Hawaii Geology Field Trip – Part 2
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- Category: Blog Friday - Steve
In Hawaiian mythology Pele is the fiery, bad tempered goddess of the volcanoes. Last week we experienced her moods. By design we were staying close, but not too close, to the active volcanoes. If lucky we could get to see one of the most amazing sights in nature as molten lava flows into the Pacific Ocean. This is the story of not being so lucky.
The best time to lava spot is sunset as the glow stands out in the increasing gloom of dusk. We drove down at 5.30, for a punctual tropical sunset at 6.00. We get to the ominous “End of Road” sign. We are told by the polite but firm Park Ranger that the viewing area is closed. The lava has “broken-out” and is now advancing on a house. The emergency services are there.
Frankly that sounds great. One man’s personal tragedy is another man’s excellent holiday experience. But no we are not allowed to go there. We drive back disappointed, but determined to come back.
We follow events on the lava watchers website. The lava creeps closer to the house, but does not consume it. We try our luck and drive down the following evening at sunset. The lava is now a couple of meters from the house – and still the Park Ranger says no. At this point I start calling on Pele to get her skates on and just burn the house down! We’re only here for one more night! The house was built on a 1990 lava flow and frankly they knew this was coming.
The next day we keep on checking lava watch. House burnt down in the small hours of last night – hurrah. Park now open – double hurrah. We head off with high hopes. As we get closer we see a huge cloud rising from the horizon of where lava meets sea. Our excitement and hopes rise. Third time lucky.
We arrive only to be told, yes you guessed it, viewing closed. There has been an emergency closure 15 minutes ago and they are getting people out. That huge cloud is full of sulphur, which when it comes in contact with water turns to sulphuric acid. That includes water such as the stuff which lines the inside of your lungs. I want to argue with the Ranger. Surely it cannot be that bad, a little tart perhaps, but nothing worse than lemon juice. Is there some kinda insurance wavier I can sign for me and the kids? I promise to hold my breath!
We turn back. We know the true power of Pele. She is a moody old so and so. Now if I recall there used to be a Volcano outside one of the casinos in Las Vegas, erupting promptly every half hour. Pele could learn something from that.
