Monday, March 23, 2015
We arose at 2:30 am this morning in order to get off the boat and on the tour bus by 3:45 am. Destination?
Haleakalā Crater to watch the sunrise above the clouds!
We drove for an hour and a half in the dark, back and forth along the switchbacks up the side of the inactive volcano. When we finally arrived at the top of the rim we were almost 10,000 feet above sea level. A crowd had already started to build.
Finally the first light of dawn.
Temps were in the 40s °F with a brisk wind. Fortunately we were better prepared than many.
Finally the sun began to poke its head up to cheering and native chants.
An amazing sight and one that none of us will soon forget.
The crater is 3000 feet deep and 3 miles long!
It was an amazing sight being atop the clouds. Reminded me of a shot Bud had above the clouds of Macchu Picchu.
We went the extra 150 feet or so to the summit.
This beautiful vegetation only grows near the top of the crater and can live for 50 years.
The two peaks above Moe and Lynn's head are volcanoes, 80 and 100 miles away on the Big Island (Hawaii).
There are a number of observatories at the summit.
The smoke to the right of us is a sugar cane burn, down in the valley.
We returned down the volcano and were able to see the road and sights that we passed earlier in the dark.
We returned to the ship for a nap and then went to the pool area to enjoy this awesome band.
We departed beautiful Maui after two very memorable days. We head now to the Big Island for more adventures.
Thank you Maui.
We enjoyed an excellent dinner at one of the restaurants before retiring early after two very busy days.
1 comment:
We are following every step of your great adventure and enjoying both the commentary and the fabulous pictures!
Gary & Jill
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