Gave the lava viewing route a try - credit given where credit is due - the county, state, PTA, et al, came together in a matter of days to provide a better alternative than even the views from Saddle. Pretty busy, but many openings for parking as you go and the last stretch puts you on level so you can see all the way from flow front to fissure (clouds and fog variably blocking or enhancing the view - was totally fogged in with not even a glow visible when we arrived, but broke up quickly making for some impressive interplays of light and clouds, and then cleared up almost entirely shortly afterwards).
Also would agree that it appears this eruption is going to be short lived (no progression down rift, small number of fissures, limited output, etc) OR it will block Saddle and/or this Old Saddle lava viewing route in the coming week(s) so give it go while you still can if interested!
Also would agree that it appears this eruption is going to be short lived (no progression down rift, small number of fissures, limited output, etc) OR it will block Saddle and/or this Old Saddle lava viewing route in the coming week(s) so give it go while you still can if interested!