Last photos of our hotel in Chamonix. This is the view we woke up to lying in bed. You can see that weather is still good this morning when we left. You will see by photos as we go it deteriorates.
Up on the terrace, one floor up from our room so view from terrace shows a little more and you can see downtown as well. They had two stories above that so that would have been really good.
We have now left Chamonix after a very nice two days. And also have left France for good. These mountains are further north on our way.
Getting higher up into the hills. We have now crossed into Switzerland. Not sure if you can see in the middle of the picture a cow. She is wearing one of those large cow bells around her neck, common in Switzerland. I love the noise of the bells ringing with the cows movement.
As we just kept climbing higher and higher, and then we suddenly came across this view looking down on Martigny in Switzerland . It was very hazy in these valleys so not very clear. The sun wasn't getting through the haze and cloud. Amazing view. As we were coming down the side of this hill it was a sheer drop down the side of the road. It seemed very close. Once we got down into the valley the sides of the hills were covered in grape vines, and lots of apricot stalls on the side of the road which I presume that they grow them there as well. We bought a box....yum.
Getting closer to the town but still very high.
We are now approaching the Simplonpass climbing up high after driving through Brig, where we turned off to climb over this pass. We crossed this about eight years ago but came the other way from Lake Maggiore.
Then it was a real highlight of our trip, beautiful weather, but this time weather not so good and it seemed all different as though they have changed the road. We still can't work it out but will have to get a better map and see whats what. The GPS also decided to take us on one of her back road joy rides. Wondered why it was such a big driving day. Seemed to come over some hills through very narrow roads and didn't end up anywhere where we should have.
Above and below still crossing over the pass. The cloud has come in although we are still pretty high. WE were only just below the snow line.
Still in the pass.
Passed a little village in the middle of nowhere in the hills.
Now coming down and out of the pass.
We finally arrived in Lake Maggiore after our back road jaunt.
The weather is so still the lake is covered in mist/fog. Can hardly see the mountains around it and since we have been here it has got thicker. We would have a great view from our Apartment which is way up on the hill, if we could see through the fog. When we where here last it was much the same with rain.The weather forecast is not good for the next few days so might not see the view at all. Need the wind to blow it all away. It was very hot when we arrived 30deg.
We knew that we were booked up the side of the hill but when we started climbing we just keep going up,up. Started to worry that we were going to be too high up, but once we arrived at our accom it was lovely. Fairly new block with six Apts. Will post pictures tomorrow, as if the weather doesn't improve won't be taking any. It will be a nice place just to relax and do nothing,"if that is possible". Even though this is an apartment the owner has a cafe/bar next door and includes breakfast as well. The units are really roomy and only costs 65 Euro a night. The owner was quite excited when we arrived knowing he was getting someone from NZ. He told me that I was the first booking he ever got for his new units. I booked back in January.
While I am typing this a few of the locals are arriving at the pub. It was so peaceful up here in the mountains and the noise is getting louder.
Looking forward to not doing to much tomorrow. Fortunately we have a washing machine. . . . free.
Pat we have the next five nights in northern Italy.
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