September 16th, 2001

Big Island - Day 4  - Correction - Day 3

Today, we headed out for a 3 hour drive out to Volcano National Park.  We went this afternoon so that after we drove and hiked to the spot, it would be almost dusk.  You can't see much lava flowing when it is light outside.  As it got dark, we saw the hills come alive with lava flows.

When we were first getting setup to take pictures and video, we were sitting on some 5 year old lava and felt a little earthquake shake the place we were on.  It was the first time I felt the earth move.... what a weird feeling...

I am also going to include a movie clip on here... it is about 5 MB.  Probably about an hour download on a modem.  Right-click on the file and hit SAVE TARGET AS.  Video clip (5.4MB) 15sec You can hear the ocean waves crashing on shore and see the steam billowing up...

Sunset in progress over the steam plume where the lava is flowing into the water.  It is comprised of steam and Hydrochloric acid.  The hot lava combines with the hydrogen and salt in the water and forms HCl.

It is getting dark and it is lighting up....

Here are some of the flows through the steam

The hills are leaking lava as it slowly oozes out.  Note the fire that is burning up on the right side of the picture.  

Set the timer, run across uneven terrain without tripping and pose for the camera...  Not Easy!!!!  

About an hour hike back to the car, and 3 hours ride home.  It is now 12:30 AM (Hawaiian time) and I am beat!!!