From Riposto of view it is not far to the largest active volcano of Europe. Etna is approximately 3250 m above sea level. We organize a car and are soon on the road towards Rifugio Sapienza. A winding route with stunning natural scenery and impressions of us expected. After 1 hour we reach the base station of the gondola, which brings us closer Ätnagipfel. Then we can switch on a Mercedes Unimog and we drive on a dirt road that leads by gray snow-breaks in the vicinity of the summit at 3000 m altitude.
A biting, cold wind greets us. We walk through a bizarre landscape, as I imagine it on the moon. In the near future are closer to the crater of the volcanic eruptions from 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. All Years formed in ranks, a new crater. Impressive! We are impressed
Geology
Etna, the volcanic products an area of about 1170 km ² and a volume of around 530 km ³ are taking, is Europe's largest active volcano . Among the active volcanoes in the world, he stands as regards the number of its eruptions in historical times in the first place. The free-standing mountain on all sides rises to three times the height of the surrounding mountains . Naturally, his height is not constant. It is depending on the effects of previous activity, 3200-3350 m.
Nature
The densely populated area around Mount Etna is characterized by the crumbling lava, which has a balanced pH and extremely fruitful. Due to the large amount of Etna follow each other various vegetation belts. In the lower zone to about 1500 m with orange, lemon, olive, fig and pistachio trees. Grain fields and vineyards are also there. In the forest zone extending to about a 2000 m. Beech, oak, birch, pine and chestnut trees are found here, and also the typical Ätnaginster, the first plant is one that on the weathered lava to locate. Until about 2500 m zone then follows with a juniper and sea buckthorn shrubs, grasses, mosses and lichens. The higher vegetation zones are, in the summit area is almost all year round snow.
1987 Regional Park was an area of about 58,000 hectares around Mount Etna to the Etna park explained.
(Excerpt from Wikipedia)
Once at sea level we decide to use the car for an extremely hot. Then it goes on in search of a vineyard, so we can test the widely acclaimed Sicilian wine. In Solicchiata di Castiglione we have to push the good fortune to the estate PATRIA. Unfortunately, we are here for a tour of the production of late. But we are cordially invited to the wine degoustieren. We are convinced of the Etna - wine, a red wine with rich taste (see description http://www.vinipatria.it/pdf/eng/etna_doc_rosso.pdf ). Our guests are superior because the aircraft and how much wine, it should fit into the luggage.
Next, it goes back through the beautiful landscape at the foot of Mount Etna. Who has time to avoid the area around Mount Etna with a narrow gauge railway. We look forward to the impressions which we can do thanks to the car from the interior.
On Thursday, we are still 25 nautical miles to sail to Catania, we are hoping for some wind, because our guests will be flying back home on Friday. We had a nice time together on the Whisper, the weather was warm to hot summer, all the days of sunshine, but unfortunately no wind, at each stage we saw dolphins. Wining and we were spoiled by Walter, who brought his specialties from his Butcher's Shop in Bassersdorf, and of course in the fine Italian restaurants. Again, I want to mention our cook Hans Peter who conjures the best meals in our galley.
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