4 June 2008: MAP

Switzerland to Italy via St. Bernard Pass.

Chateau-de-Chillion & over the Alps

4 June 2008 A castle in Switzerland & crossing the Alps.When I left Bern, Switzerland in the morning, the sky was grey & it was raining. It continued to rain most of the day, until it cleared for a few hours in the afternoon. There were two highlights for this day. First I stopped at Lake Geneva to visit the Chateau de Chillon Castle. Later in the day I drove over the Alps leaving Switzerland & entered Italy.

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A view from Chateau de Chillon of Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Chillon Castle

Red Plates & The ST. BERNARD PASS

Later in the day I drove over the Alps leaving Switzerland & entering Italy. When I started my drive over St Bernard Pass, it was still raining. Near the top of the pass, I two choices. Wimp-out & take the tunnel to Italy or brave narrow winding old road over the pass. With a certain spirit of adventure I chose the old road over the pass. In some places the road hugged the side of the cloud shrouded mountain. In spite of the danger of driving off this high mountain road, I pressed on. At the top of the pass I was asked to present my Passport for inspection by the Swiss boarder guard. This was the first of many border crossings that I received this request. During my travels on the next day, I was again asked for my passport twice. I think it may be the red license plate on my Volvo that attracts attention. I have observed that Red plates are rare in Europe.

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