The eruption occurred only a few months ago, but yet the tour buses are bringing people to view the majestic Mt. Etna, on the island of Sicily. The view from the window is obscured by ash that still rains down as the wind kicks ash and spins it around the bus. The tires on the bus are specially made to drive over the crumbly, jagged basaltic rock. The creation of igneous rocks is an awesome sight, especially when you realize that this is the beginning of the rock cycle.

Recent snow combines with the ash to make a gray slush that seems out of place, on a mountain where lava recently rolled down the flanks of the volcano. The bus can only go so far, because another lava flow could erupt at any time. As you walk to the caldera, you wonder about what you will see. Weird thoughts of seeing the center of the Earth or even jumping to join the devil, enter your thoughts.

As you look over, the gas looks like it is bubbling, like a witch’s brew. The wind from the earthly hole whips your hat, as you jump back and almost wish you hadn’t wanted to experience the formation of igneous rocks.

 
Walking on the top of Mt. Etna

Looking in the caldera of Mt. Etna