The top picture is of an area where
a lava dam formed. Behind
the
dam, the lava piled up and started to form irregular ridges.
Eventually the pressure of the lava was too much and the dam
broke. The lava would spread out into these glowing orange
areas. It was a striking sight to see the light of the lava
in
the otherwise blackness of the night.
The second picture is
of a
free flowing area of the lava stream, more akin to a river than
anything else. I have to tell you, seeing lava was really one
of
the highlights of the trip. It's not something that I
anticipated
seeing when I came to Hawaii but I'm really happy that I did see
it. I've always watched science shows and thought it
impressive,
yet there is nothing like seeing it in person. I appreciate
the
science shows more now that I've seen this.