MidiMike

I would like to post another set of pictures from a Maui trip years ago.  It reminds me again of the power and force nature puts behind everything on this planet.  As an observer, viewer or bystander, we sometimes miss the true impact.  But when you are in its presence the impressions can be astounding.  My wife and are were standing on our porch a few nights ago watching a lightning storm pass over our house.   Heavy rain at times kept us close to the house. We watched the storm move – pointing out lightning strikes and the strength of related thunder We noted of their distance.  I had just said something about bolts traveling a good distance before going to ground as the last distant thunder receded.

As we looked in the direction of the storm, we were both immediately jettisoned into hyper-awareness as a bright ball flared and jumped between the rain clouds and a huge oak tree in our yard.  We were frozen by a sound I cannot describe and the combined impact of thunder and electricity so close to us.  It looked like the massive trunk of the tree pulsed or absorbed the bolt. The next day we saw long strips of bark blasted out in front of the tree, which otherwise continues to appear as if it was not affected at all.  I wish I had my camera at the time but the odds are poor and it would not describe the event.  Our ears were ringing for a along time.

These pictures also try to show you the force behind the waves hitting the rough coast line. Caves and then chimneys are created over the eons as water blasts against the walls of the cave and the resulting giant water gun looks like a geyser spouting out of the rock.  From above, I thought the water was inviting and almost gentle.  As I stood on the top of the cave next to the chimney spout, it was calm and peaceful and I let my guard down.  Every rock and terrace suddenly underwater created a wide pool, with a huge drain in the middle!  Difficult to show in pictures or describe here, but when a strong wave hit inside those cave walls It forced a small lake of water up in the air directly above me.  As it returned to earth with me in its path, it rose from a stream to a tidal wave and I barely had time to crouch down and get a good solid stance. It almost toppled me over and for all I know could have washed me back into the blow hole or over a wall that might as well have been to oblivion!

Pictures can only remind us of that power.  Predictable and gentle events are mild and you can prepare for them, and learn.