Middle-aged flash packers

Feeling virtuous this morning and went to the gym before breakfast.

I swear this hotel wants us to die of dehydration. The water from the tap tastes revolting – really salty. No bottled water is provided. I presumed the “fitness centre” would have water, but no. Eventually I tracked some down in the “wellness centre” and refilled our water bottles – it was like an oasis in a desert.

Steve certainly refilled his belly at breakfast. You would not have thought he ate a five course dinner last night. Mind you, I didn’t do too badly – fruit followed by cake and a croissant. 

Anyway, the aim of today was to get to the island of Vulcano. Vulcano is basically an island made up of an extinct volcano. We plan to walk up it as the views are supposed to be remarkable and from Vulcano we’ll get a ferry to Stromboli and hopefully see this active volcano in all its glory.

Our drive to the ferry port of Mellazzo was stressful to say the least. The storms and rain we have so far avoided hit us with a vengeance. That, coupled with unpredictable and crazy driving by the locals left Steve and me decidedly frazzled.We arrived at the port with half an hour to spare. 

The ferry journey seemed to take a long time, not helped by it being boiling hot inside and a stop at the island of Lipari that we weren’t expecting.

However, we made it and found our digs for the night without too much trouble. After dumping our cases and settling in, it was down to the port for a beer and some unwinding. 

Right now, I am watching the storm we drove through arrive on the island. The sky is blue/black with a touch of blood red as the sun is setting. We’re in for a bit of a downpour!