After playing in the sand and the sun, we headed to the supposedly wet side of Hawaii. But not this year! It was quite warm and sunny, although a little cooler up higher on the volcano.
We started with a classic view of the crater at night. Cara got bored pretty quickly, but Dad had fun taking photos. The next day we decided to challenge Cara with a 4 mile Kilauea Iki hike, across the 40-year old Kilauea Iki Crater. We figured we could carry her on our shoulders for part of the hike if she got too tired. But our girl is made of strong stuff - except for a little piece in the middle, Cara only ended up on Dad's shoulders at the very end, when the steep drop-off made both Mom and Dad decide that shoulders might be safer.
If that wasn't enough of a day, we drove down to the coast in the evening and hiked out to where the lava met the sea. We found a guide who would take us carefully - and since he lives just yards from the most recent flow, we knew he was familiar with the area. Very odd walking on 2-week-old rocks! Cara and I sat a little way from the edge while Dad went closer with our guide to get some photos. When our bottoms got too hot we told Dad it was time to head home. Cara was a little tired that night!
First volcano view.
The hike to come - across the Kilauea Iki crater.
A short ride on Dad's back.
The lava vent.
Rougher pieces on this side.
After three miles, she's still running!
View across the crater.
Eventually Cara slowed down.
Lava flowing into the ocean at night.
