Watching the sun rise

Spectacular!!

Aloha everyone!  I feel like I have been away forever! My trip to Hawaii was a much needed vacation to re-energize from the day to day routine of life.  I can honestly say however, that I am happy to be back home since I did miss my boys.  The picture you see here is absolutely spectacular and was taken in the early hours of the morning as the sun made it's way through the clouds.  While in Hawaii I had the privilege

of getting up at 2am to travel on a winding road that took my husband, daughter and my daughters friend 10,000 feet above sea level to the top of Haleakala.  What a breath taking moment it was to see the sun rise up out of the clouds, and to think that this spectacular event takes place each and every day as we sleep soundly in our beds.  The drive took approximately 90 mins in the dark, I was thankful for there being no light since if there was I think I would have been extremely nervous traveling up this winding road.  As we drove to higher elevations you could feel the temperature drop, and once at the top the temperature was very much like the beginning of winter in Canada.  We didn't have mitts, hats or heavy coats with us but we bundled up by layering our clothes and bringing blankets from our room so we would not freeze while we waited for the glorious sun to rise.  Haleakala is known as the "house of the sun", and is located on the island of Maui.  I learned that all of the islands in Hawaii are actually volcano's that rose from the sea.  This particular volcano rose long ago, and has reached more than 10,000 feet above the sea.  It is said that every year one million visitors make the long drive up to the very top and endure the cold temperatures to witness this grand event.  The ride down took longer than expected, which was due to a mechanical breakdown of the tour bus.  Thank goodness it happened at the top of Haleakala and not on the way down.  They sent for another tour bus to come get us, I was thankful for the blankets, since even with the sun the temperature was still very cold.  As we travelled down the winding road the view was amazing, but I was happy that we didn't rent a car and drive this ourselves since there are no barriers on this road and the edge is very close and steep. 

I feel so fortunate to have been able to witness this event, it has made me appreciate the wonder and power of the sun.  I will no longer take for granted or underestimate the power of the sun or water.  They are two powerful forces, that  I think many of us don't give much thought too, but all you have to do lately is turn on the news and we hear an see the strength they both have.  They say that a picture is worth a thousand words which I agree, but this event I would have to say a picture does not do it justice, it is definitely a must see if you ever get the opportunity to visit Maui.

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