Adventuring!

The past few days have been a blast - I planned this trip with about a week extra beyond the Ironman so I could do and see all the fun stuff Hawaii has to offer. The day after the Ironman we piled in the car and drove to the volcano. No matter how many times you say it, "liquid hot magma" in a Dr. Evil voice never gets old. I took a few pics as we were driving, then fell asleep for the whole middle section of the trip.


The scenery was incredible - you go from barren landscape to lush greenery - from high priced hotels to small window-less shacks. The two lane road, pretty much the only one, meanders high above the ocean, then drops back down into the "tsunami zone". It's spectacular.

Volcanoes National Park is incredible. It sits about 5,000 ft above sea level and you can see the smokey plume from miles away. Like, 90 miles away. Once in the park, you enter into land of the lost - totally Jurassic Park style. Ferns are bigger than most of our trees back home and the banyans weave an eerie landscape. Lush meets iridescent black volcanic rock. Signs in the park dictate the dates of certain lava flows - craters the size of football stadiums are considered "small".


Sadly, because of massive amounts of dangerous Sulfur Dioxide being emitted by the volcano, we were not able to get close and see flowing lava. Bummer. It was still amazing to be standing on ground with liquid lava flowing underneath. Well, cool and scary as hell - especially when you're hobbling like a cowboy.

We took a hike through the lava tubes and a beautiful rain forest before taking in the craters with cracks and lava and smoke bubbling out.


It certainly was an adventure and we saw a zebra farm among other curious sites on our way home.



On the drive back I desperately wanted to visit the black sand beach. Everyone was ready for some splashing time, so we pulled into the park - the only non-locals there. Everyone was so sweet and wished me well on my Ironman.

The "sand" is actually smashed up lava rock and it is shiny, soft and beautiful. Larger granules than white sand, but still lovely. Palm trees sprout out in the surf line and seem to bask in the warmth emitted from the stones. The water, takes on a beautiful deep hue as the light blue meets the black sand beneath. Huge Hanu were everywhere - this beach is apparently a popular napping spot for the turtles and a place with mystical powers according to the locals.

I was worried one of the turtles was dead, but was assured repeatedly that it was napping. They are beautiful animals and I do love a good nap.


It's strange to be a northerner down here - We are so used to rushing and here, there is none of that. I've begun to settle into the relaxed pace. Maybe it's the heat, or maybe it's some greater wisdom - take it slow, enjoy the ride, hang loose, dude.

I sure will try...