Ians very favorite activity, muscling through a crowd to buy tickets once we had travelled the 1 hour and a half to Mount Etna.

A tranquil cable car ride to the half way point, accompanied by some thankfully silent french folk.

Now a swap to a bus to take us to the furthest point.

The North and south Craters of mount Etna our destination, the noth crater.

Ian is standing on the lava flow which was made this very April, when the north crater erupted.

Here is our guide, who explained recent eruptions have destroyed the cable car system more than once & the parking area.

The entire area is the Mount Etna volcano, all of the small craters featured here are equally active & have been responsible for the 1991, 2001 & 2002 eruptions.

You can clearly see the path of the lava flow. Ian & I named this volcano the Dalek Volcano...Our guide informed us thet if it were to erupt today, we would have plenty of time to take some photos before leaving.. Means all you would need is the ability to walk at a brisk pace to avoid the Daleks or in this case lava flow.

However you would likely be brained by the flying rocks.

The Volcano erupted in the 1600's and engulfed a nearby village, no lives were lost even then!

Our trip back down allows us to wonder at the sheer power of this mighty planet & its awesome underground restlessness.

Maureen decided we should go home via the scenic route, this fella threatened to drop a  boulder on us !

Back at our hotel, a beer & a swim in the rooftop pool. Dinner in our Hotel again as we are slightly knackered.

Just a moment out to mention the wonderful Edie Gale, who will be fondly remembered. Thank you Hollie for attending the funeral in our stead.

Love to you all..See you on the dark side...xx