Notes from Hawaii

photograph by Stephen Stickler

My older brother John recently moved to Hawaii and just sent these incredible photos of  Kiluea Volcano, which is on the Puna peninsula on the east coast of the Island of Hawaii.  In the photo above, my sister-in-law Soma Han is standing in front of a giant lava-cliff cave.  Just an amazing shot of all that volcanic texture frozen in time.  

My brother writes:

"We finally made the hike down to the wild coast where the hot lava from Kiluea Volcano is pouring into the sea -- the only place in the world where this is happening right now. It is a rough walk over miles of rugged black lava from past flows, the newest land in the world. But it was worth it. We arrived at sunset with Stephen and some other friends and watched the glow from the fingers of flame increase in intensity as night came on."

Soma tells me that it was a very long and difficult walk out to see Kiluea volcano flowing into the ocean --90 minutes over very rough pathless volcanic terrain by daylight and on the return, in the dark with head lanterns  and flashlights a couple of hours.  Grueling but a thrilling adventure.

These amazing photos were taken by my nephew, photographer, Stephen Stickler.  I feel so lucky that they sent these to me and gave me permission to share them with you on my blog.

photograph by Stephen Stickler

Here the Kiluea volcano is pouring  hot lava into the ocean.  A once in a life time picture, I think.