A visit to Mauna Kea



Yes, that's Kelli wearing a parka in Hawaii. Our first night was spent on top of Mauna Kea, elevation 13,500 feet. Temperature at the summit was 35 (as compared to 80 at sea level). Oh, and the wind chill is in the teens! But look at the views. Behind Kelli is the shadow of Mauna Kea, stretching for 100 miles out over the Pacific Ocean at sunset.



Here are some sunset pictures, literally from the top of the world. Mauna Kea is home to numerous observatories due to the clear air. After the sun went down, we moved down the mountain to a warmer place to do some stargazing. Light pollution from street lights really robs you of a great show; it's unbelievable how the sky explodes with stars!