Day 3: New Land by Sarah O'Donnell

Today we were able to stand on some of the newest lands on Earth. Only sixty-five years old, the lava rock formed from an eruption of the volcano Kilauea in 1958 was our destination today. We spent most of the day hiking through this dramatic landscape and learning about its creation. After our trip to Volcanoes National Park, we were also given a chance to visit the black sand beach created by flowing lava meeting the water. We ate a lovely dinner at Ken's House of Pancakes and learned about marine protected areas (MPAs) in the evening. 

Initially, we planned on taking a five-mile or three-mile hike through the volcano, but after a short walk, our guide decided to take the shorter one because we were only as strong as our weakest link. While I spent some time wondering who this 'weakest link was,' eventually, I realized it didn't matter. We all struggled hiking back up from the volcano, and I realized maybe I was overestimating our ability to hike five miles through a sweltering jungle. I learned today that it is essential to know your limits and also that everyone has different abilities. Because of this, it is vital to ensure everyone is included by accommodating other people's needs.
Halfway through the hike, we arrived at the center of the volcano. The volcano's lava lake was cooling at a rate of about a foot a year, so underneath us was 65 feet of cooled magma, still cooling. We found cracks of heat coming from the Earth and plants growing between the lava rocks. I found it incredible how although there were no nutrients or soil, plants still found a way to succeed in these places and grow some delicious berries too. The plants show how even in the most challenging environments, life endures. We stopped for lunch during the hike and were given time to reflect. We completed an 'I am' poem, where we reflected on who we were, what we thought, our worries and fears, what was around us, and what we saw and heard. Getting some time to reflect was nice, as we got to stop moving for a bit and focus on the present. 

After our hike, we got to see a lava tube, a fascinating experience. The long tunnel was barely lit and was the only lava tube we were allowed to go in due to the cultural heritage of other tubes in the park. While I was disappointed that I wouldn't be able to see the carvings in the tunnels, I remembered that it's important to respect cultural laws and traditions. 




We ended the day with a Punalu'u black sand beach trip and a delicious dinner at Ken's House of Pancakes. We saw turtles at the black sand beach, the day's highlight. A barrier protected the turtles, and we learned more about marine protection and policy later that evening. Overall, it was a very tiring day, but I learned a lot and definitely enjoyed it. I can't wait for the next one!



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