Snow has finally arrived

The snow is late this year, but it has finally arrived. While we used to get snow on Mauna Kea in late October, this year it is now the beginning of December before the snow arrived. It looks like there is enough snow for the skiers to have several days of good sport. As soon as the road to the summit is plowed, I expect to see a multitude of skiers on the mountain.

A New Restaurant in Kailua-Kona

            On the site of what used to be the Irish Publick House is Foster's Kitchen. It is on the second story of the building next to the volleyball court with an excellent view of Kailua Bay.

            We enjoyed dinner there at a very reasonable price. From my point of view the only drawback was the lack of good single malt whisky. I had a dram of Glenlivet, which is not a favorite of mine, but was the only single malt they had.

            The meal began with an appetizer of Hapa Brown Beer Cheese, which was an excellent hot, creamy beer cheese served with thinly sliced toasted pretzel bread. It was a very good combination that we both enjoyed.

            For our entree we both had the Blackened Shrimp Cheese Grits which was topped with an egg. The grits were very good and the egg added a nice touch to the dish. Five or six shrimp were ample for a very filling entree.

            We topped off the meal with some local ice cream which is always delicious. There is live music every night, albeit a little loud, but definitely local. The place was really jumping.

            While I wouldn't call the restaurant fine dining, it doesn't pretend to be. Too many restaurants act as though they are fine dining while falling flat. This, on the other, is definitely a place you want to come back to. In fact, Betty is considering bringing her monthly meeting of ladies there for dinner. It fits your pocketbook with a very good meal.

Pele is putting on a show

            Once again the lava has risen in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at Kilauea. While it has been close to the crater floor in the past year and a half, it has not put on a display like this since May, 2015. Not ony is the spatter visible, but lava is out on the crater floor. This is definitely worth seeing. However, you never know how long it will last.

Lava enters the ocean

Pele's latest march to the sea has resulted in an ocean entry of lava. Yesterday lava entered the ocean for the first time in several years.

            The lava is accessible after a six mile round trip hike from a viewing area set up by the County in the Kalapana area. However, be advised that viewing the ocean entry is extremely hazardous. The ocean entry area is on a ledge that rest on loose debris that is easily eroded by wave action. People have lost their lives in the past when the ledge  collapsed into the ocean as they were standing on it. Actually, a better view is obtained either from the air or by boat. Tours are available to take you at prime viewing time by either plane or boat. Both are much better options than hiking to the ocean entry area.

Pele is flowing again

A breakout of lava from Puʻu Oʻo on the southeast rift zone of Kilauea has moved past the top of the cliff  (pali) and has traveled rapidly down to the coastal plain. It is now about two miles from the ocean.

The County has set up a parking area which is about 3 miles from the flow in the area of Kalapana. The lava can be seen from the parking area. You can hike out to the flow, about a six mile round trip hike. If you do that make sure your footwear is appropriate, you have plenty of water, and flashlights if you will be out after dark. There are several tour companies that will guide you out to the flow.

As is always the case, there is no guarantee the flow will persist. It could end as quickly as it started.

Kilauea a year later

It has been a year since we viewed the lava welling up in Halemaumau Crater. It was an experience that few have ever seen. However, the lava soon receded and has not again made its way onto the crater floor. To experience something like that is all a matter of timing. During the past year the lava level has been oscillating, but has not rising to the extent that it did a year ago. It is always best to check on the lava levels before visiting the crater. To do this visit the website which shows webcam views of the eruption areas at: http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/cams/ . The various cameras will give you a good idea of what is visible at the eruption site. In any event, the best time for viewing is after dark when at least the glow from the lava is visible.