. The doctors came forward and helped, and the man was ok, I think.)
At the Hilo Airport, my good friend Bo picked us up and drove us back to his house in Kalapana. I had the pleasure of living on Big Island for a short while in 2008 - 2009, and during that time Bo and I toured the island singing country favorites and June Carter/Johnny Cash duets.
Bo lives in the most unexpected of places... on an active lava field. Kalapana has been the site of active lava flow for many years now from the Kilauea volcano. It used to be a full community, but the lava covered the place in (what I believe was) 1989-1990. Bo built himself a house on the moonscape in Kalapana, where there is the constant possiblity of his house burning down and the access road being covered by lava. There are a few others living out there as well, and though visitors constantly ask why, I (sort of) understand. The landscape inspires a great respect for our planet, and requires the surrender of personal control over matters that most would like to think themselves in control of.
Pele is the Hawaiian Goddess of fire. This volcano is her home.
One morning Bo, Mikey, me, and a few others got up in the dark and hiked up the hill to meet Pele. The walk took us an hour and fifteen minutes or so, all over Pahoehoe (the slow flowing lava that creates the moonscape. Fast flowing lava is called A'a, and it is almost impossible to cross.) The hike took us up and up, and as the ground dropped behind us, our view of the ocean got better and better. Soon, it seemed, Bo called out, "I see red stuff!"
I'm not sure what to say about standing a few feet from molten lava... um, it's really hot? It's undescribable. Inspiring. HOT.
A truly life altering experience. Our 5 day stay with Bo was fantastic, and filled with fresh orange juice, papaya and coconut smoothies, good stories, company, and ofcourse MUSIC. We sang in the evenings and the neighbors would applaud. Bo even got Mikey singing at the top of his lungs! (He's got a great voice in there, you just have to take his drums away to hear it :)
What a WELCOME (back) to HAWAII!
- comments
James, James Bond I misssssss youuuuuuuu guyyyyyysssssssss Give Mikey a big ol' polty smooch for me. I'm gonna stalk this blog like it's my job, and the good folks at Penne Lane send their best. I'm filling them in on your journey when I see them. Lots of love, hugs, kisses and well wishes. Be safe! xoxoxoxo
Lizzie & Joe (Mom & Dad) Thanks so much for creating this blog allowing us to vicariously participate in your amazing adventure! We are entirely envious of all you are experiencing on your travels and love & miss you both so much!
Spencer Hey Love Birds, It sounds amazing, I am very jealous. I didn't know that you had made this blog so I am very excited to see where your adventures take you....Must say if you can make it to Prague, I highly recommend it. Well I hope you two have a wonderful monday as I am sure that this how adventure is a lifetime of Valentines days for you both. Stay safe and healthy!!! Love you guys!! cheers, Spencer