Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe and it’s been very active in the last year. When I visited in June 2013, it wasn’t possible to climb it because of the eruptions in April. I could still tour the area and the best views of Etna are possible from the 1800 metres Monti Sartorius,which I did climb.
Travelling around Etna you will see lava flow, both recent and ancient. Where there has been a flow, vegetation takes times to recover, but gradually signs of life appear through the ash.
Where there are full grown trees, they have grown through lava from way back. Christmas tree sized and the lava is not so old, and in places where there is only low growing plant life, soapworts for example, the lava is from very recent eruptions. So, the flora is beginning to re-establish itself.
Click on my photo for a closer view.
This post is for Cheri Lucas Rowlands WPC at http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2014/01/03/photo-challenge-beginning/
Lucid Gypsy 
It always amazes me how quickly vegetation begins its recovery. Isn’t nature wonderful.
I’m sure I’ll never get there Gilly, so I’m glad to see your photo. Amazing how life regenerates after all that molten lava cools.
Intriguing to think of seed dispersal and how the elements contrive to restore barren landscapes. We sailed past Monseratt in the Caribbean after one of the eruptions and it was desolately devastated.
Shows how nature constantly regenerates itself, except where we interfere. Love your photo and interpretation Gilly
It is so amazing how quickly life spring back out of the ashes etc. 🙂
I didn’t know all this. Thanks for sharing, Gilly.
Great post and photos for the challenge, Gilly. Mount Etna is quite high and still very active. Glad you got down safely again. 😉
Would you want to climb after that? This photo is lovely, but maybe too close for my comfort 😉
Beautiful place Gilly , wish you luck for 2014 my friend 🙂
fascinating place Gilly, an active volcano from ancient history still active in such a built-up area! we explored Pompei in the late 70’s … I wonder if people expect it to erupt like that again??
how cool is this. Mt Baker in northwest Washington (USA) is one of the closest volcanoes in my neck of the woods. It has been dormant since forever, it seems. the closest i have been to an active volcano was on the Big Island of Hawaii. quite fascinating they are.
thanks for sharing.
You certainly get around woman! Always beautiful captures from all over the world! Margie
How true! Life finds a way to begin despite everything doesn’t it…loved the post!
Beautiful Gilly! 😀
New life sprouting from once a hot lava laden soil, just a promise of something good and hopeful. Thanks for sharing such an adventure filled trip. A great start for 2014! Wishing you and your family a New Year full of wonderful blessings.
Just reading about Pompeii in a travel book, and now seeing your post, hard to make the two fit together in my mind! You are certainly adventurous, Gilly!