Mt. Etna in November, before snow.

We took a drive up the south side of Mt. Etna recently with some friends and were able to get some pretty cool photos. Despite it being a dreary, overcast day down at the bottom of the mountain, it was beautifully clear once we came even with the cloud banks!

We also got to see the first traditional signs of autumn on our drive -- gorgeous fall colors on the leaves! Everything is still lush and green down in our valley.

The drive is along a scenic, winding road--and it takes less than an hour to reach the highest point you can get to in your car from Sigonella.

All along the road are areas where you can pull off and enjoy the views of southeastern Sicily, Mt. Etna, and this house that was buried in an eruption.

Nothing but blue skies as we reached the highest point in our journey! There is the option to ride up closer to the largest crater on the ski lift, but it costs 28 euro per person. We did not anticipate that price, so we skipped that adventure!

And here's one last picture of the very top of Mt. Etna. We can't wait to go back and see the snow!