The way to the ferry in Messina

So from Catania I finally continued towards Messina. Since I wanted to slowly get my leg used to it again, I started with shorter stages, took longer breaks and thus found a new rhythm.

Off the road

For this reason, I also avoided any ascents or descents, as the movement still hurt a bit. So for a while it was a case of walking along the road. This has advantages and disadvantages. You don't get lost, there are often supermarkets on the way and you can stop in any place for the night if you run out of energy. On the other hand, the asphalt is also exhausting, your feet wish for a different surface, the traffic noise is relentless and you don't want to sit down on the ground for a break everywhere.

In the meantime I have got used to some things, maybe I will even miss the many horns of the cars one day. Drivers are constantly calling attention to themselves, sometimes to warn and mostly to greet. Many wave enthusiastically out of their car windows, which is actually motivating!

Whenever the road allowed, I dodged onto smaller roads and beach promenades. So I passed fishing ports and somewhat sleepy coastal towns that will probably come to life in a few weeks with the expected tourists.

The beautiful town and tourist hotspot Taormina was one of my stage destinations and truly worth the short climb up the mountain.

The following morning, I had a wonderful view of Mount Etna from there, which I enjoyed to the full before continuing on my way.

After a few days and about 260 km, I finally arrived in Messina and was incredibly happy to start the next section: Calabria.