I honestly didnt think it would happen, and it almost didnt, again…..

We have been trying to do a Summit Hike of Mt Etna for the past 2 years, each time planned, it was cancelled… This happens- its a very LIVE Volcano- And as of late, she was incredibly active! We had a beautiful lava show this week, with many nights of her blowing up…. So again, we thought the planned trip to try and make it up as high as we could, would be cancelled….

Annnnnnnnnd upon arrival to Etna SUD Saturday Morning, that was the news we received- Weather was miserable, 90% chance of cancellation- Luckily the guides let us wait it out, and after a few hours we received the clear to go! (and the weather for our hike was beautiful! If not ridiculously windy…..)

Our trip did start off pretty dang rocky—- The guide Company is Sicilian, so we are not at all on American time- In our group we had not only fellow Military Members, but a group from Chez Republic, and a few other foreigners, that after hours of being told “5 more Mins’ from the Italians, were all a bit impatient- Then the ski lift was busted, but we were able to squeeze into a 4 wheeler Bus to take us up to our hike start point- I have to say how damn COOL it is to be on a hike with total strangers, from all other countries, and that we can come together with so much humor and fun in frustrating situations! It made the day so great.

Our guide took us up to a spot where a big catch of this weeks lava was built up- still steaming hot (even in the 30 degree weather up there!) he was able to just poke around with his hiking pole to light a napkin on fire, instantly—- You could feel the heat pretty dang strong—— Supa fresh!

Where other groups had turned back at this point, our guide decided “its Fine” and kept us going around the lip of a huge crater since we couldnt hike the Summit, in 60-70mph winds….. The saying from the whole group as we followed this madman to our deaths was “what the F*CK are we doing????”

Around the crater, we all held onto eachother for dear life, crab walking close to the ground—- There were tears from some, laughter from others, and a few screams directed toward the crazy guy in the red coat at the front of the line….. It was amazingly terrifying—- Thank you Andrew for keeping me from blowing off the Mountain….. Love you Forever.

We stopped for lunch about 1/2 way around, but could barely sit as the ground was scorching hot! Check out the steam!

Volcanos…..

Val De Bove from the other side…. This Lava Valley is my favorite spot on Etna…… So beautiful- On a clear day, you can see mainland Italy.

This hike was so crazy cool, and although starting off a little “Sicily Sour” we had the time of our lives…. Only made it to 3000 meters, but a fabulous way to say goodbye to the very best thing about this Island for me…. I truly love her.

Babe, lets keep on doing super cool stuff just like this! Goodbye Etna—- xoxoxoxo

3,000 Meters- Mt Etna.... Farewell Ol' Girl.