This morrning began so clear that we could see the top of Hualalai which is behind us (East). This picture was just before the sun crested the mountain. On every day since arrival, clouds have shrouded the top of the mountain.
I walked down to Magic Sands where a 14 foot tiger shark was spotted on Tuesday. No sharks today. Not many surfers either because the surf is down a bit. Yesterday, the surf was 10-14 feet on West facing shores, Today it is 3-5 feet.
The walk to Magic Sands is about two miles. On the way back, I visited each of the Shoreline Access places. By law, there must be a public shoreline access at specified intervals along the coast. I don’t know the exact distance between them, but there are eight in the two mile stretch between our condo and Magics, which makes them about a quarter mile apart. Some of the access points are at beach parks. They are clear and easy to access. Others are more difficult. All are marked by signs, but some signs are obstructed by vegetation or other features. One is so hidden, the entrance is hard to find even with the sign. The path is narrow and lined on both sides with lush vegetation. There is intermittent sunlight. Unfortunately, I disturbed a homeless man who was sleeping in a little depression beside the path. the path ends at some stone steps that bring you to an area of lava boulders and coral rubble.
Another access ended at a saltwater swimming pool cut into the lava. The pool is filled by wave action. Very Cool! Some of the access points cut across private property. On one, I had to walk down someone’s private driveway until I reached the access point at the end. The folks there were friendly, though. Not so the condo next to ours. There the access goes through the condo property, but you have to go through a security gate The gate is posted to open at 6:00 am, but it didn’t open until 8:00. Bunch off scofflaws.
Yesterday’s sunset had some amazing colors. The sky was overcast and we were afraid we might not see any sunset, but it appeared at the last minute and left some gorgeous colors.
Hualalai volcano is younger than Mauna Kea and is the third most active volcano on Hawai’i. It last erupted in 1801 and is expected to erupt again within the next century. Given how unprepared and congested the Kona area is, an eruption would be a major disaster. Hualalai is about 300,000 years old and stands 8,271 feet above sea level.
