Had a wonderful day at Volcano National Park and visiting Katey. We first drove to the local post office to mail home some souvenirs. Then, through Hilo town and up the volcano. We met Katey at a little deli and transferred ourselves over to her car. Then, to visit her homestead. She and her sister have acreage here and are living completely off the grid. They have built their own homes and it is fascinating to observe a completely different way of life. There is much to be said for a much simpler way of life. Still many amenities, but different. I am so impressed with how Katey learned plumbing, electric and personally built so much of her home. Wow. Then we stopped at an orchid farm. Hundreds of beautiful orchids. All sizes and shapes. Some even had fragrance. Then up to Kilaua House, a local restaurant and B & B that was lovely. Delicious food. We started to feel the elevation as cooler weather and you could smell the volcano. Earthy and foggy and cool. The crater itself is steaming and active. It is quite possibly the most seismically active area in the Pacific where the lava is this close to the surface. It reminded us of Yellowstone in a way, but being able to see all that black (cooled) lava made it more real. Then, down the mountain, picked up the car, got some groceries for dinner and back to paradise condo (!). Right before dinner we were gazing at the ocean and three whales were present. Right off the shore in front of us! There were two males and baby. The males breached, jumping out of the water several times and we even saw the water blow out when they exhaled (or whatever it's called). Just wonderful. So cool to see them. We have gazed and gazed over the past few days hoping we'd see some. Very blessed. Thank you God! Off to the hot ponds tomorrow.