The morning of my bus tour to Haleakala Crater, to see the sunrise, began at 2:45 am. I have been ill for many days with a terrible flu virus. I did not see how possibly I would be able to even stand up, let alone climb up stairs in an harsh elements and an atmosphere, which can be unforgiving. Yet, I felt surrounded by an unseen force that was guiding me along the way. I was doing this trip to honour my daughter, Shayla and nothing was going to stop me from fulfilling the dream of my eyes seeing a view of the heavens. The diversity on Haleakala on most of the crater appears to be desolate; unproductive in this sterile environment, it was hard to believe that anything could grow or survive here. Yet something does thrive that is one of my least favourite insects; spiders! A combination of moisture from the lower elevations and other insects blown by the winds, help to sustain them. I made it a point then to always look up and never down at my feet! A rare, brilliant plant to the area was at one time, near extinction. Now though, the Silversword flourishes under the preservation of the Haleakala National Park. I was fortunate enough to photograph several unique forms of this plant. Up at the Visitor Centre, I was treated to an abundant delivery of glimmering stars. Their vibrancy lighting up a darkened canopy that now gave way to a show of dancing flickers. I stood for over an hour at the railing of my viewing spot, above the hovering puffs of clouds that glided effortlessly at almost 10,000 ft. This made me in awe of our creator on a whole new level. As my gaze wandered over the vast land, the depths of the volcanic crater emerged. My hand wanted to reach out and touch the wisps of white before me, while words could not convey what was stirring in the depths of my own soul. At around 6:45 am, over the horizon, glints of oranges, yellows and pinks were giving birth to a unspoiled vision of clarity. The light of a new day and a reflection of the future were right in front of me. It was as if a switch had been turned on and an infusion of neon, in a beautiful tapestry of colour was being unveiled, just for me. I felt the presence of something far beyond my understanding. Standing by myself, the elation of listening to the local Hawaiians welcoming the morning sun, moved me beyond tears. Later, as I climbed the stairs leading to the 10,000 Summit mark of Haleakala, I felt a burst of energy. It came from me embracing the peace that I had come to seek. Although I can not know what is ahead for me, down the road...I have witnessed an extraordinary vision of brilliance that has shown me where angels roam and encourages me to continue to walk by Faith.
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