Attempt on Scuderi

Today we decided we felt up to an attempt on Mte Scuderi, at 1253 meters and quite a tough climb. We were preparing to leave the camp when Etna decided to erupt, hence the view from the site of the ash cloud. This is the fifth time she has blown since we arrived in Sicily back in October. We drove up to the start of the walk through Itala and found the road blocked, another collapsed hill side. Some locals showed us a route round and we eventually found the start of the walk and soon got a better view of the mountain still smoking. We continued up the track and began to climb, all went well at first until we left the track and started up a goat path. The way got worse and there had obviously been lots more land slip in the area. We both decided that it would be folly to continue so settled for Mte Cappedano at 978m. The walk was worthwhile anyway with some lovely views. When we got back to camp the mat was covered with ash from the Volcano. Another exciting day in Sicily.