Lava Flows!!!

February 10,
We are in Hilo today and we have chosen to do a ship's excursion called the Land of |Frozen Fire..
This is what they told us.

Experience the land of frozen fire,firsthand, on this half day excursion.Your journey begins as you board your air conditioned mini bus and set out to discover the duality of the Volcano Goddess Pele.
Learn how volcanoes like Kilauea can both destroy and create. a phenomenon spectacularly on display in the lower east rift zone that experienced the 2014  and the 2018 eruptions firsthand. Pass through Pahoa town, a unique place full of resilient people who truly know how to "Go With The Flow". See the island's newest black sand beach and learn the story behind its creation. Along the way stop at some of Puna's iconic landmarks, such as the nearly inundated county transfer station., sea arch and painted church. See the famous rainbow falls, an 80 foot marvel where the Wailuku River plunges 100 feet into a turquoise pool.
 Finish your tour with a chance to stop in charming downtown Hilo and the chance to treat yourself to Hawaii's favorite treat a refreshing shave ice.



We went to the Princess Theatre to wait for time to go to our tour transport. It was a small mini bus and our guide's name was Dave.

Before long we were underway and the first stop was at REED's Bay. This was mainly a photo stop as we were not far from the ship. This is a popular beach for the locals especially people with small children. I was fascinated by the fact that the Ban Yan trees were trimmed but not allowed to spread our all over the park.

Next we drove to the lava Flows. Sometimes we were on previous flows and there were times when we were on the new rowd that was just built over the 2018 flow. On the new road the lava was piled high on either side of the road. It was absolutely awesome, and unimaginable.

Dave told us many stories of what it was like during the eruptions. He told of how the lave stopped within just a feet of the county transfer station. So he took us to see the lava at the dump.

Next we went to the new land that was created when the lava plunged into the sea. Dave said that hundreds of new land has been created. The site of the walls of black lave ending at the blue of the sea is striking.  Here when the hot lave hit the cold water the lave exploded and in the process fine black sand was creaded. Because of the motion of the sea the sand was then carried inland to what was a beautiful place to swim and launch boats or picnic for the day. Now the pond is completly blocked and filled with the black sand. We were able to walk on the sand and see the new coast.

Where the lava stopped!!!

The waters edge and the black sand.

This map shows in pink the area that has ben covered in lava during the 2018 eruptions.

Our next stop was the painted church. Dave told us that the church has been moved twice and this is its third location. Inside it is strikingly beautiful . The walls and ceilings have all been painted with religious scenes.

From there Dave took us to Rainbow falls.

Our last stop was at the farmers Market in HILO. Ken got a shaved ice and I got a coconut ice cream. There were no floral umbrellas :-(

Dave returned us to the pier because our wonderful tour had come to an end.. It was 5 hours well spent indeed.

We went to the buffet and got some fruit

We rested till dinner and after dinner we went to the theatre where we enjoyed the talents of 

ventriloquist, Dan Horn. We had seen him on a previous cruise but he was still funny.

Then we soon called it a night. There was lightning and we enjoyed watching that from the balcony.