April 26, 2010: Stromboli

[xoxoxoBruce]

The headlines have been full of volcano news lately. Whenever a volcano erupts we see pictures on the news, but they always seem to be on the other side of the world, so getting to see one erupt in person seems remote.
Is that what's troubling you bunky? I have the solution... Stromboli Island.

Just north of Sicily, the 12.6 square kilometer island of Stromboli is a rare natural wonder indeed. The 900 foot Stromboli is one of the world's only constantly active volcanoes and erupts dozens of times every day. Each small explosion shoots bursts of magma into the sky and sends rivulets of lava into the sea.

They say it might be dangerous, but probably no more than going to Sicily first. Joke...I'm kidding...please Godfather...

There are several different tours which take visitors on a hike up the volcano to the top, where by law, visitors are allowed to remain only for one hour. The hike up the volcano is roughly 3 hours, rigorous and should not be underestimated. The best tours are the ones that leave at sunset, as Stromboli is at its most magnificent seen against the night sky. The hike down is in complete darkness, so bring a flashlight or risk barking you shin.

So if you want to schedule a vacation, and be guaranteed an eruption, Stromboli.

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