June 2023

A lot of this year has been about experiencing new places, adventures, and culture. With each new adventure I find myself researching the history of the experience. Sound of Music became the theme of  this vacation with Greg and Sarah, after our joint Google photo album was named, “Sound of Music.” While this is one of my top 5 favorite movies I did not title the photo album. My research began on the VonTrapp Family and the movie. “The von Trapp’s real-life departure from Austria was less dramatic,…In daylight, the family exited the gate at the rear of their villa and crossed the railroad tracks that ran behind it to board a train to Italy…” Italy…yes the tie in to this post about traveling to Italy over the Alps.

25 years ago my sister and a friend tried to cross the Alps via a cable car ride from France to Italy. Needless to say we were not able to because the cable car transportation was still closed for the winter season. Just a reminder 25 years ago there were no cell phones or handy internet services to check schedules prior to arriving. 

Back to 2023, I was excited to have the chance to cross the alps via cable cars. The kids were excited to visit a new country. One traveler was not thrilled about going in a cable car but conquered the fear and later reported it was worth it.

At the Italy station we explored the restrooms and café,

observation tower,

and stairs leading down to the snow before heading back to France.

Riding above glaciers, mountain peaks, and step walls of snow and rock was breathtaking. The great outdoor adventurers looked like baby ants in this vast mountain range. Rock climbers became camouflaged against their rock face. Ravines of snow reminded me of biscuit dough after being stamped by the cutter.

We had a great morning on top of the Alps. The weather was incredibly cooperative. The clouds quickly rolled in while we were in Italy. Half way down the mountain into France we decided to stop at the changing station for more exploration and lunch.