Today we headed up to a little town called Sant'Alfio. It is UP on the mountain side of Mt. Etna. It is only about 5 miles from the crater. We went up there in hopes to see the red lava that had flowed from the volcano again last night, but it was all just black, but you could certainly tell it was new flow as there was no snow in its path! We also went up there to see the Hundred Horse Chestnut Tree. It is thought to be 2000 to 4000 years old and the biggest Chestnut Tree in the world. It was called its name because it was rumored to have been able to 'umbrella' 100 horses and their men during a thunderstorm. I'd say it would be pretty close to that when the leaves are on it. It was HUGE!
It has since split up where we can see it, but it all comes from one root, so it is considered the biggest tree ever. The kids got to collect some actual chestnuts from around there. It was quite a fun little outing enjoying the amazingly beautiful day, seeing a very old tree, watching the clouds form on Mt. Etna and just enjoying being together as a family. Could life get any better?
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