0 for 2 at Vesuvius...

So, we've now been to Mt. Vesuvius twice in failed attempts to make it to the top. The first time, we made it to the bottom of the volcano where there is a parking area and some hiking trails. But since we want to go to the top and have 2 toddlers, we needed to find a way to get a little closer. We drove around a little more and came upon a locked gate telling us to enter the park another way because that road was "too dangerous". By then it was too late, so we went back home.
Yesterday was our 2nd attempt. We prepared vigorously by finding the gps coordinates of the parking area at the top of the volcano. We woke the kids from their naps, threw on their shoes and loaded into the van, happy that this time we would finally get to the top of the volcano. Allison was so excited! We arrive at the correct place, dodge a few tour buses on narrow roads, load Ethan into the backpack carrier on Dan's back, and head for the trail entrance. And, it's closed for the day at 4:00. And it was 4:20!!!
We'll try again next week, and hopefully this time the stars will align and we'll actually make it to "el gran cono Vesuvio". Stay tuned!

Dan and the kids in the parking lot at Vesuvius