On our previous four trips, we had only once seen molten lava, and that was from a distance. So when we heard that the flow was only about an hour or so hike, we wanted to get there. This sign was buried, along with Chain of Craters Road, in 2003. (Kind of unnecessary anymore...)
Mike and his parents take a break on the way out across the lava. It was about an hour walk along a VERY poorly marked trail. (A Bronx cheer for the National Park Service!)
Parents pose in front of 2000 degree molten rock.
And, of course, we have to get in the act too. Typical tourists!
And some more cool lava pictures.
And if you like the pictures, you'll love the video! (892K; requires Real Player)
The crowd at the lava flow. It was amazing to watch people going out to the lava flow after dark without flashlights.
And now the long walk back. It was an hour out to the flow, but an hour and a half back since (a) it was dark and (b) the trail was not marked very well.
Breakouts along the lava tubes flowing down Pulama pali towards the coast flat. A week later, the flow reached the ocean.