September 8, 2016 Ocean Entry Broadens
The Volcano Goddess Pele continues battle with her sister Na Maka, the Goddess of the Sea, broadening her flow further into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and at numerous points in the Pacific Ocean. Pele’s fluid pahoehoe flows now cover the better part of a mile of recently completed access road, as she has spread into the park. Pele rolled over the Pali six weeks ago, mostly between Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the abandoned Royal Gardens subdivision. This new flow, dubbed 61G is now about 6 miles long, and the ocean entry is within the boundary of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visitors continue to make their way on foot and by boat to take in the the birth of the earth. Although the safe viewing area has been laid out well back from the active ocean entry, many photographers and curiosity seekers enter the restricted areas. The stunning weather allowed us to visit the vent today as well… we found a beautiful lava lake within to the west, but no faces today… sorry. Leilani the Hula Girl and Lava Ducky joined us this morning, along with special guest Portlander, Pat Campbell. Bruce Omori and I were back with Paradise Helicopters’ pilot/lobster hunter, Ryan Moeller. Mahalo, Ryan… you are amazing!
Mahalo to Paradise Helicopters and Bruce Omori at Extreme Exposure