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This is what happens when I respond to a post without looking at a map and instead rely on my memory. Good catch -- actually it worse than that -- I was thinking of Prudhoe Bay...So disregard what I said about Pt. Barrow!Quote:
Originally Posted by Judy
Mark
Hawaii formed (and continues to form) from hot mantle material welling up deep beneath the ground and erupting on the surface as volcanoes. There are similar hot spots under Yellowstone, Iceland and other points around the world. But Hawaii is part of the Pacific Plate which is moving slowly northwestward over the hotspot (at about 3 inches per year). Notice that the northwestern Hawaiian islands are smaller and older, while the Big Island (at the southeast end of the chain) is currently active. The next island in the chain, named Lo'ihi, has already started to form, but is still about 1000 feet below the ocean surface. It should break the surface in somewhere between 1,000 and 50,000 years - a mere blink of the eye to a geologist.Quote:
Originally Posted by Editor
AZBuck
I should have guessed -- a geologic speed run was in the offing.Quote:
Originally Posted by AZBuck
Mark
Nothing like hitting the northern-most and southern-most points of US land in a span of less than 2 weeks. The geographical geek in me will be quite pleased.
Geez Mark, you totally scared me about Pt. Barrow. What's the use of having a landmark like that when you can't go there? :) But as Judy pointed out, the town of Barrow is my destination. If I can get to the Point Barrow landmark, then that will be icing on the cake.
The average high for Barrow in July is 47°F. As someone who only likes 70°F+ weather, it probably won't be to my liking to stay outdoors all the time, but that is going to be my most interesting destination so I'll likely spend the most time there. I have a feeling I'll need a winter (AK) and summer (HI) suitcase.
I'm not sure about my goal of all 8 Hawaiian islands. I heard the smaller ones are privately owned and the inhabitants are rather picky about who comes trodding onto their property. I may have to settle for the 4 biggest ones. (In the span of a week, that may be all I have time for anyway.) I may just opt for the week-long cruise and hit the biggest islands.
I still have some research to do about where I'm going. I should have a final itinerary by April.
LOL....no matter, you redeemed yourself with the idea of a speedrun roadtrip when Lo'ihi is ready for visitors. Consider it a date!Quote:
Originally Posted by Editor
Yeah, 47 wouldn't be so bad if the sun is out but I bet there can be quite strong winds off the Arctic Ocean. Brrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Kinless
It might get tight timewise but I would think you could see all five major islands (Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Molokai, and Hawaii aka The Big Island). I know at least one of the other islands is a private island with a pineapple plantation on it. Not sure about the other two.
I saw a special on the Travel Channel or PBS (I don't remember which) about the building of an Alaska Highway back during WWII. This was some major accomplishment according to the show. There was one spot that had signs from all over the world that was started by the builders, and I belive it was built primarily by an African-American battalion of engineers.
If someone has a better memory than I, please correct me. Also, give some more information if you know something.
This looks interesting, and if you can swing it, this would be a great historical road to traverse and I would suggest it for your trip.
Wow, 48 states in that matter of time, that had to be one dream vacation. This fall, my wife and I will take Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica, then drop south to San Diego and pick up the Pacific Highway and run its length. Then we'll backtrack to Aberdeen, Washington, and take US 12 home.
Keep on Down that Two Lane Highway. -- RoadDog