So, between our dormitory and the valley is a large ridge. To the right of the ridge is the road in and to the left of it is the road out. We have strict rules which dictate the road into the valley and the road out of the valley. Why? Because these are the most treacherous roads I have ever been on and there is no way to make room to pass another vehicle. If two vehicles ever met head on, it would really, really suck. I mean suck bad… Did I mention this is THE definition of 4wd country?
So Wednesday, Lucas, Janine and I decided to hike into the valley in a direct path over this hill. It looks just like a pitcher’s mound. The color is perfect. The shape is right on. Then only tricky part is that the ridge is covered completely in lava debris. I mean this is exactly where all of your gas grill lava briquettes came from. Everything is loose. When you think you might have found a spot to rest, a lava debris landslide starts. And BTW… lava is sharp and jagged!
So here’s the pitcher’s mound…
One of the interesting plants that somehow survives in this windy, cold and dry environment.
Lucas and Janine hunting for nene birds…
I was surprised how good it would feel reaching the peak. But it was pretty exciting. Maybe that’s because I thought I might die on the climb up.
View of the valley base camp (tent city? The sand box?) coming off of the pitcher’s mound.
Kevin's Blog 
Nice pictures! How cold was it, by the way? It looks chilly.
I think the coldest it’s been is about 40 degF. But It is very windy so with wind chill, it’s really cold.
This is not how I pictured Hawaii at all!!