![]() We also followed lava tubes from there which were also punctuated by hot spots showing red and sometimes open flame. We saw the crater within the crater and the vent showing the red lava and wafts of sulphur laden gas blowing up from the open earth. The stark black cold lava field was even more vivid than we could see from the road making the green vegatiation even more amazing, especially where the lava had flowed around patches of green and burning everything else but leaving signs of life here and there. From the base, we flew in a southeasterly direction towards the active volcano and across a live fire range used for artillery and helicopter gunship target practice. We were picked up from our hotel by Vicki who was enthusiastic,pleasant, and helpful but who talked a little too much for my liking.The pilot was knowledgeable and gave commentary and answered questions about the island's history. The captain did circle the areas of interest to allow all to see the points of interest from the side windows. I think the 4 passengers in the back were also comfortable although they would not have had as good a view. The helicopter, a WhisperSTAR was quiet and very comfortable even though I weigh about 250 so there is lots of leg and butt and shoulder room. If you can afford it, do it for sure! We paid the extra fee to secure the 2 front passenger seats which ensured we got a full view and it was worth the total of $1120 spent. Given the very rugged terrain, it is only by air that you could possibly really see this island and only a helicopter can have a slow enough airspeed so that you could really see what there is to see. Kona is defined in almost every way by its volcanic past and present.
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