| With our passage through the Strait of Messina we passed from the Tyrrhenian Sea into the Ionian Sea. At its northern end the strait was only about 1� miles across. In Homer�s Odyssey this was where Skylla and Kharybdis existed. We passed by the western side of the strait where Kharybdis was said to have lurked. In the earthquake of 1783 the strait�s sea bottom was altered, supposedly �taming� both Skylla and Kharybdis. As we traveled at slack, we found Kharybdis sleeping. |
 |
| In Homer's Odyssey ... this was the "Tongue of the Land" |
| We broke the trip to Siracusa into two days. On Sunday we traveled from Vulcano Island to Taormina, a distance of 68 nautical miles. That night we anchored in Taormina Bay just beneath the medieval town of Taormina perched high up on the hillside. Monday, June 19, we continued on to Siracusa, 50 nautical miles away. Along the way we passed by majestic Mt. Etna, almost 11,000 feet high. A little snow could still be seen near its top. |
 |
 |
| Page 6 |
| Mt. Etna |
| Toormina |