One cannot contemplate Pompeii without also recognizing the main character in the story, the volcano of Mt. Vesuvius. Today we spent some time to get to know this formidable volcano ourselves.
Overlake reaches the highest point on Mt. Vesuvius
At 9:00am we had an appointment to meet with Roberto, our "volcanological guide".
Although we warned everyone that the hike might expose us more the elements than we had been so far, many were shocked with the cold and the severe winds that ripped through the rocky and barren landscape. However, our students are adventurous and didn't let the cold winds get them down.
Roberto led us to an orientation spot to show just where we would be going. He said 99% of tourists take a short trail to a lower lookout point and then turn right back. With Roberto as our guide, we would be taking a different route around the crater that would not only give us access to the highest point in the crater, but also allow us to decend somewhat into the crater to get a better sense of the geothermal activity inside.
The hike was steep and challenging, but the views into the crater to our right and the city of Naples and the Mediterranean to our left were stunning. The bigger challenge for me was bracing myself against the constant cold, strong wind as we made our way along the trail.
At our resting point several students were able to pick up handfuls of warm earth, pyroclastic debris really, to heat their hands.
Roberto taught us about the history and science of the volcano, and the plant life and mineral deposits found there. He also showed us an experiment burning a paper that immediately turned the air around into visible vapor.
We continued our hike to another point on the crater before our decent. The way down, although a bit easier in some ways, was also a different kind of challenge due to the steadiness required to walk on such strange volcanic material.
I am proud that our group was up to the challenge and climbing Mt. Vesuvius will be an experience not soon forgotten by anyone!
One volcano for the day just wasn't enough, so after lunch at the Villa we went to Solfatara, another local volcano that has visible vapors of sulfur rising from its crater. The students didn't know what to expect but were soon very aware of (or perhaps overcome by) the unique scent of the place.
Although not very visible here, the mud in this crater is bubbling!
After Solfatara we were able to visit a slightly more refreshing place, the Piscina Mirabilis. This is an Ancient Roman sistern on private property. We were able to gain access by calling a number given to us by the Baroness from yesterday. The arches were beautiful, especially considering that they were not intended for human eyes, rather to remain hidden below ground, filled with water for storage.
Any sunny day in the Mediterranean wouldn't be complete, however, without a little gelato to hold us over until dinner at the Villa.
Love the shots of the kids trying to cover their noses from the sulphur glory of Solfatara, Kelli. It's good the mountain felt a little hostile with the wind and cold. So glad you were able to schedule time with Roberto. You guys have done a terrific job with the kids. Bravo!
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