The morning started with our plan to drive over the Saddle Road, mid Hawaii island, to make our way over to Hilo- about 80 miles.
We stopped for breakfast at Dave's, a joint recommended on Trip Advisor for cheap breakfasts.
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| Dave's |
The drive started at sea level and went up to almost 7000 ft above sea level, going through various flora depending upon the elevation.
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| First change from the all volcanic rock |
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| Around 3000 feet |
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| Around 6000 feet- reminded us of Tehatchapi high desert |
We arrived in Hilo earlier than expected, so based on AAA "GEM" recommendations, we went to the Tsunami Museum. There was a wonderful film about the 1946 and 1961 Tsunami damage in Hilo, and expressing that it was "time" for another Tsunami to hit Hilo.
At 1:15 we arrived at the airport for our Helicopter ride over the volcano and waterfalls. The helicopter vibrations just about "did me in", as well as the lack of air, but I managed to survive the 45 minute flight. I don't remember the vibration from our Alaska glacier helicopter ride.
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| Survival after the flight. |
The views over the volcano were interesting...
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| Blue Hawaii Helicopters Pilot Adam |
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| Heading out over the ocean before over the volcano |
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| Steam vents |
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| Close up lava- yes we were close |
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| Fiery spots |
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| More active areas |
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| Waterfalls |
After the flight, we headed back from Hilo to Waikoloa via the northern route around the island, listening to the Giants ballgame until we lost reception. We arrived back at the hotel just in time for the last inning and the Giant win. Also on the TV was the "potential" tsunami from the earthquake in BC. We checked with the hotel, and they said "not to worry". So ...
as we had not had our weekly sashimi yet, we headed on over to the Queen's Marketplace to the Japanese restaurant. We had ordered our food and just received it when we were told by our server, that we needed to finish up quickly because the restaurant was evacuating. So we stuffed down our expensive food, and headed back to the hotel.
After checking at reception, we were told that this hotel is in the "safe zone" (although it is pretty much on the shore) and that if we wished, we could be evacuated to an upper floor (from our 3rd floor garden view room). So we said, sure, after having seen everything at the Tsunami museum earlier, and we were moved to the 5th floor- pool view- and some ocean view- room. So 4 trips moved all our stuff by 10:00 PM with a 10:28 expectation of the tsunami to hit.
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| Watching on TV |
Well, 10:28 came and went with no tsunami. Today's reports are no damage, but unfortunately a few people were killed in accidents in the evacuations on Oahu.
About midnight, we fell asleep, having had a very busy day.
1 comment:
Confused for a moment here. This is about Saturday. I kept wondering how you got to midnight before me (Sunday). Sharon V has had tsunami evacuations her last two trips to Hawaii.
It looks like a new and shiny helicopter. Did you ask the pilot about the vibration?
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