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Update, Wednesday.
There is a finger of lava adjacent to the pavement in the "dungeons" area. This is the remaining pavement just behind the worker's shack. The county people are opening the area up to allow visitors to get within a few yards of the lava.
This is a rare oportunity for the public to get "up close and personal". It is a very easy walk, and should last a few days, although no promises are being made. Bring your camera!
punatoons
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Thank you for the update, Greg, as always. It looks like we are back to the Thanksgiving Eve Breakout vent, with some sort of interaction with Pu'u O'o.
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Here are a couple of pictures I took tonight from the new "dungeons" viewing area. I think (hope)the lava is going to be accessable here for awhile. It's much easier to get to and can even be approached in a wheelchair. I think those who were discouraged by the long hike over pahoehoe to see the ocean entry will be excited by this new venue.
Right now the lava is in a small kipuka next to the road. It was fun watching the crowd react to trees flaring up and embers constantly giving a fireworks show.
The ocean entry is also putting on a good show!
punatoons
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Greg, that looks great! Thanks. I'll have to go back again soon.
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Where is the "Dungeons" area located? Thanks.
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The staff named the area "dungeons" because it's kind of off by itself and low lying in respect to the surrounding terrain. It's located about 150 yards behind (west) of the trailhead to the ocean entry.
I should clarify the "wheelchair accessable" part; To get there from the parking area, you must go about 75 yards on a gravel road, then another 75 yards on old pavement. I've seen wheelchairs on gravel (at Maku'u market), but it is
difficult going. The trail to the ocean entry was
impossible though.
The lava is slowly advancing eastward and the distance should lessen. It's impossible to predict, but if the present surface flow continues for any lenght of time the viewing area may have to be moved to accomodate it.
punatoons
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Thanks. This gives me a better idea as far as the location.
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Thanks, Greg! We had a family gathering in Puna in July and all hiked out there. They'll be excited to see your photos, too! Wish I could be there.
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Just got back from the viewing area. GREAT SHOW!!
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I just got back as well, I'd been to the viewing area two weeks ago so I skipped that and just went along to the continuation of the road to watch the lava eating up the blacktop.
Lots of black smoke and jets of flame. The trees weren't burning all that well because of the rain.
From the parking lot it's not even a 5-minute walk to the flowing lava!
Thanks again for the tip, Greg. And thanks to the County for opening it up.
