CONTENTS
EPPING FOREST OUTDOOR GROUP
For our excursion to Mount Etna on 30 December, we hired a mini-bus and driver - it was a bit further than we'd wanted to drive ourselves. Disappointingly, we only got fleeting glimpses of the summit from a distance, and from the vehicle. It was the cloudiest day we had on Sicily - indeed as we drove up Etna, we were in quite dense clouds. However, we came out above them, in fresh snow, and cold. Very crowded up there - just at the start of the gondola-lift, and beyond that the mountain was only attempted with guides. But we played around in the snow for a bit, had a look at the Crateri Silvestri, had a thick, sweet hot chocolate and a snack in one of the touristy bars, and were driven back to Capo d' Orlando by way of the popular resort of Taormina.
On the rim of the Crateri Silvestri on Mount Etna
Andrea and Alex having problems walking?
It might snow ! 
It was a bit busy on Etna.
The Crateri Silvestri - above the clouds.
Gill and Fred
The snow had freshly fallen.
Gill at Taormina
The bay, Taormina 
Fruit stall in the old town.
The town square.
Nativity figurines on display in the church
Bagpipers in the high street
...........................................
