Day 52, Talking Story

Question

The haze created by the second straight day of VOG is oppressive. Not a cloud in the sky because we can’t see the sky. Evidently someone has stolen Lanai as it is no longer visible. Same can be said for Molokai, where even with its five thousand foot peak but 12 miles away, it is totally obscured. The SSW wind barely blows and the ocean, like me, is flat on its’ back.

Hard to do most anything today other than cough and labor to breathe. I look afflicted as well. Haven’t had a haircut in 9 weeks so I resemble those trolls who sat atop kid’s pencils. Brown skin with wild hair going every which direction. The resemblance to Don King is frightening..

Teary eyed as well which is partially VOG related … but mostly driven by this being DFs Pat and Nancy’s last sunset on Maui this year. The green flash is lacking at sunset but the stories are not. As a fighter pilot Pat was based throughout the world and his and Nancy’s tales are captivating. We are also joined by DFs Marv and Fran who have lived throughout the world including east Asia. I insist that their stories of life in Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong need to be captured in a book. Comparatively perhaps our lives seem a bit pedestrian … except that we are living a great life on Maui, enriched by wonderful friends.

Today, like the sky, has been a blur and the VOG is forecasted to last until Sunday. Please send oxygen, hankies, medicinal rum and a barber.

Answer

It sounds like you’re experiencing a significant VOG (volcanic smog) event on Maui, which can indeed make the air heavy, hazy, and uncomfortable to breathe. The visibility being so low that Lanai and Molokai are completely obscured is consistent with high levels of vog, especially when wind conditions are minimal. VOG can also irritate the eyes and throat, which aligns with your description of teary eyes and coughing.

Despite the challenging air quality, you’ve highlighted a rich social and emotional experience. Sharing sunsets and stories with friends like Pat, Nancy, Marv, and Fran clearly provides a memorable and meaningful backdrop to your stay on Maui, even when the green flash is hidden by haze. These moments of connection and storytelling enhance the sense of living fully, even in pedestrian daily life.

Some ways to cope with the vog while still enjoying your days:

Stay indoors or in well-ventilated areas during peak vog periods, and consider using air purifiers if available.
Keep hydrated and use saline nasal sprays to ease respiratory irritation.
Consider wearing a mask when outdoors to reduce inhalation of fine volcanic particles.
If planning any outdoor activities, monitor local vog forecasts and adjust plans accordingly.

For practical comfort:

A visit to a barber or stylist can be refreshing after a long stretch without a haircut.
Having remedies on hand such as medicinal rum or teas can help soothe and relax.
Documenting your friends’ stories now may be valuable for future storytelling or even a book.

Although the sky is obscured and the vog persists until Sunday, focusing on the connections and stories around you can help transform an oppressive day into a memorable and enriching experience. Sometimes, the haze can become a backdrop that makes personal interactions and shared moments even more vivid in memory.

Day 52, Talking Story

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