From Genoa to Catania to celebrate the coral wedding: it’s the story of Peter And Monicaexperts trekkers Genoese people who do not pay for excursions in the Ligurian Apennines and along the mountains of Trentino and Valle d’Aosta decided to celebrate thirty-five years of marriage with a long excursion, yesterday, to the highest active volcano in Europe and on the Eurasian plate: Etna, on which yesterday – near the summit craters – a Genoa scarf waved.
Classified with 5 stars (out of 5) difficulty, the excursion started by cable car from Rifugio Sapienza, on the southern side of Monbigello and then reached, via special off-road vehicles, the starting area of the “climb”. Equipped with a protective helmet and sticks, provided by the alpine guides, the actual trekking along ancient lava flows but also on the most recent traces of eruptions. Once you reach the summit craters, the return on foot – for a difference in altitude of 840 meters – to the upper station of the cable car. In all, five hours of walking to which to add the technical times of the various transfers.
As Peter commented on the excursion: «It’s like walking on tiny pieces of glass, and you can perceive it from the particular sound of the steps on the path traced on the consolidated lava. Maximum attention must be paid, also due to the strong wind at high altitude, because a fall could lead to bad consequences».
That it is not a simple excursion, his wife confirmed: «Between the cable car and the off-road vehicle you leap from 1,910 meters above sea level to 2,900 at the arrival point of the off-road vehicles. Then, the climb up to 3,340 meters above which it is not possible to go».
I overlook smoking craters, lunar landscapes, sudden changes in weather, sulfur fumes; we ask if they would repeat the experience: «Yes, it was worth the trip – says Pietro – but perhaps it is better to first acclimatise to the starting altitude of the trek because the altitude makes itself felt».
Peter he left the city of the Lantern with his inseparable red and blue scarf: «I don’t go anywhere without her, for the famous concept of the fans celebrating the… “Griffins everywhere”». At the height of the rise, in fact, the traditional photo with the scarf “Genoa and nothing else but rossoblù” taken by the lady Monica which however… belongs to another football “faith”.
From 3,340 to zero sea level: the day ended with an evening aperitif in San Giovanni Li Cuti, a small seaside village nestled on the Etna seafront, where we met the couple.
Best wishes from the editorial staff of the celebrating newlyweds Pianetagenoa1893.
