A life in Hawaii:
The first thing we did in Hawaii was get briefed. We watched a helicopter safety video and were told to watch out for methane explosions, tsunamis, earthquakes, and hot lava (about 2,000 oF). After we were told about all of these dangers, we got a little scared, but we still wanted to stay. The second day in Hawaii was the first full day of broadcasts for us. It went great. I got to work with Rosie, the biologist who studies spiders. It was wonderful, I never knew that all of the different species of spiders on Hawaii originated from one or two different species. The next day, I got to work with Steve, a geologist. He's a really great guy and I really enjoyed working with him. Seeing the lava for the first time in my life, I was amazed.. It is like a wasteland out there; although, it is beautiful in its own and unique way. Steve really made it easy for me and I learned a whole lot. Yesterday, I was able to work with Joe, an oceanographer who was filling in for Frank. I don't think that I have ever been so hot in my life. Being about a foot away from the lava, you only feel about ten percent of the heat radiated by the lava and Joe burned his face. Today, I got to go on the helicopter and it was great. After take-off, we flew to Pu'u O'o. When we arrived, the weather was wonderful and we saw the molten lava inside the vent. I think that was one of the best experiences of my life because we were able to get ten feet away from the vent. Tomorrow,, I will get a chance to work with Frank and I am really looking forward to it.
John Baranski
Student Argonaut
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