Straits of Messina and On To Sicily

The Straits of Messina divide the mainland and Sicily. It looks like 2-3 miles wide, and we rolled-on and rolled-off the ferry so quickly, half an hour, I barely got the ship's name.

I think it was Themestieri, or possibly The Mestieri

Part of the procession of ferries across the Straits; a bridge has been under 
discussion for years; but I gather both the Italians and the Sicilians are quite 
comfortable with this much separation

For those really in a hurry, a hydrofoil plies the waters

The voyage is so short they let you remain with your vehicle

So we rolled off in Messina, found the toll-way, and headed south along the coast for 
our first stop, Giardini and the Bay of Naxos, and Taormina; and the Lagani 
"campground," an attractive parking area for motorhomes--no trailers, tents, nothing 
not fully self-contained--the usual amenities, but only 8 euros a night; mostly Italians 
and Germans, aNederlander, an Austrian, us, and a Finn, who is apparently

driving a big toy-hauler with a Smart Car inside...interesting

Our current encampment



Bay of Naxos, Giardini in the distance, Taormina is its aerie above