My climbing Mount Vesuvius. Part #1

June 2018 · 4 MIN READ

My climbing Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius (ital. Monte Vesuvio) was a starting point of my last trip to Italy and my dream for last 3 years. Although it has erupted many times, this volcano is best known for its eruption in AD 79 that resulted the burying and destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as several other settlements.

Nowadays, it is regarded as one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. And it is not because of pure possibility of eruption (as one could suppose), although its last eruption was in 1944. It is because of the population of 3,000,000 people living nearby. Napoli is the 3rd most populated city in Italy, therefore it is the most densely populated volcanic region in the world. In addition to the active volcano Vesuvius, on the territory of Campania there are also potentially dangerous Phlegrean fields.

All these dangerous stuff made it very attractive idea. We've never seen a volcano in real. And at the end, the day of ascending really left a significant imprint in my soul ... and on my body... Anyway, good and bad, both are memorable.

"...I love to climb a mountain. And to reach the highest peak."

As many peaks located in an urban area of "developed countries", this one can be reached partially by car or by public transport. Actually, I've fount a very useful resource for foreigner tourists - Wikitravel. It knows everything about locations, schedules and fees. We took its advice "to go there earlier in the morning to avoid the jams that may happen along the narrow road". The more so that "narrow road" is a serpentine, and our car was abnormally long for Italy.

So, we got there just at 9am. Despite of our concern, the parking was absolutely empty, exclusive of vehicles of staff. We bought tickets and got ready to see exciting things. It is about 800m to hike up the last bit. The top of Vesuvius is 1,281 meters (4,203 ft), but of course one cannot get to the very top as the crater as it is boarded and you can walk only the marked trail.

I don't use stick while hiking, but if you do, they might be helpful. Also, it is recommended to wear hiking shoes because the trail is rather stony. As I have a bit of experience, I wear casual low-heel boots and it was quite ok. But if you want to try yourself and need more extreme ascent you can take a trail throw tree and bushes that starts from the very bottom.

These are 2 or 3 small shops with souvenirs and beverages on the trail. You can make a stop to drink a cup of hot chocolate or whatever sitting at the table outside and enjoying stunning views of Napoli and a bay. There are wide choice of souvenirs made of volcanic lava or just a pieces of rock. The one thing you won't find here on the trail is a toilet, so keep it in mind.

As we hike up, we were alone, and only staff of shops overtook us on a fancy small vehicle.

But very soon stunning breathtaking views completely took our attention. Sun, wind, endless sea, islands and cities in the mist beneath... And we're walking the slopes of a real volcano!

~~~~~~~ End of Part 1 ~~~~~~~

My equipment

All photographs were taken using Pentax K-5, lenses Pentax DA 55-300, DA 40mm, DA 12-24.

The season

It was January 22th, 2018. Concerning the weather conditions - as you can see, luck was on our side, Actually, there was no need even for a knit cap.

Thank you

For your time to read this post, your upvotes and comments. And resteem is always a pleasant bonus.
I hope you enjoyed it!

Until next part,
@zirochka

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@zirochka

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