The Maloneys are still adjusting to the time change so we thought we should use it to our advantage and go to see the sunrise at Haleakala. We started our trip just after 3:00am and I am sure we will all need a nap this afternoon. The sky was pretty bright because of the supermoon. Most of the drive is fine except for the last half hour when it is switchbacks which makes the drive more interesting in the dark. We got to the Haleakala National Park entrance around 4:45am and then had another half hour drive with more switchbacks to get to the visitors center. When we arrived, a man told us that The Summit parking lot was already full. I wonder what time those people left this morning. We still had about an hour before sunrise so we just turned the heat on and had a nap. At around 6:15am, we got out of the car and put on every piece of clothing we brought. The temperature was 80°F when we left and now it was 50°F. Brrrr.
There were many many people there but we did manage to find a little spot on a rock that gave us a great view. The boys were bundled under a blanket while the rest of us huddled around. Sunrise at Haleakala is a something that has to be experienced in person. Photos and words do not do it justice, but I will try. You are standing on top of a volcano, above the clouds when all of a sudden, the sun rises and you are bathed in light. It truly is magical. What I find absolutely hilarious is that right after the sunrise, most people leave and the place is practically empty. We always make a point to hang around to enjoy the solitude.
The drive back down is almost as dangerous as the drive up. Instead of darkness, you are trying to make your way around cyclists. We got back to the bottom safely and headed over to Makawao to have some breakfast at Casanova Italian Restaurant and Deli. But before that, we dropped into Komodo Bakery for cream puffs and malasadas. After breakfast, we walked around the town checking out the various shops. On our way back to the condo, we stopped at Ho’okipa Beach to check out the surfers and kite flyers. We arrived back at the condo shortly after 1:00pm. We had lunch and then spent the rest of the afternoon hanging around the pool with all the Maloneys.
Karen and I got an offer from Darren to check out his show “Burn N’ Love” and we decided to take him up on the offer. Before the show, we did a little bit of shopping on Front Street in Lahaina and had dinner at Sale Pepe. The show was awesome as usual and afterwards, we dropped Darren home and had a very quick visit with Allison.
It looks like you’re all having a great time. But is Liam coming back as a tired alcoholic cowboy????????. I’ve been following Dorothy’s blog. Weather here today is rain but the last couple of days were pretty nice. Friday is to be a high of 17, still warm for November but we’ll take it .Great shots Dorothy, keep them coming, Say hello to everyone.