Sunday July the 25th
Total distance driven: 3.359 Km
Todayās distance: 122 Km in 3:07h
Walked distance: 7,2 Km
The Transfagarasan. Try to pronounce it š
The best road in the world according to Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear. Previously he used the same definition for the Stelvio pass in Italy, which is near Bormio, my motherās birth town. Both incredibile roads! In September, I plan to ride the Stelvio on my way back to Germany.
Iām officially in Transylvania and approaching the Carpathian Mountains. The landscape is reach of green and slopes. Life has a much slower speed here.
The Transfagarasan crosses the Carpathians and was built in the early 70s on order of the dictator Ceausescu. He wanted an escape route in case the Soviets would invade Romania. Many considered the project without any sense and it involved around 6.000 Kg explosive and at least 38 human lives to complete it.
The road is open only between July and October so perfect timing š
The first view to stand out when driving it from North to South is the Balea Waterfall
Curve after curve, the road climbs up to 2.000 meter / 6.500 feet to meet the lake Balea. The panorama speaks for itself.
During this journey I lost the perception of time and usually I donāt know what day of the week it is, untilā¦ I notice a lot of traffic and too many people. That reminds me, itās Sunday! The last two kilometres till the lake were completely stuck. Luckily I could sneak through the traffic and get to the lake.
Everyone was looking for a parking spot but being in the mountains at 2.000m the amount of space was limited. I didnāt want to spoil my experience on the Transfagarasan and since I had time, I decided to stay for the night and keep driving the day after.
You can wild camp near the lake and I considered it. If you have experience with mountains, you know it gets cold and windy at night and I just have a summer sleeping bag. For few bucks I took a room with a view.
It was 5 pm and I decided to go for a hike.
I climbed up to almost 2.500m.
I was on the ridge with valleys on both sides. As expected it was windy and the panorama incredible.
I began walking on the ridge and greeted a couple of hikers walking in the opposite direction. One of them replied in good English, how are you?
And so I met Alexander. We chatted for 10 minutes or so and he gave me some good tips for my motorcycle route. He also invited me for a coffee the day after, as he lives in a town down the Transfagarasan road and I was going to drive by.
What a day! Meeting Alexander at 2.400m was completely unexpected and a pleasant surprise.
2 responses to “Day 19 š·š“ The Transfagarasan & Lake Balea”
Hey Raffa, thanks for mention my name here. As you already know, for me, it was a happy moment too. I love to speak with people in general, but on the mountains is something else. It is like you are in heaven, and you are not alone, you enjoy the experience with your brothers and sisters. I hope this doesnāt sound too dogmatic. The Sunday evening it was just amazing, we climbed to VĆ¢nÄtoarea lui Buteanu (probably as you did), the clouds and the sunset created inspiring moments. I was climbing on this peak after 10 years, I had forgotten how beautiful it is. I want to share with your readers my Instagram profile, where I only speak about beautiful places, people and experiences that you can see, meet or live in Romania – https://www.instagram.com/pureromania/.
See you soon, Raffa! And continue to be a positive energy in all the groups and communities you live! And once again, I manifest my admiration and my deep respect for your wife and your kids! God bless you all! See you soon, the reunited family!
Hi Alex! Thanks for being so friendly and open. I was honoured to spend time with you and your beautiful family. Your friendship and hospitality were among the best gifts of my journey.
My wife and I would love to return the favour one day and have you all as our guests in Germany or Italy.
Donāt change a bit and letās keep in touch!