Lava viewing

[Carey]

We went tonight (Wed - 11/18) The lava was flowing all around the point that faces the visitor viewing, and there were 3 or 4 additional ocean entries just behind the point that were illuminated by dusk. The main plume had glow & flow visible before dusk & at & after dusk it was very nice (esp. with the wisp of a crescent moon above the plume)

Oh, & that never changing sign at the trailhead said that there was no flow visible! (I can only think that they post that so that everyone thinks that they got more than they bargained for!)

[Kelena]

My brother, Garry, and his wife are on island, so any updates to this topic would most welcome. I have the impression that we have the ocean entry flow goin', and scattered flow on the pali, but no road crossings or walk-up magma like we had a few weeks ago.

I also note that there is a little action at the summit, with a lava pond deep below that is quite active.

[Greg]

There was a bench collapse sometime around thanksgiving. The plume has been smaller with just glow visable after dark. No "walk up close" lava.

The plume is quite a bit larger right now, but I won't have an on site update until later tonight. Has anyone been to the entry in the last day or so?[8D]

Stoneface

[Kelena]

Thanks, Greg. Can always count on you to let us know what she's up to. I did not know about the bench collapse.

[Greg]

Sorry about the lack of Lava details. There hasn't been much to report. A lot of Lava is currently entering the ocean, but is hidden behind the point. Good plume and glow, but no actual lava visible from the viewing area.

Visitors are usually thrilled by the glow and proximity, and you never know when something exciting is going to happen. I hope your guests are having a great time, Glen.

Stoneface

[Kelena]

It's so kind of you to provide the updates, Greg. They seem to be having a good time and the weather, I hear, has been spectacular. I may have to retire early.........

[Hazen]

i've been out twice this week. good surface flow as of tuesday if you hike out past the plume. i've never stopped at the "viewing station". Down here most of us who live here either wait til after 10pm when the cops are gone or take the road down to the coast and hike in past the cops. it only takes and extra five minutes. i don't ever bring anything other than a light or two out with me, preferring to travel light. always one extra light in the group, preferrbly a headlamp. I stick to the coast so i don't get lost and try to only go out on full moons and clear nights. the osurf does come up and drench the coast and there are many unstable cliffs. also some great blowholes and arches. low surf and tides are a plus. where the flow enters the water if the tide is low and waves are calm and if the access is there you can walk right up to the flow. steam can easily occlude things otherwise. a tripod is a necesity for any successfull pics. if you walk past the cinder hill (usually very voggy) and look back there is usually an unobstructed lava fall into the ocean.

please recognize i am a healthy active young person who does this sort of thing commonly. this hike requires, climbing up rocky escarpements, hiking for a solid hour, possibly getting soaked by the ocean, possibly being in the rain and wind the whole time, lots of large black holes, voids, cracks, and collapsed tubes, unstable and sometimes slippery lava, an extremely unstable area, (13 acres fell in a few years ago, try outrunning that!), very sharp lava, caustic gases, and occasionally if you're lucky large plumes of molten magma, smoldering ejecta, and fast moving lava.

I have seen amazing things, but as you walk around and see changes you recognize how unsafe it can be, the sand is very sharp and can cut you in addition to irritating your skin, the vog can definately cause problems, and i've had hot lava land feet away from me. but it can be a sublimely meaningfull experience. it certainly brings joy to many. make your own way.

[Greg]

Hazen,

I somehow doubt that you are a Hawaiian with ancestral ties to the area. If I'm wrong I apologise.

Having said that; It's disturbing that your sublimely meaningful experience has to be at the extreme disrespect of the local families who's land you tresspass on to "make your own way".

It's also bothersome that you seem to encourage the same disrespect from others. Our local responders regularly put themselves at risk to come to the aid of self indulgent people seeking a "meaningful" experience outside the safe viewing area.

Your not nearly as enlightened as you seem to think you are; just insensitive to local culture and people.

Update:

The area has been closed the last couple of days due to unstable wind direction. Today(Sat)they attempted to open it but had to close and evacuate when the wind shifted and the plume began dropping acidic debris and gas on the area. Mahalo's to the staff that constantly expose themselves to these conditions to keep visitors and residents safe.

Shame on those who would encourage people to take illegal, disrespectful, and dangerous trips past the viewing area to stoke their own lagging self esteem.



Stoneface

[robguz]

I'm with Hazen on this one. I see nothing disrespectful in what he is doing or the way he stated things. The average tourist should not go out there and he isn't advocating that. But many of the rest of us can and do go out there without incident. It's probably more dangerous driving after 10 pm around here than hiking out to the lava if you are a cautious and experienced hiker. Everyone going on the county trail is also on someone else's land, hundreds of people a night. As far as I know, none of those land owners have stopped the county from allowing it. I read Hazen's post as actually pretty heavy on the warnings, and think it would discourage more people than it would encourage.

[dakine]

since this eruption began.. in 1983.. I have seen all types of folks venture out beyond whatever line gets drawn in the sand.. rock.. forest.. it don't matter where.. there's always a line.. and people to cross it.. and others are fine staying behind it. though it should be noted that the dangers are very rarely understood by the majority of people that venture beyond. over the years I have come to believe the most danger lies with those that visit repeatedly and fool themselves into thinking they understand the dangers, know where the 'real' line lies, and are usually very quick to discount any warnings that might be suggested by others.