Mount Etna!!

Monday 7th April 2025

It’s a cold, damp foggy day and we are going up Mount Etna. The guide picked us up at 9 and off we went. It got wetter and foggier and to be honest we couldn’t see the mountain at all at any time! We put hard hats on and went into a lava tunnel, not for the claustrophobic but very interesting. Then up to 2000 metres and a walk across the lava to see the volcanic craters. There are about 30 but only 4 of them are active! The picture on the right is our walk in the r of a crater. Hard to tell I know!!

Here is another crater, the fog cleared slightly so you can see a bit better? There is a cable car that we would have gone on but vandals burnt us down a few weeks ago. Looks pretty cool though in the fog! I am stood next to a giant lava rock, it weighs a few tons apparently. They get thrown into the air when volcanoes erupt and basically land like a bomb! Overall it was a good trip and I am glad we went. Definitely an experience!

We got back mid afternoon so had time to go to the Botanic garden. What a dowry, sad sight it is. They must have had some money a few years ago so the oaths are good and there is lighting out in everywhere but there is no maintenance. Most of the kabeks have gone, plants have died and weeds are everywhere. It’s interesting because we both thought if this was happening in the uk an army of volunteers would take over and out the place back in order. Doesn’t seem to be a thing here. Anyway the cactus garden was great, probably because they don’t need watering or looking after! Lastly a good example of Sicilian parking, making full use of the pavement to squeeze your car into a space!