Darkness envelopes this tiny piece of land that I have landed on.  Stepping across the rear threshold of this Alaska 737 jet, my feet feel the familiar path down the steps and onto the tarmac of the Kona airport.  The day's Winter heat is still radiating up from the volcanic pavement.  Even in the darkness, everything here is vibrant, more alive.  I feel as if I have just woken up from a long, drug induced sleep.