successful journey to the big island

i arrived on the big island with about a day and a half to enjoy before i had to start working. i stayed with a friend near the southeast coastline and certainly fulfilled the desire to have a quick island adventure holiday!

my confused body demanded sleep soon after i arrived, and awoke in time to admire the sunrise over the ocean!


we walked across a lava field...


saw beautiful flowers...


relaxed at a black sand (clothing-optional) beach...


enjoyed the company of a friendly dog named rufus...


went snorkeling... (last time i visited this part of the island, i didnt have the waterproof case for my camera!)...



saw lava trees...


and cooked some fresh ahi for dinner! very nice.

now i'm up at the 9000 ft astronomer's residence, called hale pohaku (HP). i have to stay here for the night to begin to acclimate to the altitude and night schedule. tomorrow evening i head up to the 14000 ft. summit!