The volcano had stopped its bleeding before we arrived. There was no place day or night to be able to see glowing molten lava flowing to the sea. Decades ago we had hiked at night across an old lava flow using stone cairns and a flashlight over a mile to guide our way over an older lava flow to see the glowing fire in the distance. But this time Pele had spent her energies and anger and retreated once again into sleep letting her long black hair flow across the land as the only remaining evidence of her power and passion. We drove up to Volcano National Park to get close to the steaming crater.
The Southern end of the island is streaked with ancient and newer lava flows in most places. Rock that is smooth like a river (pahoehoe) or coarse (aa) like broken glass can be seen when driving down the roads. The reminder that all is temporary on this island is ever present.
Later in the day we hiked across the uneven lava and through "tangatanga" which is a common name for an invasive close growing shrub (cannot find the link); we startled herds of wild goats; and we almost became lost a few times before we found one of the larger fields of open lava where Hawaiians had carved many petroglyphs. While standing in the hot sun on the open black rock, the thought that someone spent hours rubbing away the lava to create a pictograph of their life or a prayer for their life is humbling.
The small "pukas" or holes are where umbilical cords of newborn children were placed as an offering for long life.
This is the old Hawaii, far from the maddening crowd, but not too far from a few maddening tourists.
Neat petroglyphs. I always like to see those wherever I am. Someone wanted to leave a truth as they saw it
ReplyDeleteAncient history....that is amazing to be walking there. And wild goats...neat. Andrea
ReplyDeleteYou were in Hawaii when Kay was in Japan. Next time you can go to Japan while she comes to the mainland.
ReplyDeleteAnd too, I bet the humidity was way up this trip.
Scary volcanoes are. Beautiful photos
ReplyDeleteWow, great volcanic experience. I, too, hate the cold air-conditioned stores, restaurants, offices and sometimes have to leave b/c it's just not comfortable. Don't they know that the more they air condition, the more they contribute to global warming?
ReplyDeleteNice to see some of off the beaten path areas.
ReplyDeleteWent to Vesuvius, but not to Pele, that would be a wonderful adventure.
ReplyDeletemessymimi
Such an interesting place to visit!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate tourists who get off the beaten path, and find history.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteFascinating introduction to the place, though I would be slightly wary of volcanoes!
Interesting spot, Hawaii, as plate movement takes the islands over a hot spot. The northern islands have been there in their time.
ReplyDeleteI never think of Hawaii as being hot, either. Those petroglyphs are fascinating. Thank you so much for sharing such great pictures with me. :-)
ReplyDeleteA very interesting place.
ReplyDeleteI’m surprised you didn’t see any molten lava at night. Just a few years before the big eruption my son and wife hiked toward the ocean into the night and spoke of seeing the glow. Perhaps that was just part of leading up to the explosive happening.
ReplyDelete