Episode #20 started on May 6, 2025. We arrived at 8:24pm. No damage or injuries reported. It was over by the time we woke up the next morning.
Compared with the #18 fountain which shot up 700' clearing the crater lip, #20 peaked even with the crater lip and I am guessing 500 - 600 feet tall. The lava volume was much higher. Rivers of molten lava ran down the base of the fountain and crested before crashing at the bottom like a huge ocean wave on the North Shore.
The wind usually blows downwind from the lookout towards the volcano. This time it was blowing to the left. If the wind ever shifted and blew back into the lookout, panic would set in quickly. Raining Pele's hair, hot ash and cinder into the totally unprepared crowd. The only comfort is the lava bombs would not make it that far, if it doesn't intensify.
dave@worldsworstwriter.org 2023-10-13