(translated with google translate)
Today I want to talkl you about the valley of the Ox as you have never known it until now. This ancient caldera that draws the entire east facade of Etna and which represents one of her most important faces in terms of history, landscape and emotions.
I have allready told you about it describing it from above: 8 km long by 4 wide characterized by a soft and sinuous lava desert that gradually overlaps and fluctuates between ancient flows, extinct craters and dagalas, like fingers of a giant hand plunging into the sand.
In these days we went to see it up close, and we discovered the power and charm of the detail that matches that of the overall view and completes our knowledge.
Different paths as different are the faces of this immense valley, depending on the side on which you approach it and from where you cross it.
This time, starting from the north, we discovered how much effort can be done while not reaching the total altitude difference of 300 meters uphill.
An exquisitely harmonious up and down of stones, sand, crocrocum under the boots generated by the younger material deposited during the eruptions of February and March, which winks at the knees and breath of even the most daring walkers.
Losing one’s orientation here is very easy. Despite the summit craters that smoke quietly to the west and the sea peeping out to the east, the interior of the valley is so vast and complicated that it requires all the attention and experience accumulated to choose the least tiring and least dangerous road to follow. .
The sensation is that of walking on an alien, deserted, completely unexplored and arid planet. Until, having reached yet another peak, the dagala of the Woodpecker can be seen from above. A patch of green saved from all that gray-black that surrounds it (# literally dagh-Allah in Arabic, “saved by God”) that makes you understand what Bedouins in the desert can feel at the sight of the first palm trees that anticipate an oasis .
And when the humidity of the air is finally reached, the brooms, the mosses, the aspen grove in front of the small Picchio refuge and the ground itself underfoot represent a change so sudden that it leaves you speechless.
The refuge is a small lava stone hut equipped with a fireplace and an outdoor water well, perfect for an overnight stop or a packed lunch.
In our case the right pause to catch your breath and start again following the path, from this moment well marked, which leads into the heart of Val Calanna, following the entire lower part of the 1991-1993 flow up to the point where it opens onto the imposing jump of the Mare. Majestic.
The feet firmly on the path and the eyes that glide, from the bottom up, following the curves of what was one of the most terrifying lava flows of the twentieth century, reaching the tree-lined border that delimits the valley.
How many times have we seen this panorama from above? How many tourists have we explained its essence and history to?
And now, like children, we compete to see who first guesses which is the exact point of view from where every day we spy on the immensity of this magical place.
Silence is master up there.
And from there, slowly, continue on the path that descends until you reach the lava front of this impressive flow of almost 30 years ago, which touched the inhabited center of Zafferana Etnea.
8 km of unique landscapes and new emotions to cherish.
Next time I will tell you about another round, even different, which will take us down from the top. From the panoramic to the conquest of the particular: the detail that allows you to understand the complexity of the general point of view.
Small steps help you achieve big goals. It is an awareness that becomes a kind of addiction, especially after a time when it is easy to get lost in a confused and uncertain overview, when holding on to the small goal becomes as important as finding the motivation.
And like all good addictions that are respected, the way to feel better is to continue to explore, to know, to want more. To then share everything with those who want to listen and be carried away by this passion. Which is also a bit of the feature that makes our work so special.
In short, my comparison between mother Etna and daily life continues, and is gradually enriched with significant details. I can’t wait to tell you about others.
