Piano Cervi Walk

We started this walk at 1400 meters and climbed steadily to 1800 m. The scenery was amazing. We spotted a family of wild boar on the mountain side, this was a first for us. Also deer running everywhere. Lovely day but very cold at this altitude.

Surprise visit.

What a surprise! We were sitting in the van after dinner one evening and there was a knock at the door The visitor asked if we could turn our music down.  There stood Rich and Jan two of my sons best friends who had been in Northern Europe for the summer. They had met up with another UK traveller in Pompei who had recommended Sicily and they had come down to join up with him. He said that the couple opposite him on the site were from UK, so they came over, having realised that it must be us from his description.

We have since spent a very Happy week with them, walking and eating etc.  On our mountain walk we met a gang of workers clearing a fire break on the hillside. They called us over and brewed us an Espresso on a primus stove. They were a friendly crew.

Holly Walk

This walk is from above Castelbuono and climbs from 1260 meters to 1510 through woodland filled with gigantic holly trees some up to 350 years old. Great views of the surrounding area. 

Mountain Ride.

We took an 85 miles ride on the scooter around the mountains in the Madonie National Park.We reached 1850 meters above sea level where it was very cold but the scenery far outweighed that problem.

Stunning road, motorcycle heaven. No traffic just miles of hairpin bends and amazing vistas round each one. Probabaly one of the best roads we have ridden in the last ten years, and having crossed the Alps a few times, that should give a clue as to how good.

Cefalu and area

Our second campsite at Finale near Cefalu and we are exploring the mountains again. Cefalu is a very nice City with a wonderful Duomo or Cathedral, great sandy beach and lots of shops and cafes.

This picture is a modern sculpturs idea of a cloud, we will leave that one to your imagination.

The back streets are narrow and cobbled. Lots to see here including many mountain villages.
The cobbled street in the picture however is at a Greco Roman town in the hills called Halaesa, circa 1st century BC

Sicily

Arrived in Sicily after short ferry crossing. Took a ride up to Etna valley. The Volcano looked very grand. It erupted four days after we were there.
The island is wonderful, mountains and valleys everywhere. It is also much cleaner and friendly than southern Italy. Weather is good and we are staying for the rest of the winter.

Tropea

Moved down to Tropea ready for Lee Han and Lucy to visit. Had a great week with them. Very sad when they had to leave.