North Etna First Part

Piano Provenzana is a Sicilian ski resort located on the north side of Etna, at an altitude of 1,810 meters above sea level, in the territory of the municipality of Linguaglossa. It is dominated by a landscape of lava stone and almost free of vegetation.

From here I began the solo ascent towards one of the craters. Usually it is done accompanied by authorized guides. These visits do not correspond to a continuous walking training concept. The volcano was active in those days and consequently dangerous, and the cloud of smoke turned depending on the wind. Despite the height and the wind, the air was hot and the sun was dazzling.

Uphill the shoes continued to slide on the loose ground formed by small lava stones.

After almost two hours of climbing, and after enjoying a unique scenery and in perfect solitude, I reached a good proximity to the crater which continued to emit smoke. Sure of having had a privilege with this experience, I did not want to put my own safety at risk by approaching it further, also to avoid any legal problems.