Volcano erruptions, earthquakes and Vog!!

This excitement began on Thursday, May 3rd when Kilauea
erupted in the lower Puna district of Hawaii.
Late that  evening, more than 250 earthquakes struck the volcano region in less than 24 hours, compromising the strength of the crater floor.  A powerful 6.9 magnitude quake hit on Friday, destroying the basin and spewing forth a flow of lava down the mountain.
Hal and I were at Costco getting gas when this earthquake hit.  We felt the car rock and roll and knew what it was but it was still a little scary!

Kilauea normally channels its lava flow to a giant lava lake near the magma chamber, but the earthquakes broke the internal structure, forcing the pressure up and out from the Earth’s surface. 

So then, a series of 11 fissures were ripped open, spitting long lava flows and toxic gas into the nearby Leilani Estates which is where we stayed with our friends (The Miles) when we went to the Hilo side of the island for Thanksgiving.  Fortunately for them, their home and Bed and Breakfast sit on higher ground and the lava flow has missed them.
The collection of pictures below were obviously not taken by us, but I did want a picture record of what has been happening on our island.

 The map below shows where all the volcano action is taking place.  We are on the opposite side of the island and about 100 miles away.

 These photo shows the gases, ash and steam venting from the volcano's cauldron - These gasses mix with fog and blow with the prevailing winds to the Kona side of the island creating gray skies and poor air quality.  Some days are worse than others depending on which way the wind is blowing!  

We also continue to have earthquakes which are causing the collapse of the crater walls at the summit.  The Hawaii Volcano National Park is closed due to all of this activity.

These are very determined golfers! No, Hal isn't one of them!

This photo shows fissure #8 which is still very active and empties into the ocean.

These eruptions, plumes and hot lava are beautiful but dangerous. 

 So far, hundreds of homes, roads, lots and businesses have been destroyed by the lava flows.  Tourism has really taken a hit and the end is not in sight!  I will keep you posted on what happens next.

The gray skies over Kona

A "voggy" Kona sunrise

ALOHA!!

Tom and Joan come to Kona

We were happy to welcome Tom and Joan for a visit to Hawaii.  They arrived late Saturday evening and we helped them get settled in to their condo which was directly above us!  Bright and early Sunday morning, we left to go to church together.  After church we came home and ate our Sunday dinner and then left for the Hilo side of the island.  Hal and I had been asked to speak at a fireside for one of the wards there.  This fireside was the "kickoff" event for their ward's Temple Week.   I am sure that Tom and Joan were really tired and jet lagged, but they were good sports and came with us.  

We both spoke about temple work.  

After the meeting, the ward had a pot luck buffet dinner.  It was quite a spread with food from many nationalities - Japanese, Chinese, Philippino, Hawaiian and American.

The food was beautiful, colorful and tasty!

Monday is our "P Day" and we left in the morning and headed north to Hapuna Beach - the best beach on the island.

 

It was a beautiful day for a swim in the ocean!

Next we stopped at Puukohola Heiau National Park and took a self-guided walking tour around the site.

After our beach adventure and exploring the National Park, we were hungry.
 We stopped for lunch at Kohala Burger and Taco where Joan had the fish tacos and Hal, Tom and I had burgers.  I think this is the best burger I have had on the island!!  It was yummy!

 After lunch, Tom and Joan enjoyed Hawaiian Shaved Ice.

Of course we had to visit the Hamakua Nut Factory because it was so close by (and also to get our fix of free samples of the nuts!). Then we drove home showered and relaxed for a while before we went to dinner at Loko Wrap where we enjoyed burritos.

 After dinner, we drove to the Sheraton to see if we could watch the Manta Rays eat their dinner.  

We discovered if we waited until the boats left to pick up their second group of snorkel Manta Ray watchers, the Rays would come to the light cast from the Sheraton. 

We watched as they glided in to feed on the plankton.

 These pictures don't do justice to these large, graceful creatures.

It was a long and busy day - but a fun day with many activities, good food and good company!

Tuesday, we started our week at the temple but after our shift, we went for an early dinner that evening at the Keei Cafe in Kealakekua.

 Tom had the pork chops, Joan had fish , Hal had a shrimp salad and I had the stuffed eggplant rolls.

  The next day we went again for an early dinner, this time at Keokis (our favorite place for fish and chips and fish sandwiches)

 The ono is always fresh and well prepared!

The next morning, Tom and Joan joined us at the temple and we went to a session together.  I was First Follower and Hal officiated.  There were only a few people there but it was good to share that session together.  Then we were able to do family sealings which was also a great experience.

Tom and Hal changed into "golf attire" and left for a quick lunch and a round of golf.  Joan and I went to lunch at a nearby Thai Restaurant and then we went "sister shopping"!  

 first we went to an open air market in Kona and found fresh pineapple, salad greens, Hawaiian aprons, ties, a dress for Joan and an "Aloha" plaque for my apartment door.

Then we went to Kealakekua to explore the thrift shops and antique stores.  This is always an adventure!!  I found a dress (a blue and white mu mu), an aloha shirt for Hal and Joan found a wild aloha shirt for Taylor (just what he ordered).  It was a great afternoon!  We went back to the apartment and fixed a big chef salad and garlic bread for dinner.

On Friday, we went to Sun Dried Specialties for dinner and enjoyed fish and crab and fish sandwiches.

Saturday evening we enjoyed our last evening together before Tom and Joan returned home on Sunday.  It was awesome to have a chance to spend time together and enjoy this beautiful island!!

ALOHA!!