There have been many highlights throughout our travels for this course, but I think if you asked the students (or me and Kumu Lisa), we had our most impressive excursion yesterday (our last full day in the islands).
We loaded into two, 4-wheel drive mini-buses for the drive up to the summit Mauna Kea (“White mountain”); With an elevation of 13,803 feet above sea level, there is often snow at the summit (although thankfully, not last night!). We learned a lot about the geography and history of the area from our guide. There were multiple stops along the way to allow us to acclimate to the increasing altitude. Our guide from Hawaii Forest and Trail stopped at about 4,000 feet to let the students walk upon a lava flow from Mauna Loa, and then drove up to another spot at 5,000 feet where he served us a scrumptious picnic dinner of BBQ chicken, brown rice, glazed carrots, sweet rolls and hot tea. After dinner, our guide handed out heavy parkas, and gave a short talk on safety (recognizing symptoms of altitude sickness, and what to do if it occurred).
Students walking on a lava flow…
Our group at 9,000 feet elevation… chilly air!
View of Mauna Loa from Mauna Kea at 9,000 feet
Upon reaching the summit, Kumu Lisa and I presented each of the students with a Kikui nut lei. In ancient days, the oil of the Kikui nut was used for lamp light. Today, Kikui nuts are used in lei to symbolize wisdom and knowledge and are often presented at graduation. These students have been an exception group to lead, and it has been our honor to learn and grow with all of them throughout this course…
Our group adorned with Kikui nut lei after course “graduation” ceremony…
After the sun had set, we returned to the Visitor’s Center at 10,000 feet where we were treated to hot chocolate and brownies, and an awesome star-gazing and astronomy lecture from our guide… We are journeying home this afternoon, so I will end my contributions to this blog with a view of the sunset at the summit of Mauna Kea…
Sunset at summit of Mauna Kea…