Mt. Etna

Today was a trip to Mt. Edna, which is Sicily’s volcano. We took a train around Mt Edna, rather than trying to take a bus and hike at the top because Mt. Etna is still covered with snow. Along the train route you could see old and relatively new lava rock, sheep, and unusual trees. The trees were barren with a silvery trunk. Philipp told me that he has never seen leaves on the trees. The contrast of the black lava rock and the occasional yellow flowers coming out of the crevices was something to see.

We took a train to the highest point and asked the conductor to let us off the train. You are probably thinking: how did you talk to the conductors and ask him to stop the train at an unplanned spot, which was an old train station that is not in use. These are not normal fast trains. There are two train cabins and they are pretty old and rickety with a lot of graffiti on them. The conductors on the train are very nice and take their job seriously.

They let us off the train and we hiked for about two hours. We really did not get close to the volcano but the sun was shining and the view was breathtaking. There was smoke coming out of the volcano, which gave the appearance of snow being swept up from the wind at the top of the mountain. I dressed in multiple layers anticipating a very cold walk and was stripping as we walked. It was amazing to see some of the beautiful farms on the path. Although pretty isolated, I would really enjoy having Mt. Etna as my view every day.

After walking for a few hours (definitely had my 10000 steps in for the day), we went back to the deserted train station and waved a train down when it passed so it would stop. We went to a town that was supposed to be made out of the lava rock, but it really looked like all the other towns. Not much to see so we had lunch and started back.

When we arrived back there was no one to pick us up (not surprising). So, after already walking for two hours, we had to walk from the train station to Casa Della Acque. It was another 1 ½ hour walk. I definitely wore off the pasta and wine for lunch (probably shouldn’t have had the wine at lunch). My leg was really bothering me, so I did a 30 minute yoga workout to stretch. I am really enjoying the yoga studio and the beautiful music.

To wrap up my thoughts, I would say that it was great to see Mt. Etna up close, but not worth spending my one day off.
Tomorrow is back to work. I really missed the donkeys and dogs, so I am glad to be back.

Ciao for now