Adventure #3
Dirt paths carved into the earth where the cliffs meet the sea led us to an ancient spiritual ground. Transported back in time, left to contemplate the strength and fortitude of the ancient Hawaiians, I was astonished. They moved each stone by hand from 9 miles away to build these towering temples that reach upwards to the heavens. If a rock was dropped along the way, it was discarded, no longer sacred. Perched high above the ocean’s roar, this site was often used to make offerings to the gods, including thousands of human sacrifices. Built in 480 AD, this is oldest temple on the Hawaiian islands. We are fortunate to have access to this site today, without fences or blockades. This site remains largely untouched, free from graffiti, defacement, or trash. This is a testimony of the good that remains in people, the ability to protect and preserve sacred ground and important historic places. There are still offerings of flower leis and shells being left, an indication of peoples’ continued reverence and respect for this sacred site.
From here, we mounted the bike and made our way to the Hamakua coast. As we rode winding roads through ranch lands and over rolling hills, we made our way into unknown territory to places we had never been before. We passed cattle pastures and open fields. Soon we noticed a gaping hole in the earth. This exposed lava tube appeared to beg to be explored. We dismounted the bike, mounted our headlamps, and headed in. We twisted and turned, following the lava tube and trusted our instincts, as we continued on an exciting adventure. Enticed and lured further in by the thrill of the unknown, we cautiously stepped deeper into the belly of the earth. At one point the ceiling dripped water, an unnerving sight. As imagination ran wild (as it often can in a place like this), I pictured the entire roof collapsing in on us, left with no way out. Luckily, this did not happen, but could be a real risk I suppose. Other sections of the cave sparkled with silver another wonderment of mother nature.
In the end, we made it out! We navigated back through the twists and turns, left relived and invigorated. Another adventure is under our belts and in our hearts.
100for2020 