MARCH
March 6, 2008
Lava finally reaches the ocean
The county is planing to open a viewing area this weekend for people to watch the lava from a safe distance.
Aloha mai kakou. It's Saturday and the first of march 2008.
In The 
This morning's Hawai'i Tribune-Herald's front page picture
This is one of several lava streams of the Prince
Avenue flow slicing through the forest between the cross streets of
Paradise and Orchid in the Royal Gardens subdivision. The lava stream
is about 10 feet wide (3 meters). - Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory
It's amazing to see this and know it's so close to where we are. For most of February, the lava was inching towards Royal Gardens subdivision. Lava had been ponding for several weeks and now has broken out and has started to flow like a river towards the ocean.
Big Island View of the current lava flow
This graphic shows the past and current lava flow from Mauna Loa and Kilauea. The current lava flow area in deep red shows the path of lava flowing from Pu'u'O'o to the Royal Gardens subdivision then on to the ocean. Above the area in deep red are the other subdivisions in blue; Fern Acres, Hawaiian Acres, Hawaiian Paradise Park and where we live, Orchidland Estates. From this perspective, you can see we are far enough away from the lava flow and we are not in any danger. However, the smoke and VOG from the lava flow has been carried up by the winds making the days smoggy and hazy.
A closer view of the Lava flow
There is not much left of Royal Gardens subdivision anymore. Only a few houses are left standing and only two residents are living in the subdivision. They are well aware of the danger and are ready to leave when the time comes, but for now they are waiting it out.
A closer view of the lava flow
This graphic shows the extent of the lava flows into Royal Gardens subdivision. As the lava flows steadily towards the ocean it attracts people to come and see the lava flow. The county has restricted people from attempting to get close to the lava because of the hazardous conditions. If caught, you could be arrested and charged.
The following pictures are from the Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory
Ariel view of the lava flow into the forest. Besides the sulfur dioxide that the lava emits, smoke from the burning brush adds to the bad air quality.
Looking from the other end of the lava flow, you can make out the roads where Royal Gardens used to be.
As the lava enters the Royal gardens subdivision everything in its path is taken to Pele.
Even the roads are claimed by Pele
All the lava activity has caused an enormous amount of hazy and smoky days. The acrid air has been difficult to breath without coughing and getting a sore throat. However, because of the variable winds and the lack of rainfall lately everything has been dirty and dusty. A break comes in the form of North Easterly winds which blows the VOG away from us.
Spectacular sunrises and sunsets can be seen because of the VOG.
So What's for Dinner?
Mahimahi Shish Kabobs
