When I started this series about our Sicily holiday I mentioned that I had told Ian ‘ Yes I’ll come on condition that we go ………..up there’. And this is what I meant – up there on Etna. I have been there over 30 years ago but in summer when all you could see was black volcanic rock. This time I wanted to be there when it’s white. Initially I wished we would go skiing but Christine, Denise and Ian were contrary and I had to give up the idea. I have been dying to try my hands at skiing before my joints start falling apart with age - hope there will be another opportunity though my wife adamantly refuses to go.
This the view from the roof of your B&B in Stazzo. Mount Etna dominates the skyline of all Sicily. It stands at 3329 metres (10922 feet) high and is the tallest active volcano in Europe. It is also the highest mountain in Italy south of the Alps. Only Mount Teide in Tenerife surpasses it in height in the whole of the European-North African region. Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is in an almost constant state of activity. You can see it smoking even in this picture. Mount Etna has been designated a Decade Volcano by the by the United Nations. As far as the eyes can see are orchards full of lemon trees.
The storm here is still ongoing, strong winds and drizzle and very rough seas.
Many thanks for your wonderful comments on all my Acireale series of pictures.
It is certainly a beautiful scene! Many years ago I went to a museum and saw the artifacts from Pompeii. After seeing the pictures and ornaments, I thought to myself, I don't think I'd ever live near a volcano! But this scene would definitely make it enticing!
