Sunday, July 25, 2010

Docked in the shadow of an Active Volcano

Riposto, Sicily---We were passing it by, about 1 hour off shore. We had been watching it for hours as we followed the coastline of Sicily. A looming 3,350 meter Volcano named Mount Etna. The largest in Europe and the most active in the world.

At the last minute, we decide to try a nearby Marina with “no vacancy” and yes, they can take us. We reserve 2 nights and make a 90 degree turn directly to the Marina.

Now, here we are in Riposto at the base of the Volcano, with over 200 steam holes throughout the area! Since recorded history, 135 eruptions have been recorded. The last eruption was in 2003 and it’s due for another, hopefully AFTER tomorrow, when we drive a car, ride a gondola, and then take a bus to the top to hike around.

Being my first ACTIVE Volcano I am very excited.

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