The structure in the distance and below the upper valley is from whence we commenced, 2.75 hours walk and climb. The trail is on the left side of the valley. (Portion of the Transfagarasan Highway.)
We were excited to hike up a rather steep mountain behind Balea Lake following an earlier hike in the valley and mountains. The atmosphere, the sights and the general feel of the place were so good that it got our hormones racing. Perhaps, we’re too old for that stuff but something was bursting to get out and explore. We woke to heavy clouds and cool weather. Perhaps, things will be different higher up. Of course, we knew the answer to that dumb thought—they could only be worse. We arrived at the trailhead to find it was no longer there. The fog was so dense it made us look intelligent in comparison. We decided to wait a while, take tea and scones …nice thought but forget the scones. Things got worse so we took a second cup of tea as we began to freeze.
While we waited, we thought of the interesting and at times, devastating recent history of the country and other Eastern Europe neighbors. We were well into adulthood when the ‘Wall’ came down and the Eastern Europeans were set free of communist domination. Whenever we have the opportunity, we try and discuss some of the issues with the locals. On Tuesday, we picked up two backpackers, Brenda and Daniel, on the way to a trailhead. They are now Canadians who hail from Romania. We had a short but fascinating discussion. Two days later, we met Dan and his wife plus their young son, Paul. You guessed it—now Canadians who emigrated from Romania in 2000. On our recent trip to Croatia, we met a single hiker who was visiting relatives at home, settled in the country of the Maple Leaf since the early ‘nineties’. The conversations add much to our understanding and have captured in the raw some of the experiences of real people and their struggle from bondage and subsequent successes after picking up roots. Makes a person think often of those who have so much but have no comprehension of how fortunate they are especially when considering how many impoverished people exist. We met another couple in similar situation but forget where and when. Seems like those racing hormones just won’t settle down...thank goodness!
We climbed to the ridge and saw very little but our feet. After a quick breakfast and a farewell to Dan and family, we headed for the peak of Vanatoarea Lui Buteanu where the wind gusted as we spent most of the time on a narrow precipice. It was exhilarating and at times a little nippy. Over the years we have come to realize one must show nature patience. Most times, given the appropriate treatment, she will show off some of her finest attributes. First, a lake came into view. We had walked right past Lake Capra on the way up—it was covered in fog. After feasting on our first visible treat of the day, her generosity showered us with views of Lake Balea from high up on the ridge and continuing all the way down. It was a spectacular period in which we digested the wonders and also tried to capture it on camera. The sights included the mountains, the clouds and mist moving in and away, creating choreographed stage-like scenes, but original and breathtaking. We saw the long and winding road up the mountain commencing from the cable station, the cabanas atop the hill, and people milling below at the outdoor markets, restaurants and alongside the water, leaving images to reflect off the water. We’ve never seen so many sheep in one place but they kept their distance on the far side of the lake.
It was our second day in the region. Both occasions caused our spirits to soar creating a feeling not unlike (we guess) of newborns sighting something so original and pleasant that one could not help but express ones gratitude for the opportunity. We all need these occasions as the world is never plain-sailing...don't think it was ever meant to be.
We climbed up the mountain behind Jenni from which no visibility existed because of the fog. On our return, the reward was compounded.
Snaking along. Jenni prefers the earlier picture, hence the secondary positioning for this image.
Until the final hour, this was a typical sight.
As we commence the descent, the fog moves off and then it got even better before returning.
Jen makes the peak of Vanatoarea Lui Buteanu in tough conditions. The path was narrow and at times, sloping away from the mountain.
Waiting for clearing weather because there's another lake somewhere below.
There is indeed. Lake Capra revealed.
We have a number of pictures of the cabana from many angles, heights and in differing light as it 'floats' about the lake. We climbed to the ridge above, turned left and up to the peak further left of the one shown.
'Across the pond', the sheep find another haven on which to mess.
Late in the day.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
We've come across many flocks of sheep on the roads and mountains but this was the most intense. By the time Jen had obtained her camera, half the flock had passed. We worried about the car being scratched. Nevertheless, the real danger on the mountains appears to be from bears and sheepdogs—more about that later.
We love the concept of hubby driving and the wife sitting on the trailer bringing in the produce from the farm. (We hope to capture more traditional, elderly couples on film—scenes we've witnessed with appreciation over the period.)
One for the road. Watching the mist return.
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