Toto I don't think we're in Hawaii anymore

Today we bid our wonderful seminar leader and fellow participants Adieu and  prepared ourselves to make the most of our last full day in lovely Hawaii. Upon arriving to the airport to pick up our rental car and strike out on our final adventure we were glad when the rental agent told us she would give us an upgrade. Imagine our chagrin when we discovered that we'd been upgraded to a brand new white Mercury Marquis...yep your grandfather's automobile. Still in all we decided to make the most of it and zoomed down the highway in our long luxury sedan.

Without a doubt we knew where our final leg of the journey would take us...Papakolea Beach. We  had learned so much about this geological rarity from our seminar leader that we absolutely had to visit this beach of green sand located inside one of the cinder cones of Mauna Loa. Dr. Blay had explained to us that green sand results from the mineral olivine that is present in volcanic lava which accumulates as the other components of volcanic ash wash away due to the erosive force of the ocean. (Olivine in its gem form is a peridot for all of you August babies) Of course we'd done our research and we knew that the three-mile hike there and back would  not be would not be a journey for the faint of heart. Still Team Geology was ready to meet the challenge; we'd just hiked over 13,000 feet yesterday for goodness sakes! We could handle it!

We zoomed down the highway to South Point and prepared to witness firsthand one of the two beaches like this on earth. As we drove to our destination we watched the landscape change from lush, humid and green to dry, dusty, and brown.  Upon our arrival a couple of us, and we won't say who, had to channel our inner Girl Scout when we noticed that the area was devoid of "facilities." Actually, the area was devoid of everything. Unsure yet determined we put on our hiking shoes and prepared to walk the long, grueling trek to the beach. Problem #1...which way do we go? There are no signs, no guides, no cell phone signals, no directions of any sort! After asking a local jewelry vendor the direction we needed to walk, she informed us that we could choose to make the hike or take the "shuttle."  SHUTTLE? We gazed in the distance and noticed how the land twisted and turned and zigged and zagged and felt the sun beat down on our faces. Should we really cop out like this? We've walked across craters and up and down volcanic lava trails. We've climbed and tripped and stumbled our way through all kinds of terrain in Hawaii. We are the mighty Team Geolgy; we couldn't wimp out now...or could we?...HOW MUCH? the more vocal members of our team asked. It did not take long to decide to ride...and oh what a ride it turned out to be!

David was his name and the simple life is his game. Our driver pulled up in an old SUV that looked like it couldn't make it three inches much less three miles down the path to the beach. Even though the dashboard had a big hole in it, wires were sticking out all over the place, the AC didn't work, the rear windows couldn't go down and the fabric on the roof of the car almost touched our heads, we welcomed David and his hooptie as our saving grace from a treacherous fate. As David peeled off we were captivated by his charm and humor and were mortified by what lay before us. The SUV bumped and jerked as David put his four wheel drive to the test and drove us along the bumpy terrain. SHAKE RATTLE and ROLL! As we heard the horrible sound of huge chunks of rock rubbing against the bottom of our shuttle and held on for dear life we thought that riding in a tank would have probably been a much better option.  SHAKE RATTLE and ROLL!We watched as people traveled down the trek bewildered and befuddled with dazed expressions. Mothers and fathers, children and grandparents, the young and the old were lost and confused in the maze of treachery that Papakolea presented.  David explained to us that all of those people were heading in the wrong direction. They had chosen the "spaghetti roads" rickety, deep, ruts close to the ocean leading to an insurmountable wall, an eventual turnaround,  and an additional hour to the hike. Many decide to turn back and never even find Papakolea! We considered ourselves to be among the lucky ones as David's SUV climbed up and around the winding path of rocks that ranged in size from pebble to boulder. Jostled and slung around for twenty to twenty-five more minutes all the while we asked ourselves if this beach was really worth all of the trouble. "That sand had better be pretty darn green!" one of our team members exclaimed as we agreed in unison. SHAKE RATTLE and ROLL! Finally as our vehicle came to a screeching halt at the top of the cinder-shaped structure we discovered that the fun wasn't in our hands just yet. The beach is at the very bottom of the cinder cone and we were standing at the top. We had to climb down a set of stairs and brave some very steep and sharp rocks but finally we made it to the green sand beach unscathed! David was also kind enough to wait for us to take us back to the entrance!

We were almost in a state of shock, partially because our insides were still vibrating from the shaking and quaking of the drive, and partially because we realized that without David we too would have probably been one of the dazed and bewildered folks walking in the blazing sun wondering if the green sand beach is a myth. As we carefully climbed down noticing the amazing features of the rocks that had been hollowed out by nature, the sparkling olive colored sand and turquoise blue water captivated us. The turbulent ocean waves crashed back and forth on the beach as we were stunned by the beauty of this once in a lifetime scene. Climbing back up to David our savior, we were satisfied that we'd made the right choice to view the beach and of course to allow ourselves to be shuttled to this secluded, practically impossible to find spot.

Traveling back along the bumpy road proved to be equally adventurous. As we drove back along the road with orange dust blowing in through the front windows we noticed two women sprinting at lightning speed life towards us. "Can we get a ride?" their accented English exclaimed in desperation. Being the nice guy that he was, David opened up the back of the SUV and bid the ladies to climb into the hatchback area of the truck. We also stopped to rescue a bewildered family who seemed to be at their wits end "Let me check on that family." David said as he told them to walk to a shade tree and wait for him to return and pick them up. Heaving a great sigh of relief as we pulled into the parking lot we gave David a generous donation for his services, looked at our dusty, wet, green sand covered shoes and realized that we had just endured an experience that words or pictures could never do justice. As we climbed back into our car we noticed a young couple with their beautiful young daughter preparing to take the hike. We absolutely felt compelled to explain to them the magnitude of what they were about to endure with their baby. "Take the shuttle"we exclaimed satisfied that we'd just saved another family from the treachery of Papakolea. Exhausted and delirious with laughter, we hopped back into our luxury sedan and traveled back from dry, brown, and dusty to lush, tropical, and green knowing that we will probably never travel this way again. Our memories will have to suffice as we recount this story to all who are willing to listen.

At 13,796 feet there's no telling WHO you'll run into....

New wheels appeared this morning on day three of our TEOK adventure. Hopping into our 4 wheel drive van gave us some indication that today would be unlike any other day we had experienced thus far. Making our way down the highway we surveyed the desolate area that surrounded us unsure of where we were going to make our next stop. As the van came to a screeching halt Dr. Blay instructed us to grab all of our gear and prepare for a two hour hike on the Puu Oo Trail. Stopping at four different points along the trail we practiced identifying our location using a GPS. Using a topographic map we exercised our ability to utilize latitude and longitudinal directions. This activity inspired us to explore integration of map skills and geology.

As we continued on our hike Dr. Blay highlighted several vegetation and substrate variations. We began to discuss how Hawaiian species adapted to the island. Many of the animals lost their protective instincts because there were no predators. Light bulbs went off again in our heads- our group began to discuss how we could incorporate this into our curriculum unit on animal adaptations. This day was full of classroom integrations and it was just beginning. We also all took note of the lava flow variations along this 2 mile hike. Even though it may have seemed as though we were hiking for hours we hadn't gone very far and the lava flow was extremely different. At our last stop on the trail we all climbed atop mound of  'a'a (ah ah) lava to observe the beauty that surrounded us.It was hard to believe that in 1881 this lava flow came within 1 kilometer of Hilo Bay. 

Hopping back into the van we then traveled on the Saddle Road which is between the two largest volcanos in Hawaii, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. All of a sudden we began to SHAKE, RATTLE and ROLL as we slowly made our way up the switchback filled road. We weren't sure what we were getting ourselves into after reading the safety guidelines and warnings about altitude sickness. After all we were going to the summit of Mauna Kea which is the highest point in the Pacific Basin sitting at a sweet 13,976 feet.Dr. Blay was quick to point out that heavy layers were necessary for this leg of our trip. Looking like snow bunnies we prepared ourselves for this frigid journey up the mountain.  Taking each turn every so slowly- our ears popping the whole way- we began to see the Keck Observatories.  Going inside to take a sneak peek at the optical and infrared telescopes we were amazed at its size and beauty. Emerging from the observatory Dr. Blay made note of Maui's presence in the distance. Walking the perimeter of the observatories it was as if we were walking above the clouds- then we realized- WE WERE walking above the clouds. 

Walking a mere 200 feet from the observatory we made our way up the summit of Mauna Kea. As our breath baited and our hearts pounded each step brought us closer to the 13,796 mark. Wiping the sweat from our brows we were triumphant in our trek up the quarter mile inclined hike to the summit. Absorbing the vast space around us we took in the sights and sounds of this most powerful point in the middle of the pacific ocean that is above 40 percent of the Earth's atmosphere. Surrounded by cinder cones, clouds, evidence of glacial deposits it was here we realized how small we really are. Even though we four teachers may be quite small on this mountain of Mauna Kea we will strive to make a BIG impact on all of our students for years to come. 

Returning to normal breathing conditions we were able to reflect on todays experiences at Rueben's.  The night ended with wonderful company and conversations over dinner with our fellow TEOK teachers. It was here through story telling and laughter that we realized how blessed we truly are to have this experience. This opportunity has led us to create life long relationships with teachers globally in order to not only grow professionally for us but also to better educate our students. 

There is a constant battle between island and ocean, but ocean always wins...

Picture this, it's April 1, 1946. It was business as usual in the small town of Laupahoehoe, Hawaii, a low-lying peninsula jutting out from the mouth of Laupahoehoe Valley. A little before 7:00 am school children ran down to the shore to view the barren sea floor from which the sea had just receded, leaving fish flopping. Without warning the ocean reached out its angry arms and sucked 16  young children along with 5 of their teachers into a watery abyss. A Tsunami had devastated the valley.
The town of Hilo, Hawaii, where we are temporary residents, also suffered 96 casualties. This once bustling town is now only a shell of what it used to be. The Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo stands as a reminder to all residents and visitors alike, the powerful force that water can exert.


Did Someone Say Road Trip......

After our homage to the victims of an angry sea we took a road trip along the Hamakua Coast to Akaka Falls. This 420 foot waterfall is a site to behold. Akaka, located along Kolekole Stream is one of many occurring near the oceanward end of the numerous streams that drain the wet, windward portion of Mauna Kea's eastern slope. Water falling over the cliff by the gallons makes for a soothing hypnotic sound that would put anyone to sleep. Hammock  anyone?

Our next stop was the Laupahoehoe Peninsula and Tsunami Memorial where our story began. A memorial honoring the school children and teachers that perished that fateful day stands where offerings of coins and flowers pay homage to the victims. The school is no longer there and neither are the cottages where the teachers lived. Today there were families who were picnicking and children frolicking in the cool water on the very same spot where tragedy struck so many years ago. Life must go on....

Picturesque views, rolling foams of water crashing ashore along black sand beaches composed of crystalline basalt rock fragments. This is Waipio Valley generated from the erosion of the Kohala Volcano. Waipio Valley is the Big Islands largest valley at over 3 miles in length and nearly a mile wide at its mouth. Steep walls over 2000 feet high display several dramatic waterfalls. No other part of the island displays such precipitous topography. When looking down in the valley one sees lush vegetation and a few farms. Even though Tsunamis have washed away those farms several times throughout the decades, farmers keep coming back. It probably won't be long before the massive waves return to drag those farms into the ocean once again. As we all have seen before, the ocean always wins...

We Stepped Into a Burning Ring of Fire...

In 1959, Kilauea Iki erupted to form a large lake of fire.  Today, four teachers from Zachary, Louisiana walked across that lake...

This morning we were eager to begin our TEOK journey with Dr. Blay and our crew.  After piling into our van, we were off to the Volcano National Park to discover what it's like to walk along the path of cooled lava.  Our adventure began with an informative video on the creation of the Hawaii islands, the island's first inhabitants, and the species that have evolved along the beautiful archipelago.  Shortly after the film, our team listened to a lecture given by Dr. Blay, explaining more about Kilauea, the volcano we would soon be conquering.

Our first stop was Pele's (the goddess of fire) home, the Halema 'uma'u Crater.  This site is one of Kilauea's most recognizable forms. Approaching the volcano's crater, we could see large clouds of steam emerging from the bottom and also heard a faint noise that almost sounded like a muffled jet.  We quickly found out that the strange sounds were the result of hot magma beneath the earth's crust heating and causing rocks to fall within the crater!  The ranger told our group that this is not common, so we were witnessing history!

Following the visit to the crater, our TEOK group took some time to look inside of the museum where we observed many lava rocks and seismographs.  We even saw a sample of the green sand from the infamous green sand beach.  Hopefully we will encounter the actual beach on Thursday!

Backpacks packed with water, sunscreen, flashlights, and of course, Leo, we prepared ourselves for a three hour hike across the Kilauea volcano.  Dr. Blay was quick to point out that the hike would be 200 meters down the volcano, about a mile across the crater, and 400 meters back uphill, since the volcano is slanted due to earlier weathering conditions.  On the first leg of the hike, we observed the Fiddlehead Fern, a plant native to Hawaii, as well as amazing views of the Kilauea Iki crater.  We stood at the top of the mountain, watching people who looked as tiny as ants, walk across the crater.  Our excitement was hardly contained as we realized we would soon be treading upon the igneous rocks formed by the 1959 Kilauea Iki eruptions!

There are no words to describe the wonders of the volcanic crater.  As we left our footprints on the rocks, we couldn't help but imagine what the flowing lava would have looked like during the eruption.  It was amazing to see how plants not only emerged from the lava, but flourished.  We even got to taste the berries from Ohelo shrubs inside of the crater!

We agreed that our favorite part of our excursion was the discovery of the two different types of lavas:  Pahoehoe and 'A'a lavas.  Both types of lava were evident throughout our hike, and it was amazing to see the similarities as well as the noticable differences.  "Pahoehoe" means silky, shiny, or smooth whereas "'a'a means rough or stony.  The properties of these lavas determine the ease with which a lava flow moves.  We were able to see that when a lot of lava is being discharged at once, 'a'a flows tend to form.  If the rate of effusion is low, a pahoehoe flow is likely to develop.  We were not only fascinated by the different lava types, but we also enjoyed playing and climbing within the hardened lava!

The last leg of our hike was the 400 meter uphill climb.  There were a few moments where we weren't sure if we were going to make it, but we came, we saw, we conquered!  After a few sips of water, we were able to go inside of a the Thurston Lava Tube!  Lava tubes are large tubes formed by molten lava flowing downslope.  Through it was dark, damp, and eerie, it was exciting walking through a path where hot lava once flowed!

After leaving the park, we took the scenic route back to Hilo, making sure to make a very important stop.  We were actually able to see a dried lava flow that began at the top of a volcano and flowed into the Pacific ocean.  It was the most miraculous thing we have seen on our journey so far, and it was a perfect end to an amazing day.

Of course, after we returned to our hotel, we were STARVING.  Trying to be adventurous, we walked over to Jimmy's Drive-In, which is known for it's Hawaiin food.  The locals all recommend this restaurant and rave about the food.  Well...when in Hilo, don't do ALL things Hilo...

-Team Geology

Legends of the Falls

Today marked another wonderful day in Hilo...we decided to hop in our Jeep and embark upon our own geological adventures and see where the roads would lead us!



First stop...Akaka Falls! Who knew this wonder was practically in the back door of our hotel room? Of course anything worthwhile involves a little bit of pain as our thighs found out as we hiked up the steep incline of the Circle Trail. Up and up and up and around...bend by bend....step by step...up, up, up until finally we reached the top. Words cannot express and pictures cannot convey the beauty and majesty of this waterfall. We stood amazed by the glory and power of nature at its best...and then... we walked all the way back down.

How many teachers does it take to take the top off of a Jeep Wrangler? Apparently more than four...we gave it an awesome try but had to dash our dreams of riding through Hilo with the top down. It's just as fun with the top up and the AC on.

Next stop...Rainbow Falls, an equally beautiful yet not as grueling to access waterfall in the small town of Hilo. Rainbow Falls had a nondescript path that led us through a forest of banyan trees...a place that was very awesome and eerie at the same time. At times it felt as if we needed machetes to find our way through the thicket of plants and shrubs blocking our way. Finally we reached our destination and amazed ourselves once again at a natural phenomenon we were blessed to have the opportunity to view.

 

 A quick visit to Coconut Island, a place to get a picturesque view of Hilo and watch the locals participate in various watersports and activities and an equally quick visit to the statue of the Great Kamehameha, warrior chief hero of Hawaiians were the end to an afternoon chocked full of adventure.

Tonight we met Dr. Charles Blay, our eager and laid back seminar leader. Although we don't know everyone in our group of 16, we went to dinner at a great Thai restaurant and spent the evening getting better acquainted. We are not the only ones who traveled great distances to participate in this program. Our group members come from Oklahoma, New York, Minnesota, Connecticut and of course Louisiana. One gentleman came all the way from Sao Paulo, Brasil. We are anticipating quite an interesting time with this group!

Videos Posted!

Good morning!  We are on our way out the door to Akaka Falls, but we wanted to let you all know that we have posted videos from our adventures so far!  Please visit our Shutterfly site by clicking here.

-Team Geology

Road Trip Across the Big Island

Phew! Our first day was jammed packed with excitement and fun! From the moment our eyes opened- at 5:30 am- we were ready to tackle the Big Island with full force. Our morning began with many phone calls in search of a car to rent. After riding home in a cab from the airport and watching the meter rise quicker than we had imagined we KNEW we had to rent a car in order for us to cost effectively explore the Big Island. As we made our way to Alamo rental car we all envisioned the wind blowing through our hair exploring the big island in a jeep and it was our lucky day because what vehicle did we happen to rent.... a white jeep!!

Once we piled in we made our way to Highway 11. We first made a quick pit stop at the Hilo Farmers Market. Here we intermingled with local Hilo farmers and got to sample fresh papaya, bananas and we were able to watch as a local farmer peeled a coconut!  After leaving the market, we began our quest to find the Hawaii Volcano National Park 31st annual Cultural Festival. On the way we got sidetracked more than a few times to stop and take a look at the beautiful scenery that surrounded us. Continuing to drive down Highway 11 allowed us time to reflect on our first leg of this week long journey and appreciate how blessed we are to have this experience. Once arriving at the festival we were able to interact with Kona natives while making hands on Hawaiian arts and crafts. Our favorite creation was the Ohe Hano Ihu or the Bamboo nose flute. Leo even joined in to help us finish making it. The festival gave us a sneak peek to the inner-workings of the culture and gave us the opportunity to absorb the Hawaiian way of life.

On our way out of Kona we made a pit stop at the Punalulu black sand beach. We all had a blast putting our feet in the sand's tar like appearance. Even though this beach is known for sea turtle watching unfortunately we did not see any. Making our way back to Hilo we discussed our plans for tomorrow. We are all so excited that another pack filled day awaits us.

PS:  Check out all of our pictures at http://teamhawaiigeologyrocks.shutterfly.com/pictures

- Team Geology