lavapix.com-Kilauea Volcano Kamoamoa eruption 3-06-2011_0001.wmv

Much that I was talking about on the location of the fissure was based on reports I read before starting my hike. Some of it was wrong as the western eruption wasn't inside of Napau crater. It was also very windy so, I can be heard well at times either.

Crude video from my March 6, 2011 Kamoamoa fissure eruption hike. I was able to watch nearly a 1/4 of a mile of fissures open up during the night. It was quite an experience. The ground opens with a loud bang and then there was a rush of gas and flames quickly followed by a growing curtain of lava. The lava would spatter well over 100' at times lighting up the nearby forest. The first part of the video shows the start of a new fissure and then a perched lava pond with exploding bubbles. There was dense fog at first. Then after sunrise it progressed to a small vent/cone. Unfortunately swarms of helicopters arrived about 8am. One of the vents roared like a jet engine until about 9am when everything suddenly stopped. The main eruption was a mile to my west. Activity would resume several hours later after I left. I know the volcano and that area extremely well. Do not venture to these areas of volcanic activity!! Its too late to learn the terrain and all of the dangers that can kill the inexperienced. The part with the perched pond is fronted by 2 large lava tree molds. Prints from this spectacular event are available on my website. http://lavapix.com/2/340dc/#/gallery/... and all my shots from this hike can be seen here http://lavapix.com/2/c66a6/#/gallery/...
All text and video © Bryan Lowry / lavapix.com

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[mattbinder9]

Great videos!

I can't quite hear you clearly over the wind noise. Are you saying the ground was shaking? Could you describe what you were feeling and smelling and hearing.

Were you using a tripod?

Wish I had been there!!

[lavapix]

Actually, I was talking on the phone during that first part. No tripod for the video. I was hand holding while taking stills with my dslr on its tripod. Yes, there was a constant rumble as you can imagine with the ground cracking open by several feet wide and nearly a 1/4 mile long. No smells other than moisture and the forest behind me as I was upwind. Had my respirator if needed. Felt calm and relaxed. Just enjoyed the show. Wasn't looking fwd to the long hike back.

[drk321]

You have an amazing office Bryan.

[lavapix]

lol, yes I do and it moves often....