Lava Flow

I remember that I went to see the lava flow in 2002 and 2003. I enjoyed but I injured my lid.
This time, I should be clam and not to be so excited...

This one day trip to Big Island was the part of the course of NDPTC. I am so happy to take the course related to Natural Disaster Preparedness though I feel I should work for natural disaster practically now.

We started to walk from the edge of Kalapana village where several houses are buried by the lava flow. The destination was the south part of the flow marked as "May 11-31 flow expansion " in the map of USGS.

 

On the way to red molten lava, we dropped in on the house buried by the lava flow. Students enjoyed to get into the car in the lava.

Molten lava flow.

 We arrived! after 3hours walk. 

Here we could see the molten lava, some times coming out from by breaking the black surface. I hope you can see red part from the photo. Actually, it was not so clear this time. But students enjoyed to take red lava with a pinch bar or wrecking bar. Some people cooked burritos with the heat of lava. I tried to cook sausages but I was too scared to be burned and didn't make it... Also we didn't have time to stay so long because we had to come back to Honolulu at the same day with the flight. Moreover, we had to walk 3 hours again to go back to the car.

When I see the lava in 2003, it was only 30 minutes walk to arrive at the molten lava. We could easily access and the lava flows are more red and active. It was great chance to take it with my hammer.

The weather was not too hot because of some cloud. It was great condition to walk for long hours. Of course, I was tired, but it was great to see the molten lava again. I felt "I am back to volcano!". Yes. Now I am very happy to be close to active volcano!!!