Our adventure for the day is the Haleakala Sunrise tour. We had to meet the bus at 2:30 AM going to the top of a dormant volcano 10,000 feet above sea level. The park at the top is regulated by the state of Hawaii, so if you do not have a pass for the day you can't get in. Our driver "Dino the Filipino" said that we would be competing with 14 or so other tour buses so he was wanting to be one of the first ones there so we could get the prime photo spots. (I think we ended up third if you're keeping score at home). The literature we had said that it would be cold and to dress appropriately (it may have said "like winter"). My thought was seriously we're from Michigan. This is Hawaii. I think we know a little more about winter than you do. So I planned jeans, hoodie, light gloves and a hat. Which is a little disturbing getting in to at 2:30 in the morning at the resort in Maui. We arrived at the park around 4:45 and were told the sun would start coming up around 5:15 with full sun at 5:45. No lie it was cold getting off that bus. The temperature was in the 30's but the wind was the killer. Of course the wind was dead in your face at the direction you needed to look at for the sunrise. So until the first light started to appear it was turn away from the wind and curl up! I love photography but am far from an expert and sunrise and sunset pictures I have always struggled with getting the right shot, because I'm just want to be a point and shoot guy. Here are the best pictures as chosen by Stephanie. We think these should be in sequential order from first light going forward. As the sun came up it did warm up and kind of didn't notice the cold anymore. (Steph: not AS much…)
(Steph: btw, yes, those are CLOUDS….I asked out loud, "Is that fog???" I was told by my friend's husband, "No, those are clouds." She said she was glad I asked, cuz he would have made fun of her! 😉 )
(Steph: Todd failed to mention that as soon as the sun rose, he was outta there–heading up as high as he could get to take extra pics of the crater itself! Most of the rest of our tour group–and other groups–headed back to their buses…and WARMTH. Todd is ALL about the explore and the adventure. I, however, was not doing more climbing; I waited for him patiently, so I could get the goods/pics, too! He took many more, but editing is needed.)
The Silver Sword plant. Native to Hawaii. Only grows at high altitude. Will flower once and then die.
Inside the crater of the volcano.
Just love the fact that we are above the clouds and the contrast of the rocky ground against the sky. Also can see some Silver Sword plants.
After the tour we drove back down the mountain and had breakfast before returning to the resort around noon. Between yesterday's travel and today's early morning wake up and excursion it's definitely time for a nap! More adventures tomorrow…stay tuned.
Note: Less than 1% of all demonstrators earn the incentive trip each year.
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