lava and the injured coccyx

One of the coolest things we did while in Hawaii was to get on a boat and travel out to the lava flow. To the Kupapa’u ocean entry points, where the smoldering 2,200 degree lava flows into the unsuspecting and viciously crashing 70 degree ocean.

Earlier on the same day, we drove to the Jaggar Museum and the Kilauea Overlook in the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. This is the Halema’uma’u Crater. It has been erupting consistently since the crater became active again in March 2008.  The photo above shows what we saw during the light of day.

In the dark of night, it looks like this! We didn’t see it at night because we were busy breaking body parts on that boat out in the Pacific. More on that in a moment…

In many areas of the park, this is what it’s like when your driving around. Thick smog-like smoke from the eruption hangs in the air.

And steam vents. So cool! Too learn more about the volcano and about the park, with continuous updates, GO HERE.

This map shows how the lava flows. Click Here for a larger view and an explanation.

According to VolcanoNews.com, over 2 dozen volcanoes in the world are currently erupting. Who knew?

But, I believe there is only one volcano that has lava flowing directly into the ocean, and that is this one!

At sunset, we went out on this big metal boat with 22 other brave souls. Not brave to get up-close and personal with molten lava, brave to endure the boat ride out to see it!

Here is just some of what the Lava Ocean Tours website says about the adventure:

Conditions: High Speed open ocean touring along East Hawaii’s southeast coastline
Restrictions: Guests need to be 4 years old, able to climb a 10 ft ladder. People with any of the following conditions will not be allowed on tour, recent injuries, frailness, obesity, osteoporosis, pregnancies, back, neck, joint issues. This is not a powder puff adventure expect the ocean to be rough we cover 36+ miles of rugged inaccessible Big Island coastline during the open ocean tour.

Of course, as with all adventure activities, you have to sign a waiver, that you really don’t read, that basically says that if you are grievously insured or die, you and/or your surviving grieving family members will not sue the adventure provider.

Since I did not read, but instead just signed on the dotted line, I probably missed the paragraph that read;

“If you are a female and you sit in the front row of the boat, you will, in most all instances, crack or severely damage your tailbone on our unforgiving metal, thinly cushioned seats-from-hell, as the front of the boat lifts 8 to 12 feet out of the water and slams back down on the rock-hard ocean with the force of a Lear jet crashing onto a runway. This will occur over and over and over again until you beg whatever God it is you worship for mercy and relief! If you don’t worship a God, be advised, you soon will!”

“P.S. Kiss your ass goodbye. Ass meaning, the ass you have that does not hurt at this moment in time – yeah, that ass, kiss it goodbye!”

But once again, it was worth it! Although a cracked tailbone is painful and slow to heal, it does heal. Whereas, I may never have the opportunity to see this again!

The ocean entry has been flowing into the sea consistently since November 24, 2012.

It was magical.

You could hear the molten lava sizzling in the cold water and the waves violently crashing into the hardened lava walls.

You could smell and nearly taste the burning rock, boiling water, and the smoke and steam.

And you could feel it. Boy, could you feel the heat. That’s how close we were to it, it was hot! If I wouldn’t have been drenched from the watery ride over, I would have broken out into a sweat from the heat of it.

See the people up on the ledges? There are two groups up there. They are there because you can hike to above the site too.

We were told it is best to use a guide. After what I’ve read, I wouldn’t dream of attempting it, without one! More info on that HERE.

And if you want to see Gorgeous pictures and read about the Amazing hiking adventure, or even if you don’t, please please please check out this beautiful post by David Chatsuthiphan on Unreal Hawaii! Seriously! Mind blown!!!

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Who knew that hardened black lava could be so lovely and intriguing? It looks like a sculpture.

Dave is the one who planned the trip and is the one who wanted to go to the Big Island to see the volcanoes. I wasn’t all that excited about it – volcanoes – pffft. But now, I’m so happy he planned it! Amazing – injury and all.

So yes, I cracked my tailbone (coccyx) and it hurts! Plus, the day before volcano day, Dave’s Achilles tendonitis flared up. So the morning after volcano day, I went into Walgreen’s to buy myself a “doughnut” cushion, Dave a cane, and both of us some Advil and Aleve (two brands have to be better than just one!)

I found the cane and the ibuprofen right away, but had to ask the pharmacist for help locating the doughnut cushion. She looked at me pitifully and said, “The doughnuts are on the same aisle as where you found that cane.”

Dave could not walk and I could not sit. What a sad sight we were!

Here is all and more than you may ever want to know about a coccyx injury – enjoy!

• A coccyx or tailbone injury results in pain and discomfort in the tailbone area. These injuries may result in a bruise, dislocation, or break of the coccyx. Although they may be slow to heal, the majority of coccyx injuries can be managed with conservative treatment.
• A direct blow to the tailbone or repetitive blows can injure the coccyx.
• The majority of coccyx injuries occur in women because the female pelvis is broader, and the coccyx is more exposed.
• Avoid sitting down for long periods of time. (such as 8+ hours on airplanes, a few days after initial injury – Yes, I added this part) When seated, sit on hard surfaces and alternate sitting on each side of the buttocks. Also, lean forward and direct your weight away from the tailbone.
• For traumatic injuries, apply ice to the tailbone area for 15-20 minutes, four times a day, for the first few days after the injury.
• Use ibuprofen as directed on the label for pain control.
• You can purchase a “doughnut” cushion or pillow to sit on. This cushion has a hole in the middle of it to prevent the tailbone from contacting the flat surface.

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One last chance, in case you didn’t go to HERE, as I advised, to see Gorgeous pictures and read about the Amazing hiking adventure in Unreal Hawaii!

Seriously! Go NOW!!!