FINAL “KILO HOKU” (STARGAZING) AT HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK – December 18, 2009, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
(Click here to view the MT Da Kine Calendar Listing or travel back in time with the 10/08/09’s Pick of the Week mention re: sunset at Haleakala National Park)
I’m no fan of Carlos Mencia (the antithesis, really), but he does do one bit that I find somewhat tolerable—and only because he jokes about his bitter experience viewing sunrise at Haleakala. As can be readily assumed, he did not dress accordingly [though his wife apparently did… and I’m guessing (though unmentioned), warned him to do the same].
Sunset at Haleakala requires much of the same preparation as Mr. Mencia’s wife was prudent enough to do (and no, I’m not shivering. I’m snickering. And no, not with Mr. Mencia. At Mr. Mencia), as at an elevation of 9,400 ft., you’re subject to a chill in the air, even in the heat of the day.
Haleakala National Park rangers note that temperatures dip about 10 degrees after the sun sets, and that if planning to ascend after dark, you should prepare for temperatures in the low 40’s. Bundle up a bit more as, if the wind kicks in, “it can feel like it’s in the 30’s,” one ranger noted.
{NOTES: For the sake of due diligence, I was going to have the above (center) photograph link to the aforementioned Mencia bit–and swear you to a blood oath that this be our little secret. But, by some great, mystical fortune, I was unable to find it! Instead, some South Park to the rescue! Also, that $499 (!) jacket (right) is a link to REI—an outfitter I’ve seen some neat ads for in National Geographic Adventure (any one that sells snowshoes piques my attention). Or, click that delicious-looking mug (left) for a Santa-worthy sipable: Martha’s Peppermint Hot Chocolate. PAU NOTES}
Those of you more accustomed to YouTube navigation may take it upon yourselves to find that bit of ‘stand up’ (if nothing else but to hear of his suffering) Have you returned from the toilet after a good post-Mencia vomit? Good! Now we can continue with worthwhile information…
While sunset is a lovely occasion any evening of the year, December 18th is undoubtedly the best night of the season to endeavor towards the summit, as that Friday plays host to the very last “kilo hoku,” or stargazing session of 2009. Ranger guides who are “very well-versed” in both celestial science and lore will be on hand for the hour of 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. to help visitors celebrate Hawaii’s winter sky.
Another Ranger recommendation is that there are no drinks or food available within the park. Thus, visitors are encouraged to bring snacks and hot drinks to enjoy. Tis the season for coziness and those warm imbibe-ables, I think, are best enjoyed in the company of a snugable sweetie.
If you find packing a picnic basket as exciting as I do, you’re liable to forget all the important things (hopefully other than your sweater)—things like your wallet. Park fees still apply–$10 entry per vehicle. But, I wholeheartedly recommend getting an annual pass for just $25, as the best bang for your buck. Another Ranger insider: the human-attended pay booth closes at around 4:00 p.m., where normally thick-plastic cards are issued when you purchase the annual pass. After the four o ‘clock hour, visitors must use a machine (accepts both cash and debit/credit) that does not issue an official card, but instead a paper receipt which would need to be brought back to the National Park for the issuance of the real deal.
Speaking of the real deal, the William Shatner (!) will be at The Hard Rock Cafe that very same night (10 p.m.). Considering he’s the Captain Kirk, why not make December 18th a theme night?
Click HERE to read more about Shatner, and learn the very latest about the new Advanced Technology Solar Telescope from our friends at The Maui News.
Plus, be sure to check out this awesome story, “Trouble in the House of the Sun,” by none other thanMT editor Jacob Shafer.
Mo’ Stuffs:
http://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/sunrise-and-sunset.htm
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/340721/haleakala_at_sunset_one_ofauis_bestkept.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/23/AR2005112301713.html
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