The Edge of Devastation

Devastation Trail

Devastation Trail
Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island, Hawaii

Kilauea, reputed to be the world's most active volcano, is situated in the southeastern part of Hawaii's Big Island.   Kilauea is the centerpiece of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park -- a "must see" for visitors to this island.  I live about 100 miles from the volcano, by road.

Kilauea volcano has erupted 34 times since 1952.  A 1959 eruption at a vent called Kilauea Iki buried the surrounding forest up to two meters deep in ash and cinders.  Trees that did not burn outright were stripped of their leaves.  Today, nearly 50 years later, the whole area around Kilauea Iki is still covered by a layer of cinder, although some hardy plants and trees have begun to grow there once more.

A one kilometer (5/8 mile) hiking trail passes through the area that was devastated in 1959.  Not surprisingly, it is called Devastation Trail.  This photo, taken from Devastation Trail, shows some of the cinder and the remains of dead trees, as well as some new growth at the edge of the devastated area.  The bushy green trees are 'Ohi'a Lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha), a tree endemic to Hawaii.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very cool caption for your picture of the volcano.
Happy Ruby Tuesday!

Felisol said...

Life indeed is an impressive force.
Blooming through the ashes, that indeed is a admirable sight.
From Felisol

Becky said...

Wow, Bobbie. What a different place for a walking trail, and how wonderful that the foliage will grow after such devistation.
Happy RT!

Gattina said...

What a difference between the dead and the green part !

Anonymous said...

This is such an interesting post. Thanks for all the information. The ruby growth is a lovely contrast to the brown and green...

Linda said...

What a dramatic contrast!

Babs (Beetle) said...

You just can't stop nature ;O)

Dianne said...

Devastation Trail - the name gives me the chills but the place is quite lovely.

Askew To You said...

Thanks for sharing the information with your lovely photo. :D

Carletta said...

Years ago we visited Oahu and climbed Diamond Head. We always thought we would go back to the big island. I have a friend who did and loved the park you show and describe. Ah, someday!
Lucky you.

Anonymous said...

Why is it some of the most devasting things about mother nature are the most fascinating? Thanks for the pic and the info.
:-)

Indrani said...

This was so interesting! The history and the present story of the place is amazing!!

VaQueenBee said...

Thanks for sharing your picture and your information. Very interesting! My dream vacation is to go to Hawaii, so I look forward to seeing your posts in the weeks to come!

Kathie Brown said...

Regeneration is always amazing to me--the ability of the land to heal itself and for life to flousih once again!

Mary said...

This is a wonderful slice of life at its most fragile. We live in a delicate balance. You live closer then most of us! Look forward to more.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Bobbie: Welcome aboard to the new My World meme. What a great start to show the beginning of your islands. I'm glad you are on board and I expect to see neat things from the 50Th state.

Jim said...

Hi Bobby, this is a neat picture!
I have some 'blooming' pictures of that volcano too and also some 'blooming' pictures of the lava flow. Happy RR!
Thank you for your visit to my GUM Dept Store and for your nice comment. I am so sorry I just came here, I am running very late and may never catch up.
..

kjpweb said...

Great MyWorld post!
Very informative along with a gorgeous image!
Thank you for joining!
Cheers, Klaus

BNS said...

Thanks, everyone.

Bobbie