Riposto it is not far from the largest active volcano in Europe. Etna is about 3250 m above sea level. We organize a rental car and will soon be traveling towards the Rifugio Sapienza. A winding path with stunning natural scenery and impressions to expect. After about 1 hour we reach the station of the gondola, which brings us closer to the Ätnagipfel. Then we can switch on a Mercedes Unimog and we drive on a dirt road that leads through gray corridors in the snow near the summit at 3000 m altitude.
A biting, cold wind greets us. We go through a bizarre landscape, as I put it to me on the moon. In the near future are closer to the crater of the volcano eruptions from 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. Every year formed the rank and file, a new crater. Impressive! We are impressed
Geology
Etna, the volcanic products an area of approximately 1,170 square kilometers and a volume of around 530 km ³ occupy, is Europe's largest active volcano . Among the active volcanoes of the world, he stands in terms of the number of its eruptions in historical times in the first place. On all sides of the freestanding mountain 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 Etna is the weathered lava that has a balanced pH, extremely fertile. Due to the large amount of Etna follow each different vegetation belts. In the lower zone to about 1,500 m to grow oranges, lemon, olive, fig and pistachio trees. There are also corn fields and vineyards there. In a forest zone extends to about 2,000 m. Beeches, oaks, birches, pines and chestnut trees are found here, and also the typical Ätnaginster, which is one of the first plants to colonize on the weathered lava. To about 2,500 m then follows a zone with juniper, buckthorn shrubs, grasses, mosses and lichens. The higher vegetation zones are, in the summit area is almost all year round snow.
In 1987, a territory of about 58,000 hectares around the Etna Regional Park was the Park of Etna says.
(Excerpt from Wikipedia)
Back at sea level, we decide to use the car for a shopping spree. Then it goes in search of a vineyard, so we can test the widely acclaimed Sicilian wine. In Solicchiata di Castiglione, we have to push the luck of the vineyard 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 Mount Etna - wine, a robust red wine with a rich flavor (described http://www.vinipatria.it/pdf/eng/etna_doc_rosso.pdf ). Our guests are superior to the plane as much as wine and still fit in your luggage.
Next it goes back through the beautiful countryside at the foot of Mount Etna. Who has time avoid the area around Mount Etna, with a narrow-gauge railway. We look forward to the impressions which we can make the car thanks to the interior.
On Thursday, we are still 25 nautical miles to sail to Catania, we are hoping for some wind, because our guest will be flying back home on Friday. We spent a nice time together on the Whisper, the weather was warm to hot summer, sunshine every day, unfortunately, no wind, at every stage we saw dolphins. Culinary we were spoiled by Walter, who brought his specialties from his butcher shop in Bassersdorf, and of course in the fine Italian restaurants. Again, I want to mention our cook Hanspeter which conjures up the best meals in our galley.
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