Too many amazing things to count

We woke at the very busy campground. From there we headed straight out on the Mauna iki trail recommended for the large collection of Pele's hair and the geologic fissure where part of the island is sinking and the other is twisting and falling into the sea. 

Mat of Pele's hair. 

Fissure line. 

From there to Devils throat. This was a behind the scenes event currently closed but we were tipped off by the super nice park ranger from yesterday. 

From there we Yogi'd up the pass to Mona loa road. This was a beautiful surprise of a road through Koa forest. Complete with a large white owl that we saw on the way in and out. The forest was stunning. Silver bark with lush soft spring grass below. It brought tears to my eyes. 

Mongoose skull by our lunch spot. 

From there we drive to the trail head of Mona loa trail. This is the 19 mi one way near artic treck to the summit of the 13600 ft volcano. Noteworthy of being an incredibly long gradual slope. We hiked in 2 hours. It was a stunning contrast of fog and orange lava (much older than black). 

The mist made all the spider webs look amazing. 

We found our first lava tube with tiny crystals forming at the tip of each lava drip. 

Last hike of the day was at the Bird sanctuary. An 8000 year old forest. Which is old by comparison since much of what we have hike on has been present fewer years than our parents. This was a lush deciduous forest. We became delayed when we stumbled upon an amazing lava tube. All the water droplets reflected light better than any high tech gear I have seen. 

The tube was so long we did not finish and we a hoping to go back tomorrow. Ps pack gloves for your tube exploration when you come here. 

Chris in the tube wishing we were a little better equip.  

We saw the night show at the fiery lava pit again and then I invented the over-the-toilet bath in the hotel restroom. I feel very happy to head to bed with out the sticky sweat layer.