Follow the Mountains : Day 105: A maintained trail and road walk

Friday, August 6, 2021

Day 105: A maintained trail and road walk

The thunderstorms kept going all night. When I woke up, it was still wet but there was some sunshine. I took my time to get ready, hoping the vegetation will dry a bit. But with rainpants and -jacket, it was all right to walk through the wet bushes. I continued following the well marked (and recently remarked) trail. I couldn't believe my luck. The trail was really maintained and cut open recently. I had expected to take hours for the 3 km up to Mt. Penteleu, reading a blog from a Czech guy who walked there 2 years ago. And it would have taken hours, but like that it was so easy. Honestly, I was totally amazed and happy. In addition, the views were great and although it was windy and gray, it stayed dry.

After Penteleu, I was hiking down on different forest roads towards Lake Siriu and got only drizzled on once. I passed the Pruncea wayerfall, which seems to be a popular spot to visit. Because I needed food, I walked to the eastern most side of the lake. I found a store and finished 1 L of milk in no time. Since it had neither oats, cereals or bread, I continued to another store, where I bought 1.5 kg of oats, which was all they had! And of course lots of cookies ;)

It was already late afternoon, but I decided to do the 14 km road walk around the lake. It wasn't very nice: busy, narrow and paved, but whatever. However, the construction work made cars come in waves or blocked off one lane, so I was able to have some quiet times. I also listened to some music and that helped :)

Now I am camping on a little ledge (about the size of my tent) in some beech brushes. A bit dark but I am tired from all the road walking today. Already yesterday I felt my feet, because I can feel every little stone through the shoes. However, they are still holding up!!! About 5 days to Brasov, where I want to rest and buy new shoes. I am also supposed to get new hiking poles there!