Saturday 21st May 2022

Today we were hoping to cross the Furka Pass (2429 metres) but when we reached the village of Oberwald we realised the pass was closed.

We could have taken the (very expensive) vehicle carrying train through the tunnel under the pass or retrace our route back to Brig. We chose the latter course of action.

From Brig we headed up the Simplon Pass stopping several times along the way to admire the views.

One of our stopping places had this very nice new marble pick nick table.

The higher we got the better the views.

At the summit of the pass (2006 metres) stands this enormous statue of an eagle.

After descending from the pass we crossed from Switzerland into Italy.

We stopped for the day at the town of Santa Maria Maggiore. Our parking place is in a recreation area shaded by pine trees.

It's a really lovely place with shady walks through the pine woods.

There is a horse riding centre a couple of hundred metres away and lots of kids were taking rides this afternoon.

There are a few other vans here this evening.

Today we travelled 80 miles (129 kilometres). We are at: N46.1313 E8.4557

Santa Maria Maggiore   Street View