Precariously Perched on an Active Volcano

Yes, this was the high point, literally, of the trip. For those of you who think "Geology Rocks" then you must already know that Maui is home to Mt Haleakala, an active volcano that soars to a dizzying 10023 feet above sea level.

They get the beaches AND the mountains. Is there a God?? Anyway, we decided that this might be the first (and in B's case, last) time that we get to see the crater of a volcano. Unfortunately, going up 10023 feet involves a 2 hour drive. Add to that the fact that all our guidebooks recommend viewing sunrise (yes, the Rise) at Mt H.

Chin up and determined to make this once-in-a-decade (I hope) visit worth every penny, we (read I) decided to set up the alarm for 3.30 AM. Thats particularly ridiculous when in HI. There is no early bird-worm battle in this laid back place. I digress. Back to Mt H.

Two hours, many curves, some in the passenger's seat, and a 35 degree temperature drop later we were at The Summit. My light jacket was useless here - I never factored in the windchill. I was already eyeing other people's blankets! We stayed put in our car a little while, waiting for the sun to come out. Thirty minutes later we ran into the little glass house to view the big sunrise. It was brilliant. It was my first time above clouds and watching the sunrise. The picture is worth a thousand words indeed! Oh, and there is actually plant life at that altitude... and (really) its endangered!

We were back at our condo a couple of hours later and caught up with much needed slumber. Of course, that was another day of golf - this time around at the Makena Resort Golf Club. I played one of my better rounds here. The ocean, beaches, mountain, golf, hula dancing... all things that heaven's made of.