The voyage is long because of frequent stops for snacking, nappy changing and playing at children friendly highway rest areas. In the car we listen to The Jungle Book soundtrack in a loop, count the big trucks that we pass on the way and the children fight over who's turn it is to play with mama's iPod touch.
Before having children, my husband and I would travel the same distance with much less fuss, stopping only for coffee and bathroom breaks. Sometimes we would travel through Italy and spend a night at a lovely B&B close to Lago di Garda, another time we would drive all night and cross the French-Swiss border at the Great St Bernard Tunnel.
The mountain pass at St Bernard (yes, that is where the famous snow rescue dogs come from) is closed over the winter due to snow but even in summer there are still patches of it lying on the ground above the deserted wooden cottage, where two bored customs officers yawn at you at seven in the morning. This picture was taken in mid July 2004 and the air that morning was fresh and icy - we didn't linger too long to enjoy the view but hurried back down the mountain to the French side... Check out Christopher and Tia's blog for more Flashback Fridays!
