13th to 17th May, the Aeolian Islands

Stuart joined us in Cefalu and we set off for the Aeolian's, a group of volcanic islands 20-30 miles off the north coast of Sicily. The weather was very settled, which was great as we planned to anchor and the islands have a bad reputation for windy conditions, dating by to Ulysses. The highlight of the trip was our visits to Stromboli, which is still very active and sends spouts of red hot rocks high into the air and down into the sea on its northern face. We went out in Cara Mara at night and were rewarded with this amazing sight. Sadly, we enjoyed it so much no one thought to take photo's.

Stuart on route to Panarea

Jon at the bow, not too much wind  to trouble us that day.

Stromboli with its peak in the cloud.

Wendy enjoying a therapeutic mud bath on Vulcano

Stuart and Jon setting off round the steaming sulphurous crater of Vulcano 

Dave on Vulcano

Wendy on Vulcano