Stelvio Pass....need I say more

After leaving the relative safety of Bolzano and the early passes and switchbacks, we headed up to Stelvio Pass. According to Wikipedia, Stelvio Pass is the highest paved pass in the Eastern Alps at 2757 meters or 9,045 feet. Now realize I didn't know this at the time we started up!

One of the early clues that we were in for a unique experience were these signs which typically count the number of switchbacks. So what does this number below mean? It means we already have completed 3 switchbacks and have only 45 to go. Yes, I'm serious...this pass has 48 switchbacks to reach the top. That is 48 switchbacks, of which, about 99% required us to be in first gear. We can only hope our clutch has survived.

Thankfully on this side of the pass, there were atypical 'rails' -- rather than being out of mere metal, the rails on this side were built of stone! Another clue we should have picked up on and didn't....

About halfway up, we are starting to realize that this isn't your everyday mountain pass...and still watching those little signs counting down.....

At the top, Bruno's -- the best bratwurst and sauerkraut in the world, or so he says! And I can testify having now experienced that culinary masterpiece! There is a 'pretender' across the road, but always stick to the original!

And then we peeked over the edge to see from whence we came.....this first picture shows only a small number of the last few switchbacks. For someone (like me) who gets very car sick, just surviving this is a feat unto itself!!

And another view to preseve our accomplishment! As good as the brat was, I am quite confident that this is a once in a lifetime experience.