Malaiesti, 01-03-2020

Malaiesti cabin

The cross marking Padina Crucii

Great views towards Tiganesti peak

Hiking on Padina Crucii Ridge with some great people from “Amicii Salvamont Brasov” association.

Sunny views towards Malaiesti valley and Bucsoiu peak from Padina Crucii.

Fagaras – Vf Lespezi, March 2015

On a fine March morning we set out to climb one of the tallest peaks in Romania.
From the starting point – Piscul Negru chalet (1200m) we follow the track marked with a red dot symbol, and after roughly 40 minutes of climbing trough the forest, we reach this point, known for the close-by sheep ranch, now deserted for winter.
Continuing along the marked path, we follow the boot prints of hikers in front of us.
 At this point, we leave the pine trees behind us. The peak is plainly visible in front, clearly stating that we are not there yet.
 

Finally we reach our destination, Lespezi peak, at 2522m altitude. The views are just breathtaking. Towards north we can clearly see Negoiu Peak and if we look to our NE we can even see Vistea – Moldoveanu ridge. Towards south the Transfagarasan alpine road follows the curves of Vidra lake, and towards SW we can even spot Cozia Mountains.I hope you enjoyed the panos, thank you for viewing them 🙂

Fagaras – Vf Moldoveanu, August 2015

 
Moldoveanu peak is the tallest mountain peak in Romania. At 2544m altitude, it’s not only a great climbing experience but the views are amazing as well.
 


Pod Peste Raul Manastirii

I started the hike from the point known as Stana lui Burnei, which is located in Valea Rea (Bad Valley) area. This first pano shows the upper end of Valea Rea and the beginning of the first climb.


Hiking to Moldoveanu peak

After finishing the first climb, we are rewarded with the first sight of Moldoveanu peak, our target.


Iezerul Triunghiular

Here we are halfway up the second climb. Iezerul Triunghiular lake is just behind us, towards the South.


Portita Vistei

At the end of the second climb, we reach Portita Vistei and the first views towards Transilvania. Vistea Refuge is visible to the east, but the path to Moldoveanu takes us on the opposite direction.
Halfway on the climb to Vistea Mare peak and the views are breathtaking.
 
On top of the 3rd tallest mountain peak in Romania.


Moldoveanu peak

And finally, we reach our target. Time for a break to let the views sink in.
 
Because we chose to climb on a Thursday, the peak was not crowded at all, so I’ll post a second pano. After all, it’s the tallest peak in Romania 🙂


Galbena Peak

After descending from Moldoveanu, we reach Galbena Peak. Here we must follow the blue cross symbol if we want to reach our starting point, Stana lui Burnei.
Galbena valley is one of the most beautiful areas I’ve seen whilst hiking. From it’s edge we can see all the way back to our first climb and the lakes are splendid.
Catch it in the right light and you’ll find out why it’s called Galbena Lake (Yellow Lake). This is one of the four lakes in Galbena Valley. To be more precise it’s the one fueled by Izvorul Rosu. (The red Spring).


Pojarnei Pass

The last pano of the day, Curmatura Pojarnei. From here onward the steep path will take us along Zbuciumatul river, and it’s beautiful waterfall.
 
I hope you enjoyed my panos as much as I did taking them. Please feel free to post bellow any comments or questions you might have.

Ciucas peak, December 2015

We started the hike at Ciucas Chalet, on the track marked with a red stripe.
If you want to see a pano of the chalet, please go here.For the rest of the panos, I would recommend 4096p and the full screen mode.

Great views towards Zaganu ridge, and furter back towards Malaia mountains.

Halfway there, the snow is great fun.

The rock formation known as “Old Ladies Keeping council”.

Great views all around 🙂

Ciucas Peak. A bit windy on the peak but we are gratefull for a clear, sunny day.
Thank you for viewing my panos, I hope you enjoyed the views!

Piatra Craiului – La Om Peak, Spring 2015

The view from the base of the mountains; actually taken the next day 🙂

On the 1st of May 2015, after putting together a thorough climbing plan, we decided to try for the peak. We were hoping for clearer weather as we gained altitude.

We finally reached the peak 1 hour after the clear sky forecast deadline. Fortunately, the meteo guy was wrong 🙂

The climb was epic, and we actually had great fun while doing it. Reaching this peak was a long time goal of mine and going under these conditions makes it even more interesting.

I hope you enjoy the panos and as always I definitely recommend the Full Screen mode.
 

Pricopanului Ridge, April 2015

I grew up in Galati, and that meant that I got used to seeing Macin mountain area each time I would pass close to the city’s waterfront.
Later, as I was travelling to Constanta on a monthly basis, I often took the road that would take me to the feet of this (not so) tall mountain range, but I never got the chance to climb the tracks and see the beautiful landscape from the peaks of these mountains.
So, finally, this spring, the next day after Easter finds me climbing Pricopanului Ridge.

 

This track is marked quite well, with a blue stripe, and starts from Fantana de Leac area, where we should stock up on drinking water, specially if the day will be hot. The monastery nearby is reachable from the tarmac road leading out of Macin city. After taking us on top of several peaks, (Caramalau, Vraju, Mangy Rock, Sulucu Mic and Sulucu Mare) we will arrive close to the rock quarry we passed as we came in.
 
 
Further along the track, as we get higher, we can see the monastery back in the valley.

 

After a short but steep climb we reach Caramalau Peak (277m), and get our first glimpse of the surrounding area. To the North we can see Cheita peak, and further in the distance the city of Galati. To the East we see the city of Macin, and our track continues to the South.
This cross, laid in stone, overlooks the valley from which we started our climb.
On top of the rocky peak called Vraju (335m). Although you can go round this peak if you follow the dirt road, I would suggest climbing it just for the views.
 
 
 
From Vraju Peak to Serparu Pass the plateau is full of these big boulders. We found a lot of turtles in the area.
 
Descending from Vraju peak, we reach Serparu pass, where we can find a nice resting spot with wooden benches for a quick snack. This is more or less the middle of the trail on Pricopanului Ridge. I found info online about a spring 200m from this place along the dirt road, but I did not check it out myself, and I wouldn’t rely to much on it during the summer anyway.
 
After a steep climb from Serparu pass, we reach the peak called the “Mangy Rock” (Piatra Raioasa) at 346m altitude 🙂

 

 
From Sulucu Mic peak (317m) we get a good view of the last climb towards Sulucu Mare, and the first sight of the tallest peak in Macin mountains ( Tutuiatu peak).
 
And finally on the tallest peak of Pricopanului Ridge, Sulucul Mare. At the incredible height of 370m, this peak towers all the rest. The views are amazing, especially down the valley, (where we will descend to get back to the monastery) and back towards the other areas we’ve been.
Further South, we can clearly see Tutuiatul peak (467m), surrounded by dense forest.
 
Overall, the trip was quite rewarding as we got to see some amazing sites, and play with turtles.
The track is roughly 10km long. Starting from a height of 42m and all the way to 370m we will go up and down with a total of 564m in elevation gain. The maximum slope is about 37%, with an average of 11 %.
I hope this post will convince you to give this small but incredibly old mountain a go. If it does, please tell me, I would love to know. Meanwhile, have fun and enjoy the panoramic pictures.
PS: Remember the full screen function for the best viewing experience!

Piatra Mare, November 2014

Piatra Mare peak at 1844m altitude.

Hiking down from Piatra Mare peak, on the path marked with a red cross. We are on top of the formation known as “The Written Rock” and towards it’s right in the distance we can spot Ciucas mountain range.

“Piatra Scrisa” area

Hope you enjoyed these panos as much as I did when I took them. I would suggest using the full-screen feature for the best viewing experience.

Reaching another peak is rewarding enough, but being “above the clouds” just takes your breath away 🙂

Papusa peak, November 2014

 Towards the east we can see Piatra Craiului and further away, Bucegi mountain range.
For a great viewing experience I would recommend the full screen mode !

The fastest way to reach Papusa peak is from Cuca chalet, located at an altitude of 1175m. The track is well marked, with a blue stripe until Gradisteanu pass, changing to a red stripe from there onward.
The time it takes to climb the 1200m height difference is roughly 4 hours.
 
You can either drive to Cuca chalet if you have a decent height clearance on your vehicle or you will need to add another hour to reach the chalet from Voina by foot.

I hope you enjoyed viewing these panoramic pictures!

 

For panos of Voina chalet or the hike to Iezer lake, please check my other post here.
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