Sandwich Island Saga 38. You Don't Need to be a Mystic!

There's a stark lesson to be learned from the loss of life (around 90 deaths confirmed) at on July 4th at Mystic Camp in Kerr County. In some areas of this Texas Hill Community, more than 21 inches of rain fell in 3-6 hours. This is in an area with an average July rainfall of just 2 inches. Global heating (a real phenomenon) means the atmosphere is packed with more moisture.  What used to be 'One hundred year catastrophes', like this flash  become more frequent and more extreme. People, in areas prone to flash floods, consequently need to become more aware of this increased danger.

Flowers of Oahu 66. Tropical wild petunia (Ruellio brevifolia)

Sandwich Island Saga 37. Water, Water Everywhere?

The Hawaiian Islands are very dependent on aquifers for freshwater. Their current status is Very Dry. There isn't sufficient rainfall and building reservoirs is very difficult as lava is extremely porous. 

Flowers of Oahu 65. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp)

Flowers of Oahu 64. Wikstoemia uva-ursi or Akia

The bark, roots and leaves of this plant release a narcotic that was used to stun fish.

Sandwich Island Saga 36. White tern

A better view of a nestless chick7

Sandwich Island Saga 35. Red-crested cardinal (Paroaria coronata)

Joined in beaches by these birds