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Ruakiwi at the top of the Simplon Pass,
we are now in Switzerland. |
Today we left Italy. It has been
a wonderful eight weeks, just touching on the surface but we have really loved
what we have seen. The bad roads, the bad drivers, the rubbish on the roadsides
have been balanced by the friendly people who have made us feel so welcome, the
wonderful food, the Aperol Spritzers(!), and the atmosphere is something we
haven’t felt anywhere else in Europe. I hope we get the opportunity to come
back, particularly in cooler weather as there are so many places we would like
to visit. This heat wave has been extreme.
Set off early this morning as
thought it prudent to get to the bottom of the 30km road from the mountains
before too much traffic, where we had a late breakfast. After doing a big shop
at Lidl (stocking up as have heard how expensive Switzerland is) we headed up
the highway to the Simplon Pass, at over 2000 metres. A great road and just
amazing spectacular scenery. We crossed the border into Switzerland and had to
stop at Border Control to buy a pass that allows us to drive on Swiss roads for
10 days, a bit more for us as we are over 3.5 tons. Not impressed with the rather
grumpy guy who was not the least bit helpful….welcome to Switzerland!!! Immediately
we knew we were in a different country, the roads are so good and there is no
rubbish.
We were soon back climbing up a mountain road,
on the opposite side of the alps from where we were over the weekend, heading
for the town of Tasch, which Hitten had recommended. From here we can catch the
train up the mountain to Zermatt, and then further up to Gornergrat for the must-see
view of the Matterhorn. Staying in a little campground under some trees with a
5 minute walk to the station in the morning, and surrounded by the mountains. And
found another grumpy Swiss guy who booked us in…hmm, such a change from Italy. It
was still over 30 degrees when we walked into town this afternoon, even at 1400
metres. Called into the ATM as needed to get some Swiss Francs, no Euros in
Switzerland. Hoping for a clear day tomorrow.
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| Farewell to Italy as we head into the Alps. |
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Little farms tucked into the hillsides, lots of hay
being cut. | |
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| Everywhere are snowcapped peaks. |
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| Tasch |
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| ...with views up to the mountains. |
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