Fireworks!!

It took 3 hours of steep uphill walking through rocks and ash, carrying cameras, tripods, warm clothes and food. But, worth every ounce of hard work . . .

This is Stromboli demonstrating power, heat and a spectacle like nothing I've ever seen. Sitting on a ridge of rock at the edge of an erupting volcano make one feel very, very small and vulnerable. The earth not far beneath us was liquid, the mountain grumbled and groaned and every few minutes a huge fountain of lava commanded both our attention and our utmost respect. This volcano has a very justifiable sense of arrogance!

The guides here are fantastic - able to take tourists up here to experience this spectacle in safety - I certainly woudn't fancy taking a wrong turn!