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
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On 19 May we sail off the early morning of Brindisi. We are happy to sail back on and head towards Otranto. After 45 nm with north winds 3 -5 Bf we are progressing well. The waves are still high and rough from the previous day, we are pleased to be able to sail with wind astern. In the evening we put in Otranto, as it blässt in port with 20 knots, at the pier at.

Otranto is a gorgeous little town, well maintained and renovated at a gentle way. The castle has a special plan and is affiliated sent to the Old Town.

We meet lots of nice neighbors and ship there as always plenty to talk about replacing. (Created at the pier with mooring without electricity 19 €) Read the full post »

On Sunday, 03/05/2009 morning at 8 ° ° Clock we solve the lines adopted in Vieste and our hearts of the many beautiful moments that we could do here.

The weather forecast predicts Northwest wind 5 Beaufort, that is, with winds 16-21 knots / h or 29-38 km / This promises a fast ride aft (rear) winches. Everything is different. We have a very short and weak westerly winds to the southern right on the nose. We have engines for the whole trip, but the mainsail set to stabilize, because we have big waves from the north and then from the side to giving a bumpy ride. Lilian musse also again only grow sea legs and felt pretty tired.

Huge joy we have that greeted us shortly after Vieste a dolphin with his jumps on the sea. A good Ohmen!

After 7 hours and 40 nautical miles distance we reach the very pretty town of Trani. We put in the Comune of Trani (27 € / night). The port is surrounded by historic homes, churches and squares. We like it so much that we decide to spend another day in Trani on to discover the town. Are quickly unpacked the bikes and off you go.