January 18th, 2016 - Upcountry Maui

Decided to take a break from the hard work of watching for whales, listening
to the waves and enjoying the warm weather.

Headed up to Haleakala National Park to see the Haleakala Crater and the
lunar landscape of this dormant volcano. Drove the long steep climb from 0
to 10,023 feet above sea level. At one point the day did not look promising
because of the fog and cloud cover. As I climbed higher and higher, suddenly
I was above the clouds and the views were amazing. In the past I have
encountered snow upon reaching the summit, but today the weather was
magnificent. It was mystical watching the scenery change as the clouds
shifted in the wind.

After descending about half way down the mountain, I took a detour over to
the Maui Winery and the Ulupalakua Ranch Store across the road, where they
serve beef, deer and elk burgers.

Along the way, I stopped at Sun Yat Sen Park. Dedicated in 2009 in
commemoration of Maui County's sister city - Pingtung County, Taiwan "and
those who helped build and strengthen this friendship with peace and aloha."

Then decided to venture further South (new territory for me) before heading
back home.

Great day in magical Maui!