Thanks Ronie & DFL. We haven't been to Kauai but it is on our list. When we stayed in Maui, we could see Molokai from our condo. One morning, there was a triple rainbow. So pretty.
Today's pictures will be of Mauna Kea, one of Kona's or the Big Island as many call it, five volcanoes. It is the tallest mountain in the state with 13,802 feet or 4,207 meters above sea level and is the highest point in the state of Hawaii. If measured from the sea floor, it is 33,000 feet (10,000 meters) beating out Mount Everest as the world's tallest mountain from base to summit. Now dormant, it is about a million years old. Because of its high altitude, dry environment, and stable airflow, it is one of the best sites in the world for astronomical observation There are thirteen telescopes funded by eleven countries located at the summit. They are used for scientific research across the electromagnetic spectrum from visible light to radio. Thank you wikipedia for the description.
We decided to drive to the summit to watch the sunset. I told my friend when she was packing that it was very cold there, and indeed it was 24 degrees F or about 4.5 below celsius. Did she believe me? Ok, she brought a hat and socks and had to layer most of her clothes to stay warm. There is an altitude acclimation point at around 9000 feet, and it is much needed. It is very easy to have a slight case of altitude sickness from headaches, dizziness or slight nausea if you don't acclimate. It was a bit easier for us living at 5500 feet. My friend lives in Houston, so it was a must to stop. It is best to use the restroom there, as there are none at the top, and you must drink a lot of water at high altitudes. We pushed our little rental car up the dirt road once the pavement ended, even though it cautioned only four wheel drive vehicles should attempt the drive. We started to slip at one point, but master driver DH got us there.
The view is absolutely amazing. You literally are above the clouds and watching the sunset over the clouds and the sky dripping with stars is a once in a lifetime event. Sadly, pictures of the stars did not take well. Once dark, the observatories started to position and open for their work. I might add that you cannot tour the observatories. As it is a national park, around 8:30, the park rangers begin to shoo you down the mountain. I'm sure they don't want to rescue anyone up there. Enjoy the pictures.