The big island of Hawaii was an adventure of discovery for us, as well as an escape from everyday realities and obligations.  It was a true vacation in every sense of the word in that we really "got away."  My gregarious husband knew not a soul on the entire island, no pagers, no cell phones (unless we chose to use them), no schedule. The change was refreshing.

Having never been to this particular island was part of the fun.  We were on a mission of discovery.  We explored, hiked, snorkeled, kayaked, swam, and shopped  I think rather than doing a big 'ol blog, I will share snippets in shorter versions.  Today's snippet will be about volcanos. 

Volcanos are why Duane wanted to go to this island.  I am not that excited about volcanos, but the mention of a helicopter ride got my attention.  I have always wanted to go up in a helicopter.  In the Marine Corps I had an opportunity but the flight was canceled at the last minute and I've been disappointed ever since!  Hawaii was my chance to get my helicopter ride. 

It was great.  Much better than airplanes because it's quick, nimble - You can practically stand on your head in a helicopter.  It reminded me of a motorcyce in the air.  As we took off  from Hilo, the "Star Wars" theme played over my headset.  I was lovin' it.

Oh yeah, the volcano.  We flew out over Hilo and enjoyed the lush greenery below, including the only rain forest in the United States, viewing a number of beautiful waterfalls.  Then we saw billowing white smoke in the distance and the ground turned from green to black, from lush to stark, rocky landscape.  Puu'oo was belching out the smoke and we circled it from every angle.  It has been acting up for some time.  Across the lava fields we could see where the lava tubes below ground left trails of smoke and occasionaly a "skylight" opened in the rock to reveal the orange-red magma below. I was rather glad  to be in the air and not on the ground.

The finale was flying toward the coast and seeing the black rock falling into that blue ocean and the steam and water staying the flow of molten rock. 

Many people live under this steam vent of Puu'oo even after the subdivision of Hawaiian Gardens was decimated some years ago.  Our pilot tells us if you are willing to live in this area, you can still buy land in Hawaii for quite reasonable sums.  Pay your money, take your chances.

That's today's entry. I will try to load on some pictures.  Aloha and out.