Near sunset on Hawai’i near our hotel down at sea level we were treated to a rare glance up at the Mauna Kea Observatories as the sun lit them on the volcano’s summit.

Up at 13,700 feet, researchers work on the campus of 12 telescopes and sensor arrays watching the heavens for clues to the universe. Two days ago the summit faced blizzard conditions as over 10 inches of snow and 65 mph winds enveloped the summit. Earlier this week we spent fascinating time at the “welcome center” up at 9,200 feet. It is an easy drive from the Kona coast but watch those 17 degree inclines!