With the gentle prodding of our good friend and colleague, Kathy Murphy, we took a wee vacation to Sicily. Flying from Torino we landed in the thick, warm air of Trapani, on the western edge of the island. Our home for the next 10 days is in the little beach resort town of San Vito Lo Capo. Busy with tourists in the height of summer, at this time of year it was tranquil–locals and a few climbers were the norm.

Kathy was still recovering from foot surgery, so no rock climbing for her, but the bare-foot walking on the warm sandy beaches was much like the physio massages she has been enjoying.

The beach at San Vito Lo Capo. Kathy gives the tootsies a wiggle.

We rented a very pleasant apartment with our friends Kathy and Martin.

The water was cool but refreshing at this time of year. One wanted a nice hot day (and we had a few) to inspire a bit of swimming.

Mark on the first climb of the trip. The climbing here is mostly on single pitch sport routes, well protected, on amazing rock. According to the local guide book, Sicily Rock, there are about 1000 routes.

Peppers growing next to the curb in San Vito Lo Capo.

Monte Monaco, from a walk near the lighthouse.

The harbor in San Vito Lo Capo.

We went for a walk on the breakwater, composed of giant concrete blocks.

Fishermen coming home in the evening.

Kathy finds a shady spot to relax.

Jane, another Chamonix friend, climbing on the Placche di Macari.

Kathy C, Martin, Kathy M and Jane, enjoying an Aperol Spritz (or two).

Homage to the Spritz.

Climbing on the "Celestial Way of the Dead Cow".

The lower-off.

And more Spritz. It is customary to serve aperos with lots of nibbles.

A day of climbing at Valanga with more Chamonix friends, Caroline and Jim.

The view from the south end of the Salinella climbing area.

We had one rainy day. We drove up to Erice, an ancient hill-top town not far from Trapani.

Walking in Erice.

We stopped for a coffee and some delectable marzipan pastries at the Pasticceria del Convento.

Venus Castle above (dating from Norman times, about 1000 years ago) and the Torretta Pepoli (originally built in 1870) below.

Looking down on the Torretta Pepoli.

Another nice view on the drive back home.

More sightseeing on the following showery day. The beach at San Vito Lo Capo.

We first drove out along the north coast to Riserva dello zingaro.

...then back towards the climbing cliffs at Salinella.

We spent hours watching the waves breaking on the rocks...

...occasionally getting wet!

Upon our return home, winter had arrived. The view from our balcony on November 12, as I write this.