Pot of lava

After taking a beautiful drive around the north of the island to the impressive Rainbow Falls on the eastern side, our decompression time for last night's dive was pretty much over. We decided, therefore, to head up to see Hawaii's live volcano, Kīlauea, today instead of tomorrow.  

To see the giant crater within a crater within a crater, puffing away, was impressive. 
To watch a vibrant rainbow form as a rain cloud passed through was awe inspiring.  
To drive down from the crater, 19 miles following a vast (old) lava flow was incredible. 

But, to wait in the evening to see the glow from the pit of the Earth of molten lava, topped it all.

It gave a real feel of the power of the beast within the Earth and the complete insignificance of humans when up against this natural force.  I wasn't really expecting to feel this way but we were both taken aback by the magnificence of being so close to this active volcano. 


There was a two and a half hour drive home but luckily my jet lag feeling was over earlier than Rich's so it wasn't too arduous getting home while Rich slept.