Expedition to Sicily

Report by CSL Anita Muscat
12th till 15th September 2014

In September 2014, 3 leaders, AGSL George Said, Leader Leli Mizzi and SL David Grech organised a 4-day expedition to Sicily. Another member of the group was Omar Said, George's son.

The aim of this expedition was to go up Mount Etna. During this trip, the group went up several peaks, alternating between different landscapes such as lava paths and thick forests. However the highlight was surely the ascent of Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano which on its south side stands at 3280m above sea level.

This 'journey' started with a bus trip from the village of Nicolosi at 1000m to the Rifugio Sapienza at 1900m. This was followed by taking a cable car up to 2500m and a 4x4 up to 2900m. From this point onwards, a local guide accompanied them in the final part of the climb. This took two and a half hours. After passing through a lunar landscape, the group arrived at the edge of the enormous crater which is situated 150m below this edge. The descent took another two hours as the guide took a detour to show them the latest crater formed, which was still emanating steam!

Photo update to be uploaded soon...