Syracuse is a nice place to spend a couple of days. I especially liked the Greek and Roman ruins in Neapolis. The amphitheatres were the highlight for me. Sicily’s historic sites have been a surprise to me. I had no idea, so it’s been good looking around.
Today’s route took me north along the coast out of Syracuse. It’s a beautiful clear day and apart from the wind, I thought today would be really nice.
There was a path that hugged the coast for nearly 10kms and this was probably the nicest part.
The wind dashed those hopes almost immediately. Although google weather insisted that the wind was from the west, for the first thirty kms, it was definitely from the north west which was my general direction for that part.
On windy days, I take things even easier as there’s even less point in hurrying when the wind removes all incentive to go faster.
The other downer today was that after the first 10 or 15 kms, I was in a heavy industrial area for ages. There were petrol refineries and stage tanks everywhere. Air Liquide had a few plants along the way. The place stank and there were plenty of heavy vehicles for the whole way into Catania
I was buzzed by quite a few trucks today – mostly on the quieter roads when there was plenty of room, and no excuses. This is unusual here, so I just assumed that these guys weren’t having good days. As usual, most drivers were fantastic. As is also usual, I witnessed some crazy overtaking from the opposite direction. I love their optimism. They might be driving a Fiat Panda, but if there’s somebody in front of them, they have to pass. Never mind that their car can barely get to the speed limit, they just have to.
The best part of the day was having the majestic Mount Etna in view for the last 35 or so kilometres. What a site. There’s snow on top and clouds moving around the whole time, but it dominates the landscape. After the White Island tragedy, I’ve got no ambition to visit an active volcano, and tomorrow, I’ll continue north.
As I neared Catania, I raced a rainstorm into town. Thankfully I won that race.
Catania is a curious place. There are some amazing buildings but they seem dirty with lots of graffiti spoiling a place that could be absolutely magnificent. Regardless, I wasn’t expecting much so I’m pleasantly surprised and pleased I came here.
I have two more days to Messina where I’ll catch the short ferry to the mainland.
