Vesuvio Volcano, Campania, Italy 1/2014
Having spent a couple of days exploring the excavated ruins uncovered after the Vesuvio volcano wreaked its wrath on Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD, we felt obliged to see what this monster looked like up close. We made the fortunate choice to NOT drive The Turtle V to the trailhead on the mountain. Hopping into a collective van, we headed up through countless hairpin corners while our very Italian driver named Salvatore entertained us with his Karaoke versions of popular hits playing on his dash-mounted iPhone.
From the parking area, the climb to the volcano rim was steep but not too difficult. The view over the cities and bay below was impressive, especially considering the future devastation that awaits them from the very alive Mount Vesuvio. As the sulfur fumes wafted over us, we hurried back down to our talented taxi driver.
(Salvatore is happy to pick you up at the train station or hotel in Herculaneum. Just give him a call. He speaks English, and is fair & honest. Cell: 346 53 61 278)
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- Our very Italian driver, Salvatore, entertained us with his Karaoke versions of popular hits playing on his dash-mounted iPhone.
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- The countless hairpin corners to the trailhead of Vesuvio would have been tedious in our own truck, mostly in first and second gear.
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- The view from Mount Vesuvio was impressive. Someday all this may again be covered in volcanic rock and ash.
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- This small painting on a rock seemed like a prayer.
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- The climb from the parking area to the volcano’s rim was steep but not too difficult.
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- There is no doubt that Mount Vesuvio is still very alive.
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- An unknown artist left his feelings of dread carved in stone, a reminder of the past and what the future could hold.
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