Kīlauea Update, Wednesday, July 4, 2018, Ka Wahine o ka Lua, at last

Seemed longer, but todays exploquake (ʻōlaʻi ʻōniu pele) happened at 1014a, 32 hours after the previous one.  As much as I say Iʻm getting used to them all, I canʻt seem to stop waiting.  My impatience is the bane of my existence.  Ma would always tell me, "Boy, you gotta be patient!". No. NOW!  And still yet...at least Iʻm a little more aware and try, most of the time, to get out of the way and not be so bossy.  [That sound you hear is the chuckling of good friends].

And Ka Wahine was very kind today.  I had kind of a restless night.  Woke a few times to clusters of M3ish ʻōlaʻi.  Waiting.  Heart beating fast, slow down, go back sleep.   Repeat.  Waiting. I had an easy morning amidst the clusters of shakes every so often.  Waiting.  Did some thinking about todays post.  Waiting.  Answered emails.  Waiting.  Then went for a much-needed walk.  Even then, waiting.  Got dropped off in front after, and just as I lifted my foot to climb the front steps:  Wobble.  Noticeable wobble.  Opened the door and saw the hanging light swinging.  My earthquake detector.  No need to hear the house noises and feel much of the shaking.  She was kind.  Mahalo.

A classically beautiful breezy summer day up here in ma uka-most Keaʻau.  Trying to type fast so I can go outside.  

Again today, the 5.3 is off-center.  Iʻll ask and try find out why... Above were the Last 20 as of 11a or so.  Below, the Last Day as of just after noon today.  The feelable threshold for many people is about M2.5, maybe a little higher, depending where you are, what you doing, substrate, type of building construction, etc.  Again, note that the entire summit region is vibrating.

Might as well look at a pretty picture while weʻre at it:  740a today.  Little puff of steam...

And here are two views of Kaluapele, taken from Volcano House, where a few HVO scientists are stationed, recording activity, and making valuable observations.  The first, below, was shortly after sunrise yesterday, and gives us an incredibly dramatic and fantastic view of Ka Lua.  Perfect lighting, with early morning steam being carried away by trade winds, the slopes of Mauna Loa in the background, and at the bottom, the stone wall fronting the hotel.  Note, VERY important note:  what appears to be the flat grey floor of Halemaʻumaʻu is actually a small ledge that drops off steeply into the abyss, on the photographers-side of that ledge.

Then below, a screen shot from the NPS Air Quality cam at Volcano House, at 740 this morning.  NPS interpretive sign on stone wall at lower left, also a fantastic view.

But.  What a difference a lens makes!  The upper photo, taken with a telephoto lens, foreshortens everything, making Halemaʻumaʻu appear closer than it actually is.  The bottom photo is more representative of reality as seen through our eyes.  Both photos spectacular, both different.

Awhile ago, annoyed by seemingly ubiquitous photoshopping, I wrote the following.  [Yes...there are no diacritical marks.  I love the font, and I canʻt figure out how to make ʻōkina and kahakō work with Garamond.  Sometimes no need.]  While the photos above are unretouched, many these days are messed with, making "reality" a seemingly very subjective thing.  Something to think about.  I trust that itʻs readable.  If not, email and Iʻll send a clearer copy.

Hereʻs Keahialaka this morning.  You can glimpse the oceans horizon at the left!

And with that, Iʻll leave you to muse and mull.  

I greatly, greatly appreciate the comments Iʻve received, both those posted on the blog, and those emailed to me.  Mahalo piha for taking the time to write.  Feedback is always welcome.

Tomorrow Iʻll be erranding in town.  Next post will be Friday or Saturday.  Please stay tuned.

As always, with aloha,

BobbyC
maniniowali@gmail.com