Day on Mt Etna

We woke to wind and unclear skies so it was no surprise that our trip up Mt Etna was not successful today. The funivia (cable car) was not working so we were taken up in 4-wheel drive buses to the middle station but it was "no go" from there.

Mt Etna is at 3342m so it's bloody cold here. Thanks goodness we have the opportunity to wear those warm clothes we've been dragging around!

We waited a while to see if the wind would drop and the weather improve, but gave up.

However, after waiting around for the weather to clear and then descending, some of us decided to brave it and walk to the nearby crater from the 2001 volcanic eruption. It was an absolutely crazy climb up - the gravelly path was loose and difficult and steep; the wind gusts were incredible - so much so that we had to crouch down at times while the wind blew over us, sometimes with grit blowing into our eyes, ears and we could even feel it on our teeth. It was too difficult to walk right up to the top but we managed to get to the first edge of the crater where again we were blasted by wind and pelted with small stones.

We took a different path down which seemed more exposed initially but at least it was less rocky. We actually had a lot of fun - it was crazy, but the mix of danger and exhilaration made us laugh and there was great camaraderie.

At the bottom once more, we walked further along the road to the crater of the 1986 eruption, Crater Silvestri, which was less steep and we were again gusted by strong winds but the views and the colours were worth the effort.

There was a place making a BBQ nearby so we shared a hamburger with local mushrooms for lunch before walking back to the hotel for a welcome shower.

Free afternoon! I had a sauna/spa with 3 others (Liz, Kim and Ant) then a walk in the late afternoon sunshine with My Friend and Lesley.

Pre-dinner drinks - I tried a Fuoca dell'Etna (!!) with bitters on ice - bright red, like a volcano - 70% alcohol. Wow!

Dinner comprised pasta norma, a delicious tortino di pollo (chicken) with pistacchio sauce, and the most delicious layered creamy pistacchio cake covered in chocolate sauce. Wonderful.