Volcano NP is one of the most magical national parks we have here in the US. It’s mesmerizing, even when the eruption is “just” calmly bubbling. In welcome contrast of the sunny, dry side of the island where we currently live, here at 4,000 feet, the weather is often cold, windy, and rainy…Perhaps it’s a signal that I’m ready to move back to rainy Seattle?

Sharing a few pics in memory of this sweet weekend, when we escaped our first open house.

And then of course stopping in Punalu’u to see the turtles and then a quick malasada makes for the perfect trip 💙

Here is a quick video when we first arrived. It’s about 3pm, just a quick walk from the new/temporary visitor center.

And this one is an early morning (4:30 am) viewing. The 2 mile round trip walk is a little sketchy in the dark — and I’d only do this walk in Hawaii where there are no bears, mountain lions, or snakes that would eat me — It’s totally worth it, even in the rain! Seeing the stars in this dark sky was amazing! There was no moon but Venus and Saturn were basically in line, making a very bright star and yes we could see us moving against the milky way…

Here’s to a beautiful life 🩵💙💛 #lovebigisland #hawaii #volcanonationalpark #madampele