Volcano

Today's activity included a drive over to Hilo for our Circle of Fire helicopter trip.  We drove along Highway 19 to Waimea and then along to the coast.  Stopped at Tex Drive in for a Malasada.  Can't say I'm sure what the fuss is about.  Drove up and walked the short loop to see Akaka Falls, then on to the Botanical Gardens at Onomea Bay.  Found our way to Hilo International Airport (very tiny) and located the Blue Hawaii desk.  Grabbed a quick bite at the airport and then waited for our flight.  The lava flow was amazing and crazy that it stopped so close to community.  There were some homes engulfed  and burned by the lava.  Interesting that the rainforest is so wet that wild fires don't start, the only burning is where the lava has touched the tree.  While the lava has stopped advancing, it has far from cooled.  Saw molten lava igniting trees at the fringes.  Looked right in to the Po'o U'u crater and could see lava red hot and moving. Also learned to that the area is very active seismically, with solidified lava shifting and sliding into the ocean.  Apparently, SO2 being emitted along with steam and smoke.  Saw patches of elemental sulfur on the surface.  On the way back, flew over some waterfalls.  Flyin Brian was our pilot.  Shared the copter with young family from Los Angeles, young boy was funny with loads of questions.  Once back to the airport, decided to drive up to Volcano National Park (30 miles).  Had a look at the massive Kilauea Caldera from the Steam Vents overlook.  Then walked through a lava tube which was interesting.  As daylight was waning, dedided to head back to Hilo and take the Saddle road over the island to Waikoloa Bay.  What a drive.  Unfortunate that we did it after dark, might just do again in the daytime.  Road from Hilo just climbs and climbs for miles.  Through some cloud/fog which reduced visibility to almost nothing, Karen found that to be quite frightening. Down the other side and after a couple of wrong turns and back track, found our way to the Orchid.  Long day of driving and looking forward to a relaxing day at the beach.