After a long, fun, exhilarating day of driving up one side and down the other, and then back again, over the Stelvio Pass, we were treated to these gorgeous overcast clouds with the sunlight peaking through, along with the gorgeous valley, mountains and hairpin spaghetti-like turns. I am glad we were able to stop on this leg of the journey, for all of the way coming up the mountainside we were racing up empty roads and having a blast. 75 hairpin turns of fun to be exact. A good way to end the day; a beautiful image seared in our memories forever. Passo dello Stelvio/SS38 Google Maps Location: http://goo.gl/C4SeGp
We arrived at the top of the Stelvio Pass, our trusty steed of a Fiat 500 by our side. After taking a bunch of wide shots of the splendor before our eyes, I saw this unique circular stone building, with glowing red shutters and a beautiful patio overlooking the pass. I loved how it was perched right on the edge of the cliff, just a stones throw from falling off down the mountainside. And you can just make out way down below, a part of the road up Stelvio Pass. Clouds were blustery. Skies were a bright blue. Couldn't ask for a better day. 7536 Santa Maria Val Müstair, Switzerland Google Maps Location: http://goo.gl/VoDbr
The closer and closer you get into the heart of Mount Cook National Park, the mountains literally start to envelope you. What is so amazing about New Zealand is that its geological history has such a violent past, being on the Pacific Rim, dotted with volcanic activity and earthquakes. And glacial activity has gone through and carved out immense valleys leaving mountain ranges that start at close to sea level (~1500ft above but flat) and shoot upwards at almost 11,000 ft. You are literally taking in the sheer height up close and personal. Breathtaking doesn't even begin to describe the enormity of seeing all of this in person. Mount Cook National Park Mount Cook Road, Ben Ohau, 7999 Canterbury Region New Zealand Google Maps Location: http://goo.gl/WnZpfS
