Etna etc

It was an hour's drive from Taormina to the beginning of our Etna tour, almost all of it a winding road uphill. Our guide had chosen to explore the North side, (less smoke and many fewer people). The agriculture changed as we climbed: lemons, grapes, chestnuts and finally pine forests, the latter scarred by lava flows.

Once at base camp, we transferred to a 4x4 bus which proceeded to rattle, bump and wind its way through the lava fields. We passed a hotel which had not survived an eruption. 

I would have enjoyed the journey more if Lyn hadn't maintained a death grip on whichever limb was nearest. We stopped twice and also did a short walk. The volcano smoked constantly, the craters were awesome and you could see the great rent in the mountainside which precipitated the last big lava flow.

As time passes plants manage to find a hold. This one is known as Mother-in-Law's Pillow!

Back in Taormina, our lunch restaurant had a Roman house under the floor.

We swam and rested after lunch. Then it was a farewell aperitivo on the terrace, a final dinner together and a walk to see Taormina's ancient theatre.

Tomorrow the members of our small tour group go our separate ways. I hope that we can keep in some sort of contact with them.