Come sail with me on a virtual cruise to Hawaii on Ruby Princess

[ellie1145]

 

We gaze in awe at the waterfall before making our slow and precipitous descent to the car park, where Ricky is waiting patiently.

 

 

 

 

We are so glad that we have experienced this beautiful natural feature, and that the rain held off.

 

Edited December 1, 2020 by ellie1145

[Yehootu]

Make sure your driver stops by Suisan Fish Market to get some ono Poke before heading back to ship.

[ellie1145]

3 hours ago, Yehootu said:

Make sure your driver stops by Suisan Fish Market to get some ono Poke before heading back to ship.

/

Hello, Yehootu! Glad you could drop in.

 

How are things in Honolulu?

 

I had to look it up, I’m afraid, as I didn’t know what Ono Poke was. 

 

‘Poke is a Hawaiian treat that has become one of the mainland's trendiest items. A combo of super-fresh high-grade raw fish, dressing and spices served in a bowl.’

 

Sounds delicious! 🤢

[ellie1145]

After The Rain

 

After the rain the air is sweet

With glist’ning pools beneath my feet

Raindrops dripping down from the eaves

Teardrops sliding off shining leaves.

Valerie Dohen

 

Back in the van again we are soon on our way to the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

 

The rain has stopped, although the sky looks pretty grey. 

 

 

 

We are really pleased that we are able to drive to this area as, after the May eruption, it was too dangerous, there was damage to roads, and the park was temporarily closed to visitors.

 

Here you can see the Visitor Centre, and on the right, at the bottom, there is the Chain of Craters Road.

 

 

Edited December 1, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

 

 

 

 

The Chain of Craters Road is 19 miles (31km) long, and is a winding paved road that passes through the East Rift and coastal area of the Volcanoes National Park.

 

Built in 1928 and extended in 1959, in 41 out of 53 years it has had parts covered by lava, and has had to be constantly repaired. It is a reminder that lava constantly changes the landscape, here in Hawaii.

 

 

Our first stop is at Lua Manu, which is located at the start of Chain of Craters Road, approximately 4 miles from the Kilauea Visitors Centre, and about half a mile from Devastation Trail. It was formed about 200 years ago. In Hawaiian its name means ‘Bird Crater.’

 

 

We are very lucky today to be able to drive along this road and stop at this interesting volcanic feature.

 

[ellie1145]

Volcano

Seething cauldron, an inferno

Belching noxious vapours

Spewing red hot molten lava

Spilling down the mountainside

To drown the land

In sulphurated destruction.

Valerie Dohren

 

Our next stop - Lua Manu

 

 

Ricky parks the van in a lay-by and we get out and explore the area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is amazing, and we clamber over black lava rocks, both large and small. It reminds me of a barren moon landscape. It is the first time that I have been this close to a lava field.

 

 

 

The pit crater is approximately 300 ft across and 125 ft deep, and it is the uppermost crater along the Chain of Craters, in the upper east rift zone.

 

A pit crater is formed when hot magma from below the earth’s surface drains out of the crater via a fissure. When the lava chamber drains out of the crater the void which is formed beneath the surface causes the earth above to collapse. Such a crater is not formed directly by an eruption.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 1, 2020 by ellie1145

[Westaussie]

Thanks for the memories and lovely photos, places we visited on a wet day some years ago (I was more worried about coming down those slippery steps!)  Two years ago our visit to Hilo was cancelled but we got there last year on a sunny day where we had a great time at the Macadamia Factory, beautiful gardens and of course the nuts! It's on our list to restock there if our planned cruise in May 2022 goes ahead!  Vera

[ellie1145]

5 minutes ago, Westaussie said:

Thanks for the memories and lovely photos, places we visited on a wet day some years ago (I was more worried about coming down those slippery steps!)  Two years ago our visit to Hilo was cancelled but we got there last year on a sunny day where we had a great time at the Macadamia Factory, beautiful gardens and of course the nuts! It's on our list to restock there if our planned cruise in May 2022 goes ahead!  Vera

 

I agree, Vera, it certainly was tricky coming down those steps.

 

Glad the photos brought back happy memories. If you have any sunny photos do post them, as I’m afraid all of my Hilo photos are quite dark and gloomy. But nothing could impair the beauty of this fascinating island, rain or no rain. 

 

We will be visiting the Macadamia Nut Factory soon! You will be able to stock up then - virtually of course......😉

[ellie1145]

 

After the rain has kissed the earth

So Mother Nature brings new birth

Flowers to bloom with life anew

After the rain the sky is blue.

Valerie Dohen

 

It may look like a desolate and barren place, but look more closely and this is what you will see. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look closely, and in the  smallest of crevices life is sprouting.

 

 

Edited December 1, 2020 by ellie1145

[cr8tiv1]

Hi Ellie,

 

More trivia.  Poke means to cube.  There are many varieties of poke.  The more common ones are made with raw tuna.  I like my poke simple...raw fish/limu (seaweed)/rock salt/and kukui nut oil.

 

You were very fortunate to visit the falls between rain showers.  Magnificent photos of multiple falls.  

 

I love that you are so detailed in your photography.  Conjures up really good memories for me.

 

cr8tiv1:  I would like to think that I am creative, but alas, I am just a random thinker outside the box kind of person not the crafty one.

 

Yes, that is me in the photo.  I've done several cruises with ELUA and have become friends with them on and off the ship.

[ellie1145]

3 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Hi Ellie,

 

More trivia.  Poke means to cube.  There are many varieties of poke.  The more common ones are made with raw tuna.  I like my poke simple...raw fish/limu (seaweed)/rock salt/and kukui nut oil.

 

You were very fortunate to visit the falls between rain showers.  Magnificent photos of multiple falls.  

 

I love that you are so detailed in your photography.  Conjures up really good memories for me.

 

cr8tiv1:  I would like to think that I am creative, but alas, I am just a random thinker outside the box kind of person not the crafty one.

 

Yes, that is me in the photo.  I've done several cruises with ELUA and have become friends with them on and off the ship.

 

Ah, that makes sense. I guess the fish is cubed then. Thank you for explaining that.

 

Glad you are enjoying the photos. It's so good to be able to look at them again as they bring back so many happy memories for me. It keeps me going during these miserable days.

 

How lovely to see you! They seemed very talented people, and I am not sure why they got off Ruby Princess, but I guess they might have reached the end of their contract, or they were going to another ship. Perhaps you know why?

 

 

[ellie1145]

DON’T DO IT!

 

Seeing so much lava strewn around I am so tempted to pick a piece up and take it home with me. But thankfully I resist the urge.

 

DH holds a piece up for me to photograph and then we hastily return it to its rightful place.

 

 

 

Ricky tells us that there are two reasons why we must not remove any lava. First, possessing or removing any natural mineral is illegal and could end in a hefty fine. But even more worrying is that it’s really BAD LUCK!

 

There are many superstitions and legends in Hawaii, and one of those is the legend of Pele, the Goddess of Fire. She is one lady you really don't want to cross as she has a fiery temperament. Her home is apparently in the Halemaumau Crater, at the summit of Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. When lava pours out of the volcano it is her erupting.

 

She leaves behind small lava rocks which are called ‘Pele’s Tears.’ Should you take any natural minerals, including lava, she will bring you bad luck, and misfortune.

 

You may well say ‘superstitious nonsense!’ But Ricky tells us that many packages of lava are sent back to Hawaii by tourists who say they have had nothing but misfortune since they took the rocks.

 

Only by returning the rocks to Pele can you be sure of breaking the curse.

 

So if you’ve picked a piece up, Cruising Adventurers, put it down quickly, please! 😉

Edited December 1, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

So, Cruising Adventurers, it is time to ‘climb up the Wooden Hill to Bedfordshire,’ as sleep beckons. 

 

(What on earth is she on about you may be saying, well, it’s a very old phrase used to encourage children to go upstairs and prepare for bed)

 

Next we will visit the Visitors Centre, and see some more spectacular volcanic scenery. Hope you will join me. 

 

But just in case you didn’t believe me about the curse, here is the lady herself, the Goddess Of Fire, Pele....

 

[cr8tiv1]

Yes, Leialoha and Tiki Dave were jumping ship.  I can't remember if they were transferring to the Golden or the Coral.  I strongly voiced my objections to them, but it was corporate who decided that they were needed elsewhere.  

 

Yes, thank you for leaving the lava at the National Park.  I grew up on the islands and were taught all about the gods/goddesses of the islands and taboos.  You quickly learn "NOT" to disbelieve in any of the stories.  My story:  I drove my out of town bridesmaids up to a Heiau (sacred temple) as part of their tour of Oahu.  Returning to town, my car stalled and stopped.  First words out of my mouth was "Did someone take something from the Heiau?"  Meekishly, someone spoke up and quickly threw the rock out of the car window.  Car started and we got home safely.  Coincidence?  I have lots more stories....for another time.

 

[trbarton]

17 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

.

What a lovely photo of these two great entertainers. We certainly did miss them when they left and I think the ukulele class was not the same without him.

 

Is that, by any chance, you in the photo, too?

Those are 2 great people. I invited them to my Meet & Greet & they excepted. I also have some DVD’s of his music. 
 

Tom😀 

[ellie1145]

13 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Yes, Leialoha and Tiki Dave were jumping ship.  I can't remember if they were transferring to the Golden or the Coral.  I strongly voiced my objections to them, but it was corporate who decided that they were needed elsewhere.  

 

Yes, thank you for leaving the lava at the National Park.  I grew up on the islands and were taught all about the gods/goddesses of the islands and taboos.  You quickly learn "NOT" to disbelieve in any of the stories.  My story:  I drove my out of town bridesmaids up to a Heiau (sacred temple) as part of their tour of Oahu.  Returning to town, my car stalled and stopped.  First words out of my mouth was "Did someone take something from the Heiau?"  Meekishly, someone spoke up and quickly threw the rock out of the car window.  Car started and we got home safely.  Coincidence?  I have lots more stories....for another time.

 

 

Wow, that is an interesting and very scary story.

 

I certainly didn’t want to bring down the wrath of Pele on our heads, so I’m glad we put the lava back.

[ellie1145]

 

Land where the goddess dwells.

 

The Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park has been designated as an International Biosphere Reserve, and a World Heritage Site.

 

Seeing for ourselves the effects of volcanic eruptions reminds us that we humans have very little control over the ever changing processes of the planet. We cannot prevent or change the course of a volcanic eruption, we can merely stand by and wonder at its power, and its ability to destroy, and yet bring new life.

 

 

Even now, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes are constantly adding to, and changing, the island of Hawai’i. Their rivers of molten lava eventually become the foundations for life, as we have seen for ourselves at Lua Manu.

 

 

Ricky drives us along the Chain of Craters Road to the Visitor Centre. The rain has stopped but the car park is awash with huge puddles.

 

No, this is not some huge koi carp pond, it’s the car park!

 

 

 

We step inside and see that there are many interesting exhibits.

 

 

Over 2.5 million people visit the Kilauea Volcano, and this centre, which is located near the park entrance, has many fascinating exhibits which help people understand the history, environment and culture of the park and of Hawaii itself.

 

 

Edited December 2, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

 

I am fascinated to learn how the island was formed, and also about how the flora and fauna reached Hawaii, and became established. It is such a beautiful island, but it’s one which has developed over millions of years.

 

 

Plants and animals arrived in many different ways. Spores released from ferns in south east Asia, as well as insects, seeds and spiders, travelled on the wind, carried high in the air by the jet stream. 

 

Migrating birds often carried seeds in their digestive tracts or on their feathers, depositing them where they landed. Salt resistant plants, insects, snails and seeds were carried by ocean currents, or on floating detritus. And of course, man arrived, bringing with them new species, and impacting the island’s native plants and animals.

 

It took 32 million years for these plants and animals to colonise this Hawaiian island. About 90% of Hawai’i’s native flora is endemic, and found nowhere else on the planet. It is an amazing story of survival.

 

The kolea, or Pacific Golden Plover, breeds in Alaska and then travels 2,500 miles to Hawai’i to spend the winter. Geolocator devices attached to these birds have revealed that they make this journey non-stop, as there is nowhere for them to land and rest. Unbelievably, it is said that they fly at an average speed of 50 miles an hour, and that it only takes between 2 and 4 days. How on earth do they do it?

 

 

It is interesting to see how, when man arrived, land was cleared to grow crops and rear animals, forests were cut down, and invasive species were introduced which thrived and multiplied.

 

Some of these have been catastrophic. Even something as simple as the introduction of pigs has led to the destruction of the understory of tree ferns and forests. Pigs love to wallow in muddy water, and these depression become breeding grounds for mosquitos that transmit avian malaria to native birds.

 

Mongooses, native to India, were introduced in 1883  by the sugar industry to keep rats down in the fields, but they also eat native birds and their eggs. Invasive plants such as ginger have replaced native forests. Many species have become extinct.

 

The park staff work hard to restore the natural habitats and to control, and if necessary, eliminate, plant and animal pests. They have built fences to keep out pigs, and have killed these and the feral animals which were disrupting the ecology of the area. 

 

As a result of destroying ginger, guava and faya, they have been able to help re-establish native plants, as well as the official bird of Hawai’i, the nene, and insects such as happyface spiders and butterflies.

 

Edited December 2, 2020 by ellie1145

[USCcruisecrazy]

I love the way you integrate Valerie Dohren poems into your posts.  She has some incredible poetry!! The pictures are awesome.  I am really enjoying the excursion.  🙂

[ellie1145]

Rocks hurtling through the air

falling everywhere -

turning into words pouring from lips

burning - destroying

Valerie Dohren

 

 

          We visit the Kilauea caldera

 

                         The five volcanoes of Hawai’i

 

The park itself has over 155 miles of hiking trails, and within the park it is possible to view seven different ecological zones - coast, lowland, mid-elevation woodland, rainforest, upland forest, subalpine and alpine.

 

 

There are several free daily ranger guided tours available, many of them just 45 minutes to an hour long. During this walk rangers will share information about the ecology and geology of this unique place. There are also 30 minute geology talks which take place outside the Visitor Centre, by the Hawai’i Island Map. Unfortunately, we don’t have time to take part in a walk.

 

Although we wander outside and listen to part of a geology talk which is taking place outside, under cover, we don’t have time to stay and listen to all of it.

 

We are now off to see some more of this amazing volcanic area, so we get back in the van on our way to the Kilauea volcano viewing area.

 

 

Kilauea is an incredibly active volcano, having erupted almost continually between 1983 and 2018, when it caused much damage to property. The towns of Kalapaa and Kaimū were destroyed. In May 2018 it erupted, throwing ash 30,000 ft into the air.

 

Rivers of molten rock ran into the ocean, and destroyed Hawaii’s largest natural freshwater lake. This lava also filled Kapoho Bay and produced new land nearly a mile long into the sea. After 90 days, the activity finally subsided, and the eruption was declared to have ended in December 2018.

 

At its summit there is a caldera, and we walk along a path full of huge puddles, to see plumes of volcanic gases rising from the volcano.

 

 

 

 

 

The air is full of sulphurous fumes. Ricky warns us that anyone with asthma should not come with us. Although I am mildly asthmatic it does not cause me any problems.

 

 

 

The caldera is an awesome sight. Although it is misty and overcast It gives you a feeling of the huge scale of this volcano. We are so pleased to be experiencing this wonderful tour, and seeing so much of the island, despite our short stay. 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 2, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

22 minutes ago, USCcruisecrazy said:

I love the way you integrate Valerie Dohren poems into your posts.  She has some incredible poetry!! The pictures are awesome.  I am really enjoying the excursion.  🙂

 

Thank you, USCcruise crazy! I enjoy her poetry, too.

 

Glad you are enjoying our trip round Hawai’i. 👍

[Papa Yoda]

The SS Lurline (photo from the Aloha Tower):

 

 

My Father sailed in her from San Diego on his way to Guadalcanal in 1943.  I once asked him if he'd want to go on a cruise with us, he said: "been on too many cruises to ever want to go again."

[TeaBag]

I'm so sorry you had inclement weather Ellie but Hilo is a rainy place.  I guess we have been lucky in that we had good weather on 2 of our 3 visits.  One time it was so rainy we stayed on the ship.  Of course that is not possible when you have organized tours.  Anyway, good on you for making the best of it and getting some great pictures.

Poke is wonderful and it is low cal too!!!  We can get it here.

[ellie1145]

5 minutes ago, TeaBag said:

I'm so sorry you had inclement weather Ellie but Hilo is a rainy place.  I guess we have been lucky in that we had good weather on 2 of our 3 visits.  One time it was so rainy we stayed on the ship.  Of course that is not possible when you have organized tours.  Anyway, good on you for making the best of it and getting some great pictures.

Poke is wonderful and it is low cal too!!!  We can get it here.

 

Thank you Teabag. It really didn’t spoil our day at all. We could still see the beauty and the magnificence of this island, despite the rain. Unfortunately weather is something nobody can control and you just have to suck it up. It was such an interesting tour that nothing could have spoilt it, and from time to time the rain abated so that was good.

 

Glad you were able to see Hilo in sunshine. Do post any sunny photos if you feel able to. 

[AF-1]

ellie 1145;  great pics.  Love the scenery.  Rain is there but it doesn't stop you from venturing out.  Did you know Mcdonalds sells Macadamia milkshakes.  Or they did when I was there.