First view, over Piatra Mica area.
Hovering over Turnu peak, with amazing cloud formations and high wind.
Moving further south, a lot more snow on the tops. Hovering over the shelter close to “Ascutit” peak.
Sunset over the peak named “Ascutit”.
First view, over Piatra Mica area.
Hovering over Turnu peak, with amazing cloud formations and high wind.
Moving further south, a lot more snow on the tops. Hovering over the shelter close to “Ascutit” peak.
Sunset over the peak named “Ascutit”.
Stana de Rau shelter
On the track from Stana de Rau shelter to Taul Tapului
Arriving at Taul Tapului (the Goat’s lake)
Enjoying a well deserved rest close to Taul Tapului.
The views from Hornul Tapului pass (the Goat’s Horn pass) are breathtaking. It’s easy to see the rock that gave the pass it’s name.
The upper end of Valea Rea (Bad Valley).
And our destination for today, Papusa peak, at 2508m altitude.
Today’s one day hike takes us from Moeciu de Sus village towards Bucsa peak, then follows Bucsa pass, over Coltii Strungii ridge to Strunga shelter. We will reach Moeciu de Sus again on a different track, the one that goes through Pravalelor valley,
The first pano of the day, taken just under Bucsa peak, shows us in the forest we crossed to get here and in the far back the Piatra Craiului mountain ridge.
Here we are on Bucsa peak, getting a good overal view of the western side of the Bucegi range but also of Leaota and Piatra Craiului mountains.
Here we already crossed Bucsa saddle and after a quick climb we get the first views towards the Bucegi plateau.
We went a bit of the marked track to climb on this ridge, called Coltii Strungii (Strungii teeth).
Pano taken in front of the Strunga shelter, a clean and well maintained wooden hut. We’re always happy to pass by this friendly place so we stopped for a quick snack.
After leaving from Strunga shelter, we have to cross this exposed area under Grohotisul range. This is on an avalanche path so crossing it needs extra care in the winter.
Last pano of the day, before arriving back in Moeciu de Sus. We are crossing the little wooden bridges over the river in Pravalelor valley. The name means “tumbling”, refering to the steepness of the valley and the many waterfalls of the river. At this time, the melted snow meant that the river was out of it’s normal course and size and was running even on the walking track.
An easy walk towards Harghita Madaras peak (1801m), with low clouds hiding our target.
Unfortunately the clouds persist, so we try to find the crosses and monuments hidden from us.
We can only imagine the nice views we would get on a sunny day from the highest peak of Harghita mountains.
Just before Piatra Mare hut, we make a stop and enjoy this glade.
Arriving at Piatra Mare hut
Hiking towards Piatra Mare peak and the first steps on the alpine plateau.
Our destination for the day, Piatra Mare peak, at 1844m altitude
Splendid views all around from Piatra Mare
Last pano on this trip, the rock face to the north of Piatra Mare peak, on the track to the hut.
For Easter 2014 we decided to take a trip to northern Romania – Ceahlau mountain range
On the track to Fantanele chalet from Durau resort and it’s obvious winter is still here..
A couple of frendly dogs show us the track.
Arrived at Fantanele chalet, everything is very still under the snow.
Nucan glade. We can’t see the markings that well behind branches full of snow but the dogs are never wrong.
On the track from Fantanele chalet to Duruitoarea waterfall. Most of the way is through the forest.
Finally arrived at Duruitoarea waterfall, reduced to a whisper in winter. From here we return to Durau resort.
A nice view towards Ciucas peak and Muntele Rosu chalet.
Rhododendron – this pink plant is a protected by the law, so illegal to pick !
Gropsoarele peak, 1883m alt
Zaganu peak, 1814m alt
At this junction the ridge portion is completed, We loop around through the forest back to Muntele Rosu chalet.
Hiking to Giumalau peak.
The monument close to Giumalau peak
Giumalau peak, 1857m
Giumalau hut
Back at the crossroads, after completing the loop.
The track to Duruitoarea waterfall from Durau resort
Duruitoarea waterfall
Viewpoint on the track to Dochia hut.
Pietrele Doamnei rock formation, Rarau mountains
Rarau peak, 1651m altitude