get more annual rain than any other US city).
My helicopter flight was booked for the morning – so I was a little
concerned – but by the time we got to
the airport and had our safety briefing there were only a few clouds in the
sky.
My tour was with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters – I had flown with them before in
Maui and Kauai. Our pilot, James, was a retired military pilot. He said this
was a piece of cake compared to Vietnam. He finds it much more pleasant
flying around looking at scenery, meeting friendly tourists and not getting
shot at. It was an amazing way to view the volcanic activity and lava flows.
One thing that I got to see that I had missed on my previous visits to this
island – The Thompson B & B. This was the only structure to escape
destruction (I am sure the name Thompson had something to do with it). It is
a 3 ½ mile hike in from the nearest road. Guests who want to visit have to
charter a helicopter to get in and out from the B & B. It was also
interesting to see small strips of roads that were somehow missed by the
lava flow. Pu'u O'o first erupted in 1986 and by 1992 had destroyed 200+
homes and added 300 acres to the island. Out of all this has come a benefit
– they have drilled 6000 feet to produce energy and it provides 20% of the
electric power for this island.
Our pilot was a wealth of information about the agriculture and economy of
the island – the best part – no test! One thing I could have done without
knowing is that just ONE macadamia nut has 90 calories. I will never be able
to eat another one.
Our ship left Hilo at 5:30 this evening and will be traveling South for over
1000 miles before we see land again. I am looking forward to some relaxing
days in the sun.
