Blogging from the Big Island

Family and Friends,

Greetings. It's been quite a while since I've posted anything in the blogosphere, so perhaps some tropical photos will make your February seem a little brighter. Paul and I have traveled to Hawaii for some warm sun, sand and surf. 
We are starting out on the Big Island of Hawaii - first on the "wet" Hilo side (which hasn't had significant rainfall in quite a while) for a few days and then over to the "dry" Kona side for a few more. Below are a few shared cell phone pics for your enjoyment.

On the Hilo side, we were guests of most gracious Maj and Peggy (Stanton) Balej in their hand-built house near Kurtistown and Volcano National Park.

 
 Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa as seen flying to Kona

                                                   

          Mauna Kea and small northern volcanoes

   Peggy's art studio - note exterior mural

                                                   

                                                                                                    Peggy and Paul in her studio

Given the clear weather, we spent the first day at Volcano NP, which centers on the active Kilauea Volcano, at the southern tip of the island. The "VOG" (volcanic sulphur dioxide gas and fog) was quite thick in places. Lava has not been flowing in recent months, but could resume at any time.

   

Steaming Kilauea inner crater         

       

   

                                                                   

 Fruit and flower offering (next to rock) to the gods 

Rope-like ridges of lava near the sea                                Sea arch of lava at base of Kilauea

                                                      

Ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs...hmmmmm, resembles some in NM

Blessed with a second crystal clear day, we drove up to the Visitor Station on the flank of Mauna Kea, enjoying the exhibits and silver sword plant enclosure, complete with another offering altar, bearing fruit, blue corn(!), flowers, coconut shells, wreaths and bits of fabric.

Later, the view was much greener as we picnicked in Queen Liliuokulani Park in Hilo and then drove up the east coast, stopping in at botanical gardens and waterfalls.

                 

To our surprise, the view at the Waipi'o overlook was not only gorgeous, but the access was closed to visitors, due to a Dengue Fever outbreak. It is a mosquito-borne illness that can be quite serious. Already 250 (mostly residents) on the Big Island had been diagnosed and were being tracked by the Health Dept.

 

To cap off our time in Hilo, we stopped by a favorite locals beach "Carl Smith" to feast our eyes on lovely clear waters, a friendly sea turtle and crashing distant waves

 More waterfalls (Rainbow Falls)

                                    A mooching "Moa" rooster

                                                                                 Tall and graceful Akaka Falls. 

Next, on to the Kona side for a stay in an organic coffee plantation!

Stay tuned.