Check on that Vocano Watch site...Kiluea is doing stuff the volcanologists are totally perplexed about...they are calling in the Mt. St. Helens crew!!!
Madame Pele is really upset
Good Luck! Make sure you have fresh batts and memory in the ol' Nikon!!
Wow. We'll be on the BI in three weeks again too. I've never seen Halema`uma`u like this before.
http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/update/images.html
This message was edited Mar 25, 2008 10:16 PM
OMG, Aloha! Is that on the big island? Do you live there? Are you near that Waiakukabunga (w/e) place? What about the sulphur dioxide and ash, not to mention the lava. Yikes. Batteries??? Jeez, John, she needs asbestos shoes and a fireproof rowboat. What about the other Hawaiian lady, Braveheart? Does she live near there?
Oh Lordy, Carol. Please take care of yourself. Nothing is worth your safety.
Christi
Braveheart lives on Maui. The volcano there has been dormant for hundreds of years.
Christi
Hey, don't rule Haleakala out just yet (though it has NO connection to the BI's volcanoes of course). But one day it'll likely erupt again. Subsidence of the islands pushes stuff up from the old volcanic neck... think La Perouse Bay back in the 1790's.
Keonikale-- I'd turn back if I were you..... Who's Madam Pele anyway? She doesn't work for the ladies soccer team. What is she, the goddess of virgin volcanic sacrifices or something?
Pele is one of the most important Gods/Goddesses here...She is the Goddess of Fire, which covers a lot!!! Should you want to move a rock, it is wise to tell Pele you will take good care of it where it will find a new home....
Luckily the trades are pushing the eruption 'stuff' away from us...and we pray NOT to get Kona Winds which will bring it down here. Crater Rim Drive is closed to the public... None of the Hawaii volcanos have ever just spit out ask and it has the local volcanologists perplexed. Needless to say, we are all watching carefully!!!
No worries, Christi...we are upwind (99% of the time) and not considered to be in a dangerous zone....
We try to keep about 7mo. of stores on hand...we live on rain catchment and have a gazillion batteries....tons of fruit trees and the vegies are coming along just fine!!!!
Aloha...
I think a lot of folks still hear volcano and think Mt. Saint Helen's. Granted the photos of this make you wonder (that is rather unusual - though Mauna Kea got its steep slope from explosive eruptions like this). For those who don't know... shield volcanoes rarely erupt explosively like those on the west coast or in the Aleutian islands in Alaska. They mostly erupt lava slowly (like the vents east of Pu'u O'o are currently doing. Lava finally reached the ocean near Puna for the first time in nearly a year. I hope we'll be able to see it... Pele seems to always divert her flows when I'm there). We photograph the islands yearly for our website and books and I'm really keeping my fingers crossed for some good pahoehoe shots for a change.
We're staying just outside the park in the northern portion of Volcano village. I just hope the gas emissions don't cause any of that to close. I'd heard evacuations were possible if the SO2 got too bad.
Between the earth quakes, near hurricane misses, and volcano... the BI is just a rockin' lately.
Glad to know Pele's on your side. Please be safe. Would sure love to see your pictures. Can you post some here?
Me? Or Carol? Sorry I was confused - I think Pele does NOT like me. But I've always been a fan of Kamapua`a (which on a forum like this, makes sense yeah?). Google the name and you'll see what I mean. Herb Kane does some wonderful artwork of the gods and goddesses of Hawaii (and other historic scenes).
This message was edited Mar 25, 2008 10:48 PM
LOL Yes, it certainly does make sense. Especially on an island with an active volcano.
Have a good and safe trip. May Kamapua'a be with you.
Debbie
Thanks, we'll be on Kaua`i before we stop by the BI. I am sure I'll find away to bring several new plants home too, my DW has probably had about enough of my collecting.
If you wanted to see some of the photos we've taken over the years, just check the photos area of our website at http://www.hawaii-guide.com
I especially love the BI's Hamakua Coast:
http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii_gallery/gallery/C65/
Leave it to me to turn every hobby into a 'job.' I'm surprised I don't have 5 greenhouses yet. Don't think it hasn't crossed my mind. LOL.
This message was edited Mar 25, 2008 11:31 PM
keonikale...call when you get to BI if you have time.
Will do, I hope we'll have an internet connection each night.
Keonikale...we have a cool lava tube (the Kazimiro Cave)...should you want some Jurassic Park pictures?
Hey, where's that cave located? In Kea`au?
I love the lush green photos, even if they can be more of a challenge at times to perfect. Don't get me wrong, I love shooting the volcano and such, but I could spend hours in Akaka Falls park or the gardens up there and shoot macros all day long.
And on a side note... can you recommend any good nurseries in the Hilo area we could stop by? We usually hit the market in Hilo on Wed/Sat morning - but I'd love to stop by some nurseries too. The HTBP is so expensive; I'd rather look at nurseries this visit. I'm primarily interested in cuttings of gingers and heliconias. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I saw your other post about your friends online store opening - is their nursery in Hilo?
This message was edited Mar 26, 2008 3:30 PM
Yes...his nursery is up in Waikea Uka... Possible to go there...maybe we could share a pot - you take a tuber I keep the pot. I have lots I can give you cuts of....we have 12 acres...kinda a park! You should also hit the Makuu Market on Sunday...lots of small growers there - one woman has Obaki Anthuriums...
The cave is the largest continuous cave in the US (world?)..it is about 3 properties mauka of us...we have a rope ladder to climb down into it...very Jurassic! Endemic ferns growing all around...Cool.
Call me.
Carol
That's It! After Keonikale's pictures of the Hamakakua coast I'm moving!
Really nice photos!!!!
Carol, the maps show Royal Gardens subdivision. Does that mean homes? I'd be high-tailing it for sure.
Christi
This was an interesting article:
http://www.pr-inside.com/brave-or-foolish-lava-lovers-live-r502168.htm
Royal Gardens and Kalapana was mostly destroyed in the early 90's, but a good number of folks still live out there. I think the recent flows actually destroyed more (abandoned) homes. There were definitely some beautiful things destroyed back when Pele came through there a decade and a half ago. The black sand beach was a big loss as was the new Visitor Center, not to mention the countless homes and communities.
When those vents opened up east of Pu`u O`o last year, I'm sure several folks in Pahoa raised an eyebrow.
Thanks, Kale. Some people like to push fate.
True, but there's something appealing about that to some folks. I can't say I'd want to live on a lava flow, I'd be more inclined to live somewhere lush and wet. Once upon a time I had hoped to study volcanology at UH Hilo, but life is full of surprises and that never came to pass. Honestly I think I've always loved Hawaii most because of the jungle. LOL
Aloha.
Aren't these lava flows awesome and awe-inspiring? Pele will know when the flow has to stop and she'll make sure it stops.
I say this because my grandmother lived us when I was a kid. Every spring when the snow melted, the river would overflow and flood the neighbourhood for a week - sometimes more. My grandmother would have my father and my uncle move a large statue of the Virgin Mary from her room to the bottom of a small flight of stairs off the balcony. She said that rather than getting her feet wet, the Blessed Mother would stop the rising waters. We never had any water higher than the first step of those stairs.
The first spring after my grandmother passed away, my father and uncle refused to move that statue. The raging waters and ice floes ripped the balcony off, stairs and all. My grandma knew who was really in charge of controlling those waters.
That's why I believe Pele will know.
Pu'ole, AKA sylvain.
I agree, Pu'ole
Kilikina
Mauna Loa came knocking on the door of Hilo a while back (March of 84 I believe), and the flows just barely stopped at the edge of town. Many no doubt believe the prayer and chants of one lady helped save the beautiful town (second largest in the state).
But that brings up a good point. Kilauea is unquestionably the worlds most active volcano... but no one ever mentions Big Brother next door anymore. Mauna Loa, when it erupts... it'll make the eruptions of Kilauea look like kid's play. Mauna Loa is the worlds Largest Volcano and can put out more lava in a day than Kilauea can in months. Mauna Loa scares me... and I mean really scares me. I would NOT want to live in its shadow. Beautiful mountain no doubt, but a looming reminder that Hawai`i is very much still alive and forming.
That subdivision is empty now...Royal Gardens or whatever. A lot of Kalapana was taken out...as well as Kapoho. They are in zone 1. You cannot get insurance in Zone 1. Zone 3 is the safest of all the zones in line for something (maybe0....then it goes up to Zone 7 which is North of us.
i live on a 300 year old lava flow - lush and green and junglelike.
Carol
Yea...it is not IF Moana Loa will blow...but when. She is overdue.
I'd love to see the property taxes for the folks who did rebuild out there on those flows. I mean, how do you even survey that? Most of the interviewed folks in that article didn't seem to mind the risk. Cheap land and all, but that's one heck of a risk. But I guess how else would you get like 21 acres for $95,000 in Hawai`i? Add another zero for most other places.
OH...that is a really dicey part of Puna...there are other places, above the E. rift that are Zone 3.
With all the chaotic weather, world wide, I suppose we must expect Pele to join in the dance. Let's just keep all positive thoughts flowing toward our "aloha" friends on all the islands, that She stays in a good mood, and doesn't get carried away.
Thinking of you all!
Yokwe,
Shari
My son wrote from Bellingham, Washington this morning that they had snow and freezing rain. 32deg. HEY...isn't this supposed to be spring?
C
yuk! One of our signs that spring has sprung is a pecan tree. They were budding today. Hallelujah!
Christi toscano.com
Aloha all,
Moana Loa does worry me a bit (there's me saying that and I live at the foot of Haleakala, only presumed dormant!). I understand that it is, as Keonikala says, a question of not if, but when. Tsunami's are a bit of a worry too because if one of the BI volcanos goes off and blasts debris into the ocean, the rest of the islands only have SECONDS to get off the beach and up to higher land! Think of the millions of tourists we have! Not sure it's any safer in Washington and Oregon from what I hear, tsunami wise. I am begining to think I watch too much Discovery Channel on the TV!
I guess, for me, it's a happy trade off...at this moment in my life I would not like to live anywhere else than on these beautiful islands. I am with Shari, chaotic weather everywhere, nothing seems to be stable anymore...
Ah Christi, the pecan trees know when it's Spring! I am dying to see everyones gardens come to life after the winter...
Warmest Aloha to all..
HUMMMM, Christi... fresh pecans, MMMMM (drooling à la Homer Simpson).
Volcanoes, tsunamis, catastrophic winters, floods, hurricanes, : so many things to worry about. Here in Florida, they tell us that the melting of the polar ice caps will submerge most of the state that isn't already Everglades (delightful place). As former president Regan used to way: Well... we live on the 2nd floor. I'll get myself a boat and tie it to the balcony if and when that happens. Nonetheless, news from increased volcanic activity on the Big Island is always worrisome. Such wonderful people live there. May Pele stop saber rattling soon. Our thoughts are with you.
Aloha, a hui hou aku.
Pu'ole, AKA Sylvain.
My father said often, "We shall live till we die and we will all die. Not any of us are going to get out of here alive". So live everyday to the fullest enjoying each moment right where we are. Having seen paradise it is now no mystery to me why Jenny or Carol or John choose the islands. Were it possible, I might be packing up to move there myself. After all the most dangerous place one can be is in a car. Statistics show by far the most accidents happen within 25 miles from home. We are all optimist or we would never get in the car again. We expect to get where we are going safely. The volcanoes give hints. It is up to those nearby to decide the next course of action. I live in what is known as "tornado alley". Tremendous damage when it suddenly comes from the sky.
This planet is just showing us that it is still growing and changing. The weather and other natural occurences always confound mankind because he cannot control it. There in lies the problem.
Chow
Princess Kilikina (goddess of knowledge) smirk
Funny you should mention that. Someone told me something similar some time ago, and I printed it and have carried it my wallet ever since.
"In all things, if the 'worst' happens I still stand by my motto that it's better to LIVE and die young than grow into old age and have 'missed' life. That and I feel like I'm on good terms with my Maker so I don't mind going from one life to the next if it happens. As far as I know, life itself is 100% fatal anyway."
There's an interesting story here; if you don't mind my sharing. I often look back at the time I first heard that and wonder why I'm still here (in SC) at times myself. Hawai`i was once my dream; and still is in many ways (my website no doubt speaks for that). But I think in many ways I've become infinitely more familiar with Hawai`i since that time and understand it's a lot more complicated than picking up and moving. Even though I've spent many months in the islands and have countless friends there, no doubt Carol and others can vouch for just how different life on the islands is; politically, economically, socially, culturally, et al. I think perhaps over time I've been more grounded in my 'dreamy' reasoning. At times though I do wonder if my growing older is making me more and more cautious than the year before and that perhaps I'll never LIVE like the motto I've carried around for so long. I guess that's what got me really interested in gardening, especially with tropicals. I figured if I couldn't physically go to Hawai`i - I'd bring it to home to where I was.
But who knows what the future holds. Thanks for your post Christi; it's often good to remember that mindset. It's easy to forget it in the bustle of day to day life.
I, for one, am glad that I don't know the future. I would say that your choice of not living in the islands has been a blessing in other ways. Your website held me hostage for a long time just a few days ago. You have a different perspective than you would have had if you were a permanent resident. Not thinking South Carolina is exactly a bad place to be. Not sure what constitutes the full definition of LIVING. While mine is much more mundane that most, I am quite happy with it. My garden is mostly a hodge podge and I love it whenever I see another seed pop the top of the soil. My visit to Maui cannot be topped. I cherish every moment and every memory. Your pictures took to places I have just seen with my own eyes and I was thrilled. We all have a purpose and, thank goodness. each purpose is different.
Life is what we do while we are waiting to die. That is not meant in a maudlin way. Just a fact.
I, too, have made reservations for the true paradise.