We decided to visit Mt Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. After about a half hour in the bus we could see it in the distance – that bump on the top of the hill on the left side.
The countryside here is just lovely – it reminded me of Tuscany, nice and green, lots of gardens, vineyards and olive trees.
On the way up to the top and this is part of the larva flow from the last eruption that has solidified. We’re headed to that brow peak, just left of centre.
Up at the top there are two craters you can ‘walk’ to the top of of – of course we chose the highest one!
This is the first part of the slope we had to walk up..
Heres a person on the same slope as above to give you some perspective.
The first third of this slope was hardest, it was like walking up a sandhill as the gravel was much finer here and very slippery. It was (very) slightly easier after that but not an easy climb.
Once we made it to the top of that first slope, then we had to climb up the next stage to the top – shown in the pic below. It was flatter, but not as wide, with a crater on each side.
Tony made it!
These people and the camera man made it…
… and I made it!
Fantastic views!
As we headed back down the clouds and fog came down and by the time we left the entire top where we had been walking was covered in cloud.
More great views on the drive back.
Sailing past out of the harbour…
… and time for some carb loading after all that climbing.
Hi Jayne! Such great photos and info… this is where my mother and father are from (as you know). I havent had time to comment but will go back over your trip once I've finished uni this year. It looks so wonderful and your photos and comments make it come to life. Teresa xxx
hi 🙂 Messina was wonderful – really green and beautiful views – would love to have had more time there. beautiful harbour. all the best with uni xx