Lava
Flow
After parking the car, we had to walk this road for
about a half mile to where the lave is. The road
was just recently covered with lava and made impassible
on Feb. 22nd, 2003. We arrived here around 4:30
which is a perfect time to arrive. You definitely
want to get here while you have a few hours of sunlight,
so you can see where you are going, and you want to stay
past dark, so you can see how the lava illuminates in
the night. At night, we could see the glowing lava
much more clearly, miles farther up on the hill, and how
the lava was burning down the trees as it flowed over
them.
Here is where the lava trail begins. The ranger's
lay out markers on the lava to help guide you to where
it is safe to stand. They are reflective so it
helps you get back at night. The most important
item you need when visiting the lava, are 2 working
flashlights. They are essential if you stay past
dark, which everyone should do. You can see a
group of people about 100 yards away viewing the flowing
lava. If you look closely, you can see a "No
Parking" sign which was just recently wrapped in
lava. One month before I arrived, the road in
front of me was used, until the lava devoured it.
Here is where many people congregated to view the lava
as it spews out. The 2000 degree lava flows out,
and within minutes, a crust is formed on top, and cools.
Everyone there is standing on crust that recently
formed. Although the crust on top is solid, inches
below the surface, you can see molten lava flowing
beneath your feet. You can get a sense for when
you are getting to close when your ankles start burning.
This is no place for sandals. Sturdy footwear is a
must. The bottom of my Nike's actually melted when
I was standing over a hotspot.
After being near the marker's and common area for
awhile, we felt comfortable enough to venture out on our
own to discover new areas. It is amazing watching
as lava eats up and takes over fresh earth. Here
shrubs burn as they become victim to the lava.
Here
I am with a piece of wood stabbing through the lava
crust to light the wood on fire. This is as close
as I could get as the 2000 degree lava.
This
river of lava flowed and took over this area within
about 2 hours. This lava flow was about 10 feet
tall.
We
saw what appeared to be a group of geological students
as they surveyed the lava.
Staying
past dark is a definite must to see how the lava
illuminates in the night. Just remember to have
your flash lights!
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