How far to the snow?

[ironyak]

Have to drive over Saddle tomorrow and have some extra time. IF the access road is open by then, anyone (TomK?) know how far past the visitor center it is before some snow can be found?

[TomK]

Snow starts at around the 12,000ft level. This is close to the summit region, so essentially it's a drive to the summit. About 30 minutes from the VIS in a decent 4WD vehicle. However, the road is currently closed. Much of the summit region is covered in ice (we've had a couple of falls amongst staff).

Summit road access status can be found here:

http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/current/road-conditions/

and you can also call 935-6268.

[ironyak]

Thanks for the update Tom! Maybe I'll just hang out at the visitors center and soak up the cold air, but the chance to do donuts in the summit parking lot may be too tempting to pass up

Out of curiosity, do they spread sand or salt on the road or parking area? If not, it sounds like they may need to issue crampons for you all - stay safe!

[TomK]

No, nothing is spread on the road or parking areas. It's kind of an environmentally sensitive area!

As for safety gear, all the observatories have their own gear but I don't think crampons are typically available.

Summit crews usually leave before it gets that bad - at least they're supposed to...

[Mimosa]

In the early to mid 1950s,we had an old slow 4x4 military jeep from the 1940s.Top speed of 35mph.
We put her in granny low with mainland chains and crawled up n down Mtn,well B4 any modern roads of today.
Had about 8 feet snow and deep drifts.Never did make it to summit though.We were able to get to almost 9700 ft elevation according to our old WW2 altimeter of yesteryear.Still have it some where in tool barn,long out of use.
That is a memory we will always treasure.Took 3 days from Hilo town and back.
Saddle back then was more of a poor example of Mana road today.

[TomK]

Mimosa - thanks for sharing. Was there even a trail to the summit back then or was your trip off-road?

[Mimosa]

in summer no snow times there were useable horse/mule trails over to kamuela town,mostly switch backs in and around the different Pu'u's Tom.
There was a trail to top of Maunakea though but we seldom went on top Mtn,just up to 10,000ft level,the old jeep did not like past 10,000 ft and let usknow and grumbled the whole time
The snow actually was almost a foot deep where intersection now is up to maunaloa,we used to ride horse from volcano / glenwood through known hunting trails are,where kulani prison now stey over to kamuala and take about a week or 10 days.
We had camping spots to rest the animals and our own selves if weather was junk,which is often the case.
This winter is extremely similar weather wise to 1958,it should start to have regular rains again starting around march 8th,but if this is typical year which we have not had in the last 10 - 15 years ,we should get some good rains and trades in about 3 days for maybe a week tops and then dry till march 8th.

Seems like we are starting a new 10 to 15 year cycle again.

It is good to be in our 90s in age - 9 decades and counting.

I think i will be on my 2 legs till age 108,God willing.

[TomK]

I hope you will be on your two legs 'til 108 and beyond, Mimosa. Thank you so much!

[PunaMauka2]

love the old mauna trekking stories, mimosa!

[opihikao]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mimosa

in summer no snow times there were useable horse/mule trails over to kamuela town,mostly switch backs in and around the different Pu'u's Tom.
There was a trail to top of Maunakea though but we seldom went on top Mtn,just up to 10,000ft level,the old jeep did not like past 10,000 ft and let usknow and grumbled the whole time
The snow actually was almost a foot deep where intersection now is up to maunaloa,we used to ride horse from volcano / glenwood through known hunting trails are,where kulani prison now stey over to kamuala and take about a week or 10 days.
We had camping spots to rest the animals and our own selves if weather was junk,which is often the case.
This winter is extremely similar weather wise to 1958,it should start to have regular rains again starting around march 8th,but if this is typical year which we have not had in the last 10 - 15 years ,we should get some good rains and trades in about 3 days for maybe a week tops and then dry till march 8th.

Seems like we are starting a new 10 to 15 year cycle again.

It is good to be in our 90s in age - 9 decades and counting.

I think i will be on my 2 legs till age 108,God willing.

---

Aloha, Mimosa, you are a precious soul. Mahalo so much.

These memories are forever engrained, and as you "speak", the visioning of your mana'o is front and center.

Bless you. Always.

JMO.