Volcanoes and Lava Tubes

The icing on the cake.  Going to see an active volcano.  Love geology.  On the drive I was trying to identify the volcanoes around us.  I don't remember the names of anything but I tried.  

We arrived at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to view the Kilauea volcano.  This was fascinating.  

A steam field surrounded us.  Awesome.  All steam coming from the active volcano.  These are shield volcanoes and they don't explode like the volcanoes in Washington.  It's safe to hang out and watch. 

We could stand on the edge of the crater of the volcano.  

You could stand by the steam for a few seconds before it got too hot. 

Totally loved this experience! Geology is amazing. 

This is where we were and now off we go to explore a lava tube. 

There was a short walk to get to the lava tube.  This is a small opening to a small lava tube,  We really were walking on an active volcano. 

Patti made a long, long hike here. 

Continuing on!

Just like a rain forest!  

A better view of Patti's hike. 

The pictures don't show how huge these ferns were. 

And here we go!

Josh and Patti!

Last stop!  Watch out for Patti. 

We are at a different area viewing the volcano. 

Stay away from wild animals people.  It was just a dog.  

You could stand on the craters edge and look into the caldera. 

Steam is coming up from the caldera.  An active volcano. 

This picture really shows the caldera.  

One last stop to the arch made by a lava flow. 

This is a huge flow that leads right down to the ocean. 

It is really amazing how you can see how these islands were formed.  Lava flow after lava flow. 

Lots of different patterns were created as the lava cooled. 

A volcanic fissure. 

Here is the arch formed by a lava flow.  How did that happen?  How did it harden like that or was it erosion that created it? 

That concludes a whirlwind visit to Hawaii to visit Patti and Josh.  Forever grateful for visit, the experience and you driving me all over Hawaii.  Love you two!