House of the Sun

Once again I've been in transit so I haven't had the opportunity to post updates. It's a new year and I've moved to a new location. After two glorious years in Hawaii, we packed up again and moved on.

For my last post about Maui, I'd like to share one of my most memorable experiences. My best friend came all the way from New York to visit so I agreed to take her up to the summit of Haleakala to watch the sunrise. This activity would combine two of my least favorite things: waking up before the sun and enduring freezing cold temperatures. It's a good thing I am such a great friend and agreed to go because it was well worth the torture!

This certificate reads: I survived the 37-mile drive up from sea level to the summit of Haleakala volcano
(10,023 ft/ 3,055m) one of the greatest elevation gains in the shortest distance in the world!

We woke up at 2:30 am to start driving. As we got closer to the top, we were so close to the stars it felt like we could touch them. I've never seen this many stars in my life. At this elevation (10,023 feet) the sky looked more white than black because there were more stars than sky. Too bad my camera spazzed out and refused to take a photo. You will just have to take my word for it!

Despite it being August, one of the hottest months on Maui, the temperature at the top was frigid so pack some winter clothes if you want to add this to your Maui itinerary. 

We are above the clouds at this elevation. 

And here comes the sun. No captions needed.

Despite my loathing of pre-dawn rising and cold weather, this actually turned out to be one of my favorite Hawaii activities. 

Please check back soon to read about my 5,000-mile journey across the United States...