Botanizing and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

I joined colleagues I met at the Ecosystems conference for weekend excursions that involved botany, natural history, taxonomy, and ecology in forest reserves and at Volcanoes National Park. I felt really spoiled! Karl - an insect taxonomist - was awesome and let me stay at his place in Hilo during this fun filled weekend.

Aside: I am getting used to living out of my backpack and sleeping on others scientists' couches! My place is a 2.5 hour walk and bus ride combo from Hilo, so it is convenient to stay with other scientists from time to time. I am also frequently carpooling given that the Hele-On transit here is far from rapid...

Day 1: Mostly Botanizing

Definitely at home with all the plants!

Looking for rare plants, and native snails

Shoes are over-rated according to Musuri!

Pasture before the forest: root beer smelling plant found here!


Day 2: Volcanoes National Park

Practicing being a Hobit...

I was safe...honestly...

The nene looks like a Canadian Goose...

Wandering around the Kipuka...

More photos later! Stay tuned...