Slow to update recently with a change in laptops and too busy at time.  However here we go again.

The trip from Isola Volcano to Risposto was under motor the entire way.  There was a little wind but not much help.  In the Straits of Messina we did get more wind but not the right direction and I did not feel like dodging ferries and cargo ships to sail.  In spite of the forecast 2-4 knots we had close to 20 knots of wind in the Straits itself.  The current was with us and against us depending on the location.  As we approached Taormina along the coast the winds and currents died and we had little wind going into Riposto.

One of the more interesting sights along the way were the swordfish boats that are just the place to work if you want a high level position.  Apparently the swordfish “sleep” during the day and can be caught by use of the extremely long bowsprit for the fisherman to get over the fish before they realize what is going on.

The marina in Riposto is a combination fishing harbor and pleasure boat marina.  It is located right below Mt Etna and makes a perfect location for a visit up the mountain.  The town is nothing but a quiet fishing town, no fancy shops, tourist traps or big superstores.  So provisioning is just like a local.  Visit the fish market, produce market, Enoteca (wine store), etc to get what is needed.  Shop keepers are all very friendly even if our Italian is sparse and there English is less.  They will make sure you get the best produce and will reject your selection for a better one.  They all got to know Pat from her almost daily visits.  By the way one of the best deals was the local Mt Etna wine dispensed into 2 liter plastic bottles right from the cask.  €1.50 for 2 liters.

Over the course of 10 days we had several items to deal with.  Had some small fiberglass repairs performed, repairs to the stitching in the dodger, and replacement of the freshwater pumps which have been an issue for a couple of weeks.  While the pumps we got are much better the time it took added a few days to our departure.  Having to order pumps and have them delivered during a holiday week is not fast.

We took a day trip to Taormina, a tourist town just north but it is built up on the hill and utilizes the old buildings in town as shops.  Great food for lunch and a nice local taxi driver took us and picked us up on time.

For our trip to Mt Etna we rented a car, I think.  I did not look at the Fiats engine size but I would guess it was about 1 liter in capacity.  Running the air conditioning took half the power so I got a chance to drive flat out and still be passed by vans.  In order to get to the top of the mountain you drive about 2/3 the way up and park in a tourist village/tour bus parking area but not bad looking.  Then take a gondola car up most of the way.  At that point they have these huge Mercedes 4-wheel drive busses that claw there way up to just about the summit.  There a guide leads the group along the last eruption crater.  At this elevation it there was snow on the ground and a heavy snowfall occurred a few days later.  Steam is still being emitted from this crater and at the very summit where you cannot go there is still steam and hydrogen sulfide emissions.  Fantastic views, interesting history of eruptions and warn spots on the trail that are great places to sit and warm you rear-end.

On our way back we drove around the base of the mountain (being passed by families in faster Fiats) going through little towns, some of which have been impacted by lava flows.  As a result of the recent flows the soil is rich in minerals and porous so it hold a lot of water.  This has resulted in large lemon groves around the mountain in these areas.  Interestingly in areas of much older lava flows the terra is not productive and it is easy to recognize the sparse vegetation in between.

We also spent a couple days on the pebble beaches by taking the dingy out for a quick trip.  The pebbles are small and well rounded from the surf making a comfortable and warm place to sit, almost like a spa.

High position job.

Mt Etna from the marina

Gondola to the summit

View down from the Gondola

4_Wheel drive tour busses at summit

Most recent eruption crater

Most recent crater and tiny people along the edge.

Bus on its way down.  This road was covered in snow a couple days later.  They need to re-cut it as occasional ash falls along with the snow.  This is about 10,000 feet high.  Mt Etna is actually many smaller craters aligned along a fault line.  There is about 300 craters in the area but about 10 are prominent.