29 November 2016

Reaching for Stars

Mauna Kea, Hawai’i aka Big island

On the slopes of Mauna Kea. Taken in by Night Sky. Sparkling Emptiness. Milky Way stretches over like a cloud. Nebulas, Galaxies, Stars, Planets. I do not know their names. The Universe is looking at itself with my eyes.

Mauna Kea: Reaching for Stars

25 November 2016

Sacred Place to Hawaiians

Mauna Kea, Hawai’i aka Big island

From very early on Hawaiians have revered Mauna Kea. They come to HER to talk with their Gods, with their Ancestors, and with the Mountain. Shrines are there NOT just TO BE SEEN. They are there TO BE FELT. Perhaps this is the reason why Hawaiians seem to be wary of strangers visiting these places.

Mauna Kea: Hawaiian Voices Reverberate

Mauna Kea: Sacred Mountain

21 November 2016

Playground to Astronomers

Mauna Kea, Hawai’i aka Big island

Around the Summit of Mauna Kea, at about 4,150 meters (13,615 feet). The Observatories oblivious to the Mountain that carries them. With the Focus FAR, FAR, FAR AWAY. Looking for Nebulas, Galaxies, Stars, Planets… for the beginning of Time. I do not sense I am welcomed here. Yet, I stand near the Summit that means so much to Hawaiians. And I do not see the splendor of their Sacred Place. Why? The Observatories bring industrial look and feel that suppresses the Heartbeat of the Mountain’s Crown.

Mauna Kea: Close to the Summit. Industrial look and feel.

Mauna Kea: Keck Telescopes. Closed for the day.

Mauna Kea: Metallic shine. Oblivious to the Mountain.

Mauna Kea: Stop sign? Expecting Traffic? Here?

Mauna Kea: With the Focus Far, Far, Far Away

Mauna Kea: I do not sense I am welcomed here

Mauna Kea: Looking away into Distance

Mauna Kea: It is High. At 4,150 meters. Haleakala hovering over there.

Mauna Kea: Slowly descending. Visitor Center in View.

17 November 2016

Refuge to Endangered

Mauna Kea, Hawai’i aka Big island

Her Hawaiian name is ‘ahinahina. Others call her Mauna Kea Silversword for a reason. She lives nowhere else on Earth. Born and Raised high-up, on the slopes of Mauna Kea. With Sun and Cold. Where very few others can survive. Silver leaves protect her from the Sun. And help her conserve water. Flowers only once, at the end of her long life. Today nearly extinct, She lives on small pieces of land, fenced-off from the predators humans brought on the Island. Small gesture? Or an attempt to escape the torment of self guilt.

Ahinahina: About to enter Her Home

Ahinahina: This is a piece of land where She lives

Ahinahina: Fenced-off for Her protection

Ahinahina: Flowers once at the end of Her Long Life

Ahinahina: Silver leaves protect Her from the Sun

Ahinahina: Pleased to be Herself

Ahinahina: So Long. Stay safe.

14 November 2016

Oasis of Peace

Mauna Kea, Hawai’i aka Big island

Waving among sleepy craters of Mauna Kea. High Up at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). The Sun is ablaze. Windy and Cool. Clouds coming and going. Flowering blends into the Colors of Place. ALL in tune with Melodies of the Mountain.

Mauna Kea: High Up at 2,800 meters

Mauna Kea: Waving among sleepy craters

Mauna Kea: On the Edge

Mauna Kea: Flowering blends into the Colors of Place

Mauna Kea: Surrounded by Mamane Trees. Thank you for the Hospitality !

Mauna Kea: Old age lava. Sprightly youthful.

Mauna Kea: Clouds. Always around. Wish to be seen.

Mauna Kea: Contagious

Mauna Kea: High Point

Mauna Kea: Feels like Finale

Mauna Kea: Fiery Soul




Mauna Kea: Clouds artistry. It’s all about the Rim.

Mauna Kea: Mamane Flowers. So good to see you in High Spirits.

Mauna Kea: Living among stones

Mauna Kea: I wonder what is There ?

Mauna Kea: She seems to be enjoying It

Mauna Kea: This is our pathway back

Mauna Kea: Volcanic ash. Evoking Her explosive nature.

Mauna Kea: Aheahea and Mamane. Both at Home. Cuddling together.

Mauna Kea: Me, Mamane. I am still Here.

08 November 2016

Mother of the Island

Mauna Kea, Hawai’i aka Big island

Mauna Kea. The second oldest volcano on the Island. At 4,205 m (13,796 feet), she is the tallest mountain on Hawai’i. And if measured from her oceanic base, she is the tallest mountain on Earth. An Oasis of Peace for more than 4,000 years. She captures clouds on their travels across the ocean and brings water to Life. She stands firm against Hurricanes so they prefer not to cross paths with her. Not surprisingly, many Plants and Birds chose her to be their Home. The Plants and Birds nowhere else to be found. Today, most of them extinct or endangered. Mauna Kea is seen with different eyes by different people. She is Refuge to Endangered, Playground to Astronomers, Sacred Place to Hawaiians. To ME ? She is Volcano. Majestic in her reach for Stars.

Mauna Kea: See Her. Overlooking Hilo.

Mauna Kea: Distant. Yet always There.

Mauna Kea: Old Saddle Road keeps Her close

Mauna Kea: From gardens in Waimea

03 November 2016

What a Character !

Fells Reservation, Massachusetts

Sitting on a branch overlooking the trail. Observing those few passersby. No Fear ! Curiosity ? Her BIG EYES see through me. I catch her gaze. She does not mind. We resume our hike. Leaving her behind. What a Character !

Aegolius acadicus: Her Big Eyes see through me

Aegolius acadicus: I catch her Gaze. She does not mind.

Aegolius acadicus: Wink, Wink !

Aegolius acadicus: Resuming our hike. Leaving Her behind. What a Character !