Day 1 pt 2 After a great snorkeling extravaganza, the class went back to the house to rejuvenate. We consumed sandwiches and the freshest fruit one could imagine while relaxing in the fresh island breeze. As the time came closer to our next departure, everyone scrambled to pack their day packs and fill up their water bottles while others struggled to assemble the sandwich of their choice. As the clock hit 1:45 all fifteen students and three teachers crammed themselves into the chrysler town and country mini-vans ready to observe the beauties Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea were prepared to display. On our excursion to the summit of Mauna Loa, we observed the different types of cloud coverage as well as some beautiful stratified sunlight that twinkled off the summit of Mauna Kea. We arrived at our road that would take us to the top of of Mauna Loa. It had the most turns, bumps, and all the other things you wouldn’t on a road. During our ascent to Mauna Loa we observed the old lava that had cooled. We had finally reached the top and believe it or not….there was snow!!!! In addition, we had lost ⅓ of our oxygen due to the altitude at which we were at. Immediately we all noticed. Walking 5 steps felt like walking one mile and eventually we were all challenging our physical limits. While at the top of Mauna Loa we talked to Dr. Barnes, a scientist who explained to the us how they measured the ozone and the different greenhouse gases within the atmosphere. We also observed the instrument that was first used for these observations back in 1958. These observations showed the fluctuations in Carbon Monoxide, Methane, Carbon Dioxide due to the seasons. It was very intriguing but also very challenging being at such heights. As we left we, then ventured to Mauna Kea. It was higher than Mauna Loa and it truly was a sight to see. We were literally above the clouds. Once at a station in Mauna Kea, we climbed to the top of a hill. Once again it was physically demanding but the work was worth the reward. We saw the most beautiful sunset above the clouds. As night fell upon us, the stars came out and they literally felt like they were within touching distance. We were able to use the telescope to look at the moon and Jupiter. Unfortunately, the fog fell upon the peak ending our wonderful day in Hawaii. - Sy, Bill, Austin
Posted on: Fri, 07 Mar 2014 09:57:42 +0000
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