Shopping Trip - Poland - Five

Visibility was limited when we left Salzburg and after stopping to put chains on the wheels we continued on, but slowly. But that lasted for only a few miles because snow plows blocked the road and we were diverted to a side road where police cars with flashing lights blocked the bridge. The roads were all closed. By this time I had fallen asleep and awoke as we reached the Italian border. Relieved to see the signs for the Aviano Air Force base I unscrunched my body and looked forward to sleeping in a real bed. It was 7:30 a.m. on Monday morning and the last full nights sleep I had was on Thursday. Air Force guards boarded the bus carrying guns and ordered us to stay in our seats. The Italian drivers had obtained passes to drive on the base but they had expired the prior day and it wasn't until a Colonel arrived and informed the guards that we had been on a shopping trip that we were allowed to pass through the gates. He pointed out his wife who was fast asleep and we pulled into the parking area and unloaded the bus. By the time we arrived back at the house I could barely keep my eyes open and collapsed on the couch. Not even the slurp from the tongue of an excited English boxer could keep me awake. The next day we would be taking the train to Venice, now that's my idea of a day trip!