Volcano tourism

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introduction

As I invite people to come to our house on Lipari on the Aeolian islands, I consider  it to be my responsibility to inform what it means ro do volcanic tourism.
I will in this introduction share an experience recently made climbing up on teh crater of the island of Vulcano

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A carter climb experience

I and my friends, Adr and Ol planned to make Valle Roia-Vulcano tour on Wednesday 10/9. As the sun set is earlier i suggested departure from Lipari at 15 but due to a late lunch we departed at 16. We got a good impression about them at the lunch,So we invited Anna M and her two Polish friends Al and Justin to join us, I told them that I am not a professional licensed trekking guide and that they come with me as friends.  They accepted our offer.
No warning information were shared on the north side (green light) where tourists normally start their climb. 

At 17 we started our walk down to Valle Roia. As we came to the top the sun at 20 had already set about 45 minutes earlier and it was almost dark.
I saw that there was a lot of sulfuric smoke rising from the crater in the direction south.
Olg and Adr had left us behind so I could not speak with them about this.
I were with Anna, Al and Justin. Al did not want to follow me and asked us to hold each other hands. Only later I understood that Al had asthma.

The way down west was blocked by heavy sulfuric smoke.

People climbing up from the north side were lucky to not have been able to come up to the top before the wind direction changed and stopped their way back. 

I asked Ol and Adr if we could try the north valley path they made the last year, So we went down to follow that path.  But it showed that they were unsure about its way west. So we had finally to climb up again to the top. oAfter several tests the wind changed so we could come back down at aboout half past one o’clock.

After this experience, I came to wonder:

  1. Why do we take risks like Al making volcano tourism despite asthma?
  2. Why do so many people come and visit volcanic islands like the Aeolian islands?
  3. Why do I live on a volcanic island?
  4. Why do I choose to fly instead of taking a more Secure train?

These four questions touches  a little bit questions about our human mindset. These are the questions I will deal with in this page.

I have recently Read “Destiny is a cruel beast” by Valerio Massimo Manfredi” a story about people who fled from Pompeii after the eruption of Vesuvius. The volcsno on the island of Vulcano is explosive like Vesuvius. It had its last eruption 1888. though it is now in a quiescent state with ongoing gas and steam emissions from the La Fossa crater and near the Porto di Levante. (ASource: www.protezionecivile.gov.it

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Definitions

Fate and destiny, the difference

With the use among others of langeek.co/en/grammar/course/1221/fate-vs-destiny ,
AI Overview writes:

The key difference is that

fate (de: Schicksal. se: öde, it:fato) refers to unavoidable events determined by external forces, while destiny (de: Bestimmung. se: öde, it:destino) implies a predetermined outcome that can still be shaped by one’s own actions and choices. Fate often has a negative connotation of inevitability, whereas destiny is typically seen as a positive purpose or a potential that one works toward.

About “Ethymologie Skicksal”  AI writes:
The word “Schick” has two main etymological roots: as a German surname meaning “form, right state, condition” or “orderly, skillful” from Middle High/Low German schic, and as the German word for “stylish” derived from the same roots. The German origin of “Schick” also influenced the French word chic.
The word “sal” has multiple etymologies depending on its usage. As a noun, it derives from the Latin word sal meaning “salt”. As a name, “Sal” is a short form of various names, such as Solomon (meaning “peaceful”) or Salvatore (meaning “savior”). The Proto-Indo-European root *sal- also means “salt” and is the source of many English words including “salary” and “saline”.

Here’s
a breakdown:

Fate:

  • Definition: A development of events beyond human control, often as determined by a supernatural power or external force.
  • Control: It implies a complete lack of personal control or influence over the outcome.
  • Examples: A person’s fated meeting with someone, or an unavoidable outcome that comes from external circumstances.

Destiny:

  • Definition: The events that are to happen to a particular person or thing in the future, often suggesting a greater purpose or a necessary end.
  • Control: It suggests an individual can have agency or make choices that influence their path, even if the ultimate destination is set.
  • Examples: Being “destined for greatness,” which comes from fulfilling potential through conscious effort.

The Key Distinction:

  • You cannot change your fate, as it’s predetermined by forces outside your control.
  • You can shape or work toward your destiny through active choices, decisions, and personal growth.

I believe that we can influence the outcome of the fate.
Thinking in a religious way, believing in a creator who has given us a healthy body and then do not use it, or treat our body and gift of God, for example not studying, abusing drugs, smoking a lot and leading a sedentary life not using our muscles we prepare for a different destiny for example with cancer and an early death.

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Risk-taking Activities

  • www.verywellmind.com writes: “Examples of risk-taking behaviors that people may engage in include:
  • Engaging in extreme sports that have a high risk of injury or death”

With the use of www.openarms.gov.au With AI writes: “Risk-taking activities involve actions with the potential for harm or injury, and can be broadly categorized into 

  • positive risk-taking
    Examples of positive risk-taking include adventurous sports like rock climbing or mountain biking and social activities like joining a new club, which can build skills and confidence.
  • Negative risk-taking
    includes dangerous actions like illegal substance use, dangerous driving, unprotected sex, and gambling.     “

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Why risky behaviors?

Using among others data in www.verywellmind.com , AI Overview writes:

“People engage in risky behaviors due to:

  • brain chemistry (increased dopamine and developing prefrontal cortex),
  • the pursuit of pleasure and thrill,
  • social influences like peer pressure
  • and desire for independence,
  • personality traits such as sensation-seeking,
  • and the underestimation or denial of potential negative consequences.
  • I would add “Alpha chimp male behavior to impress an attractive woman

Age plays a significant role, with adolescents being particularly prone to such behaviors due to brain development and increasing autonomy.”

“Risky behaviors can sometimes be a way to gain social approval or acceptance. Peer pressure, for example, can play a significant role in risk-taking behaviors. 3 If someone sees their friends or peers doing risky things and wants to feel accepted by them, they might engage in those behaviors too.”

Thrill seekers
In some cases, people engage in risk-taking behaviors simply because they enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes with it. These people are often referred to as “thrill seekers” and might take risks even when there is no real benefit in doing so.

www.verywellmind.com 

AI Overview writes:

“People visit active volcanoes for:

  •  the awe-inspiring experience of witnessing Earth’s raw power,
  • a mix of thrill-seeking and a deep connection to nature,
  • but also for the opportunity to learn about volcanology and the rich cultural traditions and myths associated with these fiery mountains.

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volcano tourism offers
Volcano tourism offers unique adventures, such as

  • hiking craters,
  • exploring lava tubes,
  • soaking in hot springs, and
  • observing phenomena like steam vents and lava flows,

all while experiencing the spectacular, often otherworldly, volcanic landscapes.” 

www.skiltravel.com

“Volcano Tourism Can Kill You. So Why Do Some Travellers Like Playing With Fire?”

Very well mind writes:  “Certain mental health conditions can contribute to risk-taking behaviors. For example, individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to engage in risky behaviors because they tend to be more impulsive.5 People with bipolar disorder are also more likely to take risks during manic and hypomanic episodes”

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How To Stay safe
while volcano trekking

Info partly taken from (New Delhi Television Ltd) www.ndtv.com

Here’s how to ensure your volcanic adventure doesn’t go up in smoke:

1. Choose your destination wisely
Not all volcanoes are equal. Some are closely monitored by geological agencies and have well-managed tourism protocols. Stick to destinations with a reputation for safety, licensed guides, and government-regulated access.

2. Check the alert level
Before booking, always check the volcano’s current activity status. Most active volcanoes are assigned colour-coded warning levels (like green, yellow, orange, red). If the level is above “yellow” – reconsider your visit.

Info about Vulcano alert level

Info about Stomboli alert level
Even if weather reports are highly unreliable I would add

2b check weather reports
as heavy rain can become a problem on mountains like the Aeolian island ones.
You do not want to be on the top of a mountain during a thunderstorm.

3. Go only with certified local guides
Never wander into volcanic areas alone or with unregulated tour operators. A reliable and licensed local guide is trained in risk management and evacuation procedures. They also have live updates on volcanic activity, which tourists may not.
I would here add
…choose guides that can show that they are certified.

4. Follow instructions, not your instincts

If you’re told to wear a helmet, a gas mask, or stay within a certain zone – do not treat these as optional. One detour for a better photo can have fatal consequences.

5. Be medically prepared

Asthmatic? Heart condition? Sensitive to sulphur or heat? Volcanic environments can be extremely harsh, even without an eruption. Consult your doctor before signing up.

6, Up on the crater, stay together and collaborate. A crater is not a place where you can show trekking talents and strength.

 

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Conclusion

I see the text below shared by  www.openarms.gov.au/. as a good conclusion of this page. It says:
“Having fun is a vital part of life and sometimes taking risks keeps us feeling alive. But taking risks without first considering the danger involved or how you can keep yourself safe can be a sign that something else is wrong.
If so, it’s worth sorting out those other problems before you do yourself serious damage. And if you are going to keep taking risks, just make sure they are calculated risks that you have thought through.”

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Sources

Info taken from:

Agriturismo and trekkers home

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