Adaptively Radiant by Joseph E. Henning

Author:Joseph E. Henning
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781733061728
Publisher: Joseph E. Henning
Published: 2019-06-03T00:00:00+00:00

9

HOUSE OF THE SUN

The following morning, Justin, Melia, and Brandon take off on an overnight camping trip to Haleakala National Park. The thirty-seven-mile drive from sea level to the ten-thousand-foot volcano summit is the world’s highest elevation gain in the shortest distance. They work their way upcountry to the small town of Kula and hang a left onto Highway 378/Crater Road for the eleven-mile stretch to the park entrance. The highway is slow going with numerous driving hazards that include an inversion cloud layer at seven thousand feet, steep turns, oncoming downhill bike tours, heavy traffic, slippery pavement, and the occasional bout of altitude sickness.

They arrive at the entrance to the park and pay twenty-five dollars to explore the remote wilderness encompassing more than thirty thousand acres. Brandon pulls over at Hosmer Grove campground, so they can use the restrooms and stretch their legs before tackling the remaining ten-mile drive to the summit.

Justin has a quick look around while waiting for Brandon and Melia to use the facilities. He walks past the designated camping area where some tents are pitched in the grass. Three people are sitting on a picnic table drinking coffee, and another family of four departs on the hiking trail. A homeless man in his sixties slowly pushes a shopping cart. The thin, medium-height man is wearing khaki shorts, a flannel shirt, and a green bucket hat drooped over his shaggy head. He has on dark sunglasses, sports a full gray beard, and unlaced hiking boots without socks.

The homeless man walks right past Justin calmly speaking. “Did you know scientists estimate there are one billion, trillion stars in the observable universe?” Without waiting for an answer, the man continues pushing the shopping cart repeating a phrase. “Patience is a virtue, expect the unexpected. Patience is a virtue, expect the unexpected. Patience is a virtue, expect the unexpected.”

They drive to the Park Headquarters Visitor Center to pick up a camping permit. The original plan was to stay overnight at one of the three cabins located in the summit area, Paliku, Kapalaoa, and Holua. However, the cabins require a reservation six months in advance, so they opt for tent camping instead. Both Holua and Paliku also have primitive wilderness campsites with pit toilets and undrinkable water. The trio has decided to visit Holua, which requires a seven-mile hike down the Sliding Sands Trail.

They reach the Red Hill summit overlooking the Haleakala Observatory site, an area off- limits to the public. The complex is Hawaii’s first astronomical research observatory and features several dome buildings that house high-powered telescopes and multiple research facilities.

They loop around the uppermost horseshoe lot and drive back down less than a mile to park at the Haleakala Visitor Center. After exiting the car and strapping on their backpacks, Justin, Melia, and Brandon set out on the long day of hiking. The summit weather can be unpredictable at times with varying temperatures. Fortunately, they are venturing out on a pristine day with clear blue skies, light wind, and warm weather.

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