Sicily: Mount Etna
Mount Etna – the largest volcano in Europe at over 10k feet and quite active. Almost always clad in clouds and with howling winds at the top – it was quite an adventure getting to the summit crater – first driving on narrow mountain twisting roads, then taking the cable car (which was destroyed three times by lava flows in last 50 years), then taking a Mercedes Unimog 6 wheel drive up to near the top, and then hiking in the clouds and wind squalls. Lava covered ground is steaming and warm to the touch, there are lava flows as fresh as last years’ with every possible hue of red and black. Panoramic views galore at the top (when clouds allow). UNESCO World Heritage Site.
