Etna: The biggest volcano in Europe on 1250 m and the most active in the world.

What a perfect day:

It was a perfect morning, the sun was shining and I was in the hotel in Etna. I had only one goal this day and that was to see the volcano and maybe go inside to see where the smoke came form.

I had an Italian breakfast in the morning, white bread with jam and coffee (not like the Norwegians are used to, but I did not complain too much hihi). I packed all I needed for the trip. Kites, chocolate, dwarf and camera was in the bag and I was ready for action.

Stefano was the guide and I was the pink panther following him.  We took the lift as fare as it went on the volcano and then packed the skies on the bag. Or more right: I pack the skies on the bag, Stefano put on the fancy skin he hade and walk on his skies. Stefano walk fast and I tried to follow him, but it was not easy.

 Photography: Pascal Boulgakow.

But every 15min he stopped, hade some water and took some pictures and was waiting for me. When I arrived where he was, he asked: all good? With a smile. I said “YES” and he started walking again. I was getting flash back from when I was young. I’m thinking about my father walking in front and when I arrived, just start walking again, without thinking that also I needed a brake. (Stefano I feel sorry for you kids J or maybe it’s good for them. I don’t know hihi).

After 45 min walk the wind came and we packed out the kites and kited up to the top. This went easier and I was happier that I could use a kite to go up the hill than my legs. I was kiting a bit around on the volcano and it was really nice. The light was changing all the time, the volcano came closer and closer, the smoke from the volcano, the clouds under us and Stefano just smiling in front.

We finally arrived to the top and it was the best moment of the whole trip. The hole was big and I felt really small. The volcano was on 3350 m over sea level and Stefano was running around and screaming WOW WOW kari WOW.

I was just smiling and trying to focus not to slide down in to the volcano. We made a lot of photos like you can see on the pictures. It´s hard to explain how it was. I think you have to come and just see it you self. It is worth a trip there. :)

We packed the kites in the bag again and got ready for the trip down. It was incredible, good snow, nice view and sun. I was skiing on the volcano and I hade the view to the sea, “Incredible”. This day was a perfect day for me and I will never forget it.

Links:

Rifugio Sapienza  the hotel:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

www.funiviaetna.com

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www.etnasnow.com

http://www.guide-etna.com/webcam/

www.kariland.com

 Photography: Pascal Boulgakow.

Photography: Pascal Boulgakow.