The Story behind the Picture - Week 1

To kick off the "Story behind the Picture" series, this week I will begin with a photo I took earlier this year, entitled 'An Evening in the Clouds'.

My brother and I were enjoying a brief vacation to Hawaii's Big Island and had just come from a visit to Akaka Falls, a majestic 400 ft waterfall, when we decided to take our trusty chevy cobalt to the top of Mauna Kea, Hawaii's tallest volcano. We left the beach that afternoon enjoying 83 degree weather and embarked on our next adventure.

Most of our drive was spent in the clouds and about halfway up we decided to violate our car rental agreement by continuing on the unpaved road to the summit. An hour or so later we were wheezing and shivering in the thin, brisk 38 degree air. Anything for a good shot.

A short hike to the peak later, I was able to capture this magical sunset from 13, 796 ft. We met two fellow travelers visiting from Scotland and enjoyed the view together as the daylight faded into a vibrant starry wonderland. I would have to loved to stay for more stargazing, but it was just too damn cold after the sunset.

Mauna Kea's literal translation is 'White Mountain'. I didn't believe it actually snowed in Hawaii when someone first told me, but its true!

This photo is available for purchase in my Etsy Shop.