It was a year ago this month that Aunt Louise and I flew to Hawaii to visit sister, Mary, and brother-in-law, Jim. Their home in Hawaiian Paradise Park just a short way from the town of Pahoa on the big island is not (at present) in the line of the lava flow.
However, that could easily change, as the flow is going to keep coming until it reaches the ocean and their house is along a possible trajectory.
The nearby town of Pahoa is almost 100% assured to be destroyed, along with many homes, plus the only road into or out of this area. The flow could continue for years (!) and the fumes from the lava are noxious and potentially deadly.
Their yard sits above a long abandoned lava tube so they have always been aware that their little piece of this paradise was tenuous at best.
They have rented a container to store their belongings and will be leaving this lovely home that Jim built. However, they don't know where they will go, or for how long.
They are stowing away their keepsakes, her new kiln, all her pottery supplies, Jim's tools, his coffee-growing hobby, and all the while trying to stay optimistic. It is a nerve-wracking vigil to be watching the lava move slowly, by inches, ever closer, destroying everything in its path.
There are a number of good websites that are following the lava flow. The easiest way to find info is to go into Google and type in "Hawaii lava flow". There are dozens of government and media sites that show maps and give daily progress. My favorite site is "Hattie's Web" and the link is on this page on the right. She lives in Hilo and is a very good friend of Mary and Jim. She is keeping close tabs on them and has a remarkable vantage point from the balcony of her house as well.
I have done two postings at once so please read the next one as well....
Have to call Mary tomorrow to find out what's up. The flow has stalled for now, which is giving people a breather, but I don't hold out much hope for Pahoa.
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