Simplon Pass, Lake Maggiore, Centovalli Railway

Today was a bit of a marathon although very enjoyable. We left Brig before 8:0am and drove through the Simplon Pass which is an amazing feat of engineering- the views were spectacular. We stopped at the summit where I spotted a beautiful orchid . The sky was dominated by an imposing Eagle representing the Swiss Regiment based near there in 1940s.
We came down into Stresa in Italy - ( no problems at the border) where we had coffee . I’d hoped to rendezvous with my tai chi teacher but she couldn’t get there logistically .
Our next adventure was a cruise across Lake Maggiore past the Borrowman Islands - the first one, ISO Bella has beautiful gardens and statues . It was a relaxing interlude and I could have happily spent the rest of the day there .
Then it was onwards you Locarno with a grand view of the lake all the way as the road follows the banks( typically Italian death defying journey) !!
At Locarno, we caught the Centovalli train back to Domodossala. I knew to sit on the left which gave us breathtaking views of gorges, rivers ( far below), ancient and modern bridges and little stations. Members of our group were unfortunately not so happy if they were sitting on the right hand side as their views were limited.
We travelled back through the Simplon Pass passing many large lorries queuing at the border .
After dinner we collapsed…! :)