Hawaii and Volcanoes

Peter and I just spent 2 weeks in Hawaii.  We have visited the lava fields, an active volcano, and walked through lush forests.

The lava fields were amazing.  They looked like mud, but it was all black rock.  Here, I am standing where the lava nearly crossed the road.  Needless to say...   no one drives this road anymore.  The lava took out a village, but nearby, several houses were left standing...  and the people still live in them.  Imagine having this as your front yard!

We stayed with friends who have a beautiful house in Hilo. So fresh pineapple and papaya was on the menu everyday as well as gigantic avocadoes!

We also spent one afternoon in a mini submarine, looking at the underwater reef...  and another afternoon looking for whales from a sail boat.  We found a female whale with her calf...  all we saw was a giant flipper and a few tail slaps.  But it was fun.

Hawaii

We are on the big island of Hawaii, staying with friends in Hilo.  What a fantastic temperature, day after day.  Hawaii seems to be a very laid back place.

Leaving Sydney, plane aborted our take off on the runway due to a 'flap warning light' and we had to sit on the tarmac for 4 hours before they decided to cancel the flight!  They arranged for us to fly out the next day.  What a bore!

Off to visit the volcanoes.