Glass Blowing

I’m always trying to find new, fun things to do in the area. Dandelion, a cute little feline that made her way to Volcano as part of an artsy family from St. George, Utah, told me about a hot place a few miles north of Volcano on route 11. 2400* Fahrenheit is a glass blowing studio at the end of Old Volcano Rd. Being the adventurous cat that I am, my cat mobile was out and ready to explore. From the Lodge, I made my way to 11 and headed toward Hilo. Not very far down the road, about two soccer field lengths beyond the 24 mile marker, I turned left onto Old Volcano Rd. It may not have been a mile from that point, but it felt like a long way. At the end of the road I was a confused cat. I finally realized that the metal farm like gates and the brown and tan country house was home to what I learned to be an amazing glass blowing studio. Friends, I was a scaredy cat when I drove through the gates. A huge whitish dog came around the corner. Yes, he was beautiful to human and dog eyes, but I’m a tiny cat who know where I fall on the circle of life. Owners Michael and Misato Mortara greeted me and welcomed me with open arms. Purr-fect timing with those massive land creatures in my path. Dandelion must have told them I was coming. Arrive on a Wednesday to Sunday and you have a good chance of catching them blowing glass. The shop displaying all the glass was almost as scary to this cat. “I can’t break anything or the innkeepers will be angry.” I thought to myself. The glass work was clearly the work of a nationally recognized craftsman. My favorite series of work was the vases in red and black with some yellow. It was as if Michael and Misato captured Pele’s fire in art. I knew to keep my paws to myself and I was extra careful walking around the shop and store. The rich, deep colors of the work made me purr with happiness. Ah, a wonderful place to spend an hour. My gifts were packaged and shipped to friends on the mainland. Now, back to the lodge for a nap. Heck, now that the dogs and I are friends I think I’ll rest her snug in the ones soft white fur. How nice it is to make a friend.