Chris Harris Photography Newsletter #166, March, 2019

Newsletter #166: March, 2019
© Chris Harris. All rights reserved.

 

Hi everyone,

Rita has always wanted to share with me one of her most meaningful landscapes; the volcanic island of Hawaii. So last month, we decided to cash in some air miles and take a holiday adventure.

Together we have hiked the dormant volcanic landscapes of the Chilcotin; a project that produced the book Motherstone. I absolutely fell in love with lava and the ‘earth story’ it generated, but in Hawaii, I was in for an experience far beyond my wildest expectations.

Here is an insight in to some of the experiences we had and the imagery I made there.

In this, my 166th consecutive monthly photographic newsletter. Enjoy!

 

Newsletter Contents:

1. 2018 Lava Flow: To see it struck a chord
2. The Chain of Craters Road: A remarkable drive
3. The Mauna Ulu Trail: A hike like few others
4. Regenerated Forests and Agricultural lands: A   different beauty
5. Views of the Pacific Ocean
6. April Workshops and Presentations: Join us!

 

1. 2018 Lava Flow: To see it struck a cord

Rita has an aunt, Ruth Beauchamp, who lives in Hawaii, very close to the major lava flow that took place last year. She took us to see it.

This eruption started in May, 2018 and by August 35 sq. km of land had been covered by lava flows. About 4 sq. km of new land had been created in the ocean.  Over 700 homes were lost. The flows were declared inactive in December.

 

The young lava is extremely dangerous to walk on. One accidental trip and your flesh
would be shredded. It was more dangerous than walking on broken glass.

2. The Chain of Craters Road: A remarkable drive

In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a 19 mile road that drops 3,700 ft. to a newly created volcanic landscape along the ocean. These lava flows are just over 15 years old. To get a real sense of these flows, we stopped at several places along the way. Here are a few images of the shapes and patterns that helped us imagine the flows when they were still molten and alive.

Never have I driven through such a landscape

 

Different flows had different colours, patterns, and textures

 

To photograph the earth in such a primal state was exciting and powerful

 

Looking into the late afternoon light brought out the textures and patterns

 

Photographing the Pacific Ocean from a new, recently created part of the island

 

 

3. The Mauna Ulu Trail: A hike like few others

 

On the morning of May 24, 1969, residents and visitors were jarred by a series of earthquakes. A large fissure had opened up in a quiet forest along the Chain of Craters Road. Soon after, red-hot lava burst forth to announce the start of a new eruption, the birth of Mauna Ulu.

This was the landscape Rita and I chose to hike through; a natural history experience like few others.

Following cairns, Rita and I headed out.

The landscape was very much alive. We could feel the heat and smell the odors of an ever-changing land.

 

We passed many fissures and craters along the way.

 

The power of Mother Earth was humbling.

We had lunch here, overlooking Makaopuhi Crater.

Regeneration was a beautiful sight to witness. In the foreground are the Ohi’a trees in blossom.

 

Regeneration

 

When driving back to our little farm cabin, I made this image. Amidst several distinct lava flows, a solitary tree thrives. What a day! 

 

4. Regenerated Forests and Agricultural lands: A different beauty

 

One day Rita and I drove to the northern part of the island. The volcanoes have long been dormant here and regeneration is visible at an entirely different level. There are beautiful forests and agricultural lands; all set amidst volcanic features.

Trees growing on volcanic soil

Where the local beef and dairy industry thrives

 

7. Views of the Pacific Ocean

I can’t resist showing you some of the ocean views we experienced during our stay.

I am not often near the ocean, but when I am, I’m drawn to that incredibly simple horizon line. When you add the different moods of each day, it becomes an  irresistible force! Here are a few moods of the Pacific we experienced during our stay.

Light, above and below the horizon.  I

 

Light, above and below the horizon.  II

 

Light, above and below the horizon.  III

Light, above and below the horizon.  IV

 

Light, above and below the horizon.  V

 

6. April Workshops and Presentations: Join us!

The upcoming month of April is filled with workshops and presentations. The workshops in April are full, but if you are near one of our presentations, please join us.

April 13, 2019; Salmon Arm, BC

April 15, 2019; High River, Alberta

April 17, 2019; Nature Calgary, Calgary, Alberta

April 22, 2019; Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows, BC

For details, visit the Appearances page on my website.

 

 

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Check out for Appearances near you.

 

Thank You. See you in April!