Catching up #4a: Attempting Re-entry

Now I am playing with a bit of video from the camera attached to the side of my helmet I’m experimenting breaking this update up to limit your sensory stimulation.

Leaving Francesco and his B&B Beauregard in Susa under an amazingly clear blue sky put me straight onto the mountain pass road that would take me up and over instead of through the mountains.

Here’s the route up to the top and I’ve enlarged a bit to show where the interesting bits of the road come – where it gets really twisty. Although to be honest, going down the other side got really twisty!

The twisty snapshot also shows the main ski runs hereabouts: unfortunately I did not pack my snowboard and so I could not demonstrate my skills, grab some air or embark on a food trick or two.

I was able to capture the detailed high security check system that France now employs at its borders. In this short clip you will observe me on the approach to the fortified border post on the Montgenevre Pass and the heavily armed presence that keeps the West of Europe safe from the Italians and even worse.

Points to note at about 1:14 the surveillance system disguised as a ski lift; 1:42 the extensive checks applied to the car in front of me; 1:51 the tiny nod from the guard with cold hands clasping twin 9mm’s in his fleecy pockets that says to me “yeah go on”; 2:12 the fortified bridge loaded with armed skiers patrolling over the main road and watching for suspicious travellers; 2:40 the Lord Farquaad-esque obelisk that stands celebrating the immense stature of Napoleon Bonaparte at the ski resort of Montgenevre.