Volcano National Park

The highlights from the last few weeks include several exciting excursions. Last week I went with four friends to Volcano National Park. At the National Park we hiked across Kilauea Iki, a crater with lava rock formations and steam vents. This crater was a lake of lava 50 years ago. We also walked through the Thurston Lava Tube. A lava tube is a natural conduit through which lava travels beneath the surface of a lava flow, expelled by a volcano during an eruption.

We could only view Kilauea Caldera from a distance. This is the most active area of the volcano currently oozing lava towards the ocean.


On a seperate hike I was able to see lava flow and burning trees from about 300 yards away. There was one section of land that still stands as an island among the fields of lava rock.


Last weekend I rented a pickup truck/camper from one of my friends and took off on a 24-hour excurion to the north side of the island. A scenic drive along the ocean and then up through the Kohola Mountains brought me to my destination, Pololu Valley Lookout. I hiked down to the ocean from the lookout and then continued on a hiking trail to the next valley over. I felt invigorated walking this trail as I enjoyed the pristine beauty and the quiet solitude. I didn't see any other hikers for the 3 hours on the out and back trip. One section of the trail was so steep that ropes had been put into place to help people scale down and then back up again. I also came across a really thick section of bamboo with a very thin trail through the middle of it.


After the hike which brought periods of rain showers on the return trip I drove over to the west coast for some sunnier and warmer weather. Another scenic drive took me from the tropical area where I hiked to a warm and dry region just down the road. I stopped at Hapuna Beach for a swim and to watch the sunset. Later I found a place about 50 ft. from the ocean to park and spend the night. In Hawaii there aren't a lot of regulations or fees with camping. You just find a spot that doesn't bother other people and you're all set. In the morning I had time to squeeze in a short hike to a waterfall at Akaka Falls State Park.

Back at Kipuka Temple friendships continued being built and plenty of activities were made available. Afternoon Qi Gong, frisbee on the lawn, a dream circle, men's discussion group, an erotic art show, and the conscious sensuality workshop have all been rewarding activities. I was also pleased that my first batch of sunflower spouts, pictured in the last entry, turned out great and were used in several meals.


Even the youngest member of our community, 16-month old Tookah has been enjoying my sprouts.

Waipio Valley

Day to day life in Hawaii continues to be excellent. I'm very fortunate to be spending my winter in a tropical paradise. Aside from my regular activities I've gotten the chance to try a few new activities including Watsu, Qi Gong, Contact Improvisation, and Acro Yoga. There are classes offered at nearby Kalani Retreat as well as in our house with community members. In the picture below I am being flown in acro yoga.


Fruits like the ones pictured below are abundant to the point they can be found or harvested for free. One day while bicycling I picked up a beautiful ripe papaya and put it in my backpack. I also went on an avocado foraging trip and helped collect about 40 softball size avocados. We picked up some off the ground and plucked more using an avocado picker. The picture below includes a lilikoi top left, noni fruit bottom left, strawberry papaya, and a large avocado. They're all delicious except the noni fruit which smells like blue cheese gone bad.


I've started a sprout growing program for our community. I will grow some sprouts in jars and others in trays. Hopefully this will be something occupants of the house will continue once I return to the mainland. Here's a new tray of sunflower sprouts I recently started.


The highlight since the last blog entry was a daytrip I took with my friend, Kevin. We drove about an hour and 45 minutes, mostly along the Hamakua Coast to reach Waipio Valley. Kevin went to meet one of the locals he had met previously to disucss the possibility of a work/trade arrangement. I ventured to the ocean front to eat a picnic lunch on the beach, hike, and swim in the ocean.

Waipio Valley is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. The valley itself is lush and green with several farms scattered about. Add the 1,000 ft. valley walls with waterfalls and a beautiful beach and I was in awe. I also surprised to see a group of wild horses. After lunch, I hiked through a waist high stream and then along the beach to reach the hiking trail on the other side of the valley. I then headed up for a couple of miles stopping several times to enjoy the scenery. A return trip to Waipio Valley for a 3-day weekend of camping and backpacking to Waimanu Valley with people from the house is in the works.