 |
LAVA DOG |
||||||
 Giant tree ferns and tall trees called ohia grow in the rain forest. © David Muenker |
Every few leaps, Sonya's head popped above the height of the canopy of green ferns. Trees with skinny trunks towered over them.
"I'm glad your coat is bright white!" Tom, the adventure guide shouted. "Otherwise, I'd never be able to see you."
Sonya ran through the undergrowth. She sniffed the rich, earthy aroma of the rain forest. A few minutes later, her head popped up above the ferns again.
"There you are! I thought I'd lost you," Tom said. Sonya dove back into the green sea of ferns.
The guide shrugged his shoulders and then chuckled. "She really loves to explore!"
It was dark, cool and moist under the canopy. Compared to the bright sunshine and blue sky of the rest of the island, the rain forest was a totally different world.
Sonya enjoyed the coolness. The next time she popped her head up, she saw Tom waving.
 A guide points out different trees. © David Muenker |
Sonya dashed through the ferns toward the trailhead.
"You look sopping wet," Tom laughed. Her coat was slick with dew from the fern fronds.
"And cooled off!" Sonya replied. "It's beautiful under the canopy."
"I wish I was short enough to see it the way you do," Tom remarked.
They started down a paved path. "This trail takes us to Thurston Lava Tube."
"What's a lava tube?"
"It looks like a tunnel cut through rock. A long time ago, lava from the volcano flowed here like a stream. A crust formed on top of it, hardened into rock and created a long, round shape.
 Sonya explores Thurston Lava Tube. © 2007 Ravay Snow |
"Let's see it!"
The trail wound through the thick rain forest.
"There're so many plants here. And they grow so close together," Sonya noticed.
"They thrive in this climate," Tom said. "This area get 100 inches of rain every year."
"That's a lot! No wonder it's called a rain forest."
Up ahead, Sonya saw a huge, dark gap in the trees.
"There's the lava tube entrance." Tom pointed at the opening.
Sonya stepped inside and looked up at the dark walls and ceiling. It was like being inside a pipe.
 The lava tube was formed hundreds of years ago when lava from the volcano flowed through here. © David Muenker |
"There are lava tubes all over the island," Tom explained. "Thurston Lava Tube has electric lights to make it easy for tourists to explore it."
"If you go to other lava tubes, you need to take a flashlight and safety gear."
"Wow. At one time this huge lava tube was filled with bright red lava!"
"That's right."
"Cool!"
"No, hot!" Tom chuckled.
They walked the length of the lava tube. Along the way, Sonya felt the rough walls with her paws and sniffed the rock. She wanted to be able to remember this special place.
 The UNESCO World Heritage Site marker stands outside the Visitor Center. © David Muenker |
They stepped out of the dark lava tube into the green glow of the rain forest.
"That was fun! What's next?"
"We're going to the home of Pele, the goddess of fire."
"The volcano?"
"Yup. Halema'uma'u Volcano, to be exact."
"Whoopee!"
Note: This story is fiction based on fact.
Go to Sonya's Picks for links to websites about the sights and sounds of this World Heritage Site.
Test your understanding of words used in this story with the Word Match game.
Story | Sign Up for Newsletter | Puzzles & Games | Contests & Activities Letters to Sonya | Sonya's Picks | More Stories | What are WHS? | Sonya's Team For Parents | Site Map | Home |
Photographs ©2005-2010 David Muenker. Text ©2005-2010 Rose Muenker. Illustrations ©2005-2010 Ravay Snow Any use without express written permission is illegal and punishable by law. All rights reserved. Site designed and developed by Josh Bergman. |
