Visit to the Volcano

Up until now, our trip has consisted mainly of water-centered activities.  But you can't ignore the fact that the reason this paradise exists is because of the volcanoes.  So we headed to the top of the biggest one on Maui, Haleakala.  From sea level, that was a steep climb to 10,000 feet with lots of switchbacks.  But we made it to the top.


John, Little John, Dorothy, Kadence, Austin, Edward, Ethan, Bryson, David, Chris, and Nathan (the other girls stayed home)
Below is a picture looking out over the top of the volcano and at the many cinder cones that pop up out of the landscape.  Notice that we are significantly above the cloud line.  That was a little strange.  As we were driving up there was a sign that said, "Turn on headlights in clouds"

Austin and I at the top

Then we took a hike down into the valley.  Compared to the lushness of the rest of the island, it was a stark contrast.  Only volcanic ash and rock.

 

Nathan, Edward, Chris

Ethan, John, and Edward

Bryson

David holding Austin on the hike back up

Little John carried Kadence most of the way back up.  This was a rare instance of her actually walking.  The kids got pretty bored on this hike. There wasn't much to see or do.  Then we split up to try to get a Jr Ranger certification for Ethan and Edward while David headed off with a group to hike another trail that was less desolate than the first.

Bryson, Dorothy, Little John, and Nathan