HE SAID

Despite some drizzly rain, Micaela and I decided to take a drive to a nearby dormant volcano for a little hike. The drive their certainly tested my skills — up, down, around sharp cutbacks. Given that a number of sizable rock were strewn about the road having fallen from the overhanging cliff, I had good cause to worry. At one point the sea literally splashed up onto the road. At another, we could see islands miles away. Finally, we came around a bend and saw the sign for the path to the volcano…and a very slight area to park.

With our new hiking shoes on (which proved to be awesome), we began. A family of three passed us on their way down. I don’t know if Europe has a term for hippie, but that’s how I would describe them.

For me, the fairly steep hike was amazing. The temptation to leave the path and climb all the rocks continually pressed upon me. That must be the 10-year-old boy that still lives in me. For some of the path, pine trees blocked our view. However, when we peaked out, the view was breathtaking over the water.

Fortunately, the path was pretty well marked with symbols painted on the rocks to let hikers know the correct way. (We only missed a couple turns and realized it almost right away.) The top was clearly marked as you’ll see below. My goal was twofold: climb up the highest I can safely climb, and enter the volcano as deep as I safely can. Turns out neither was very high or deep, but still…it was pretty cool. Not quite content, I explored around the mouth of the volcano a little bit more, but since Micaela didn’t move quite as nimbly around the slippery wet rocks as I did, I came back. But I’m certain we’ll make the hike again.

Afterwards, it seemed like a good idea to take a drive around the small peninsula. Again, the driving was tricky at times, but fun, and the views were awesome.