80 trips in summer time:

SUMMER 2011

• July 23th: Piatra Mare. Easy and relaxing trip: From Dambu Morii we went up by Sirul Stancilor to an elevation of some 1450m where our trail met the one coming from Piatra Mare chalet ; going down we followed the latter to Pestera de Gheata (the Icy Cave) and the former Bonloc chalet ; finally from here we ended again at Dambu Morii . Together with Liviu Ghigeanu.
• July 3th: Bucegi. From Sinaia we went up thru the rain to Poiana Regala then to the point there Brana Ursilor splits off the main trail , just below the upper treeline; then we followed Brana Ursilor to Schitul Sfanta Ana then descended to Sinaia on the forestry road . Together with Oana Petrescu.
• June 18th: Bucegi. From Busteni we climbed Valea Cerbului to the mouth of Caldarilor valley at an altitude of some 1740m then continued on Caldarilor valley . At an elevation of some 1850m half of te group decided to give up and turn back while the remaining four continued the climb to an elevation of 2210m, just below the Babele - Omu trail . We descended the same route ; to Poiana Costilei then took right to Caminul Alpin . People: Dumitru Strazzaboschi, Teodora Cicu, Liviu Ghigeanu, 5 more persons.
• May 28th: Bucegi. From Poiana Tapului we went to Urlatoarea waterfall then climbed quite steeply to the Schiel trail which we followed upwards to Canton Jepi ; from here we walked on the plateau, avoiding Piatra Arsa to descend into Sinaia . People: Oana Petrescu, Anisoara Cristea, Ileana Tacutu, Ion Tacutu, Andrei Bardau, Cezar Badoiu, Liviu Ghigeanu, Emil Georgescu, 6 more persons.

• September 12th: Baiului. A remake of a trip from nine months ago; from the Valea Larga railway station I climbed to National Road 1 then the hidrographically left (southern) bank of Valea lui Bogdan to a spring around 1430m of elevation under Razoare summit ; I've continued southwards to descend to Posada over the hills with no trail reaching National Road 1 again at the mouth of the Conciu river. Alone.
• August 27th: Piatra Craiului. From Zarnesti we trekked to the mouth of Crapatura valley then 250m (horizontally) more up to the origin of Padina Hotarului trail which we climbed to just below Turnu summit then ascended the summit itself where we took the main break of the day; the descent was by the difficult trail to Saua Crapaturii , then we descended in a record time the Crapatura valley to its inferior mouth which we visited just eigth hours ago; from here we continued down over the hills to the forestry road on Barsei valley . Together with Emil Georgescu.
• July 24th: Bucegi. After the long trip from the previous week I wanted something short and easy so I asked Andrei to show me the trail which climbs from Poiana Tapului to Stana Regala ; here we split, Andrei continuing with some other people to Brana Ursilor while I descended towards Sinaia with stops at the viewpoints at Franz Josef rock and the one further down on the trail; I've seen both for the first time today. Together with Andrei Bardau.
• July 18th: Fagaras. By train, minivan and hitchikking (separately) we managed to assemble at Piscu negru around 1.30pm. From here we trekked towards Podeanu-Florea saddle - caldarea Berbecilor - Strunga Dracului avoiding trail - Strunga Doamnei - main ridge trail (here the sun was setting) with descent to Negoiu Chalet peste Strunga Ciobanului and Piatra Pranzului . My initial estimate of 9 hours with reaching Negoiu chalet around 10-11pm proved entirelly optimistic, in the end we arrived at Negoiu chalet at 4.20am next morning, after nearly 15 hours of walking. After an 8-hour sleep the following day we descended to Porumbacu . People: Andreea Soare, Alex Carp, Emil Georgescu.
• June 5th: Bucegi. From Sinaia rail station we ascended to Stana Regala then continued towards Piata Arsa up to the junction with Brana Usrilor which we followed to the Sfanta Ana church ; the descent was also to Sinaia on the ski slope. People: Ion Tacutu, Adina Chisciuc, Cora Alboiu, Andrei Bardau, Emil Georgescu, Liviu Ghigeanu, 8 more persons.

• August 29th: Baiului. Nice walk across the massif from south-east to north-west; from Valea Doftanei (part of the Traisteni village) at the end of the paved road we went some 2km on the forestry road to the beginning of Plaiul Orjogoaia which we climbed to the plateau ; then we crossed the plateau along some shepherds' trails until reaching the main north-south road some 3km south from Schiori chalet; from there the descent was towards Azuga . When we got off the car in Traisteni two stray dogs joined us, then followed us to Azuga along the 9 hours of the trip. People: Monica Lauleanu, 2 more persons.
• July 25th: Bucegi. From Sinaia we climbed to Piatra Arsa chalet on a trail which I didn't walk upwards for more than 7 years; lots of people on the way and especially up in the plateau. The descent was via Canton Jepi to Busteni using the same trail like two months before. People: Catalin Ghita, Razvan Rughinis, Emil Georgescu, 2 more persons.
• June 21st: Bucegi. From Azuga we took valea Grecului to Grecului saddle - La Cleste saddle - Poiana Izvoarelor chalet - Pichetu Rosu - La Prepeleag (1745m) ; we didn't make it to Malaiesti chalet as planned initially because we were running out of time. The descent was via Pichetu Rosu - poiana Costilei then we proceed on the trail which comes from Omu summit to the forestry road in Valea Cerbului. People: Emil Georgescu, Andreea Soare, Alex Carp, Razvan Rughinis, 4 more persons.
• June 14th: Baiului. From Azuga we climbed towards the new Popasul Schiorilor chalet then proceeded on the large and gentle plateau of Bailului towards Baiul Mare summit ; the descent was free-style thru the origins of Valea Rea, first on the grassy slopes, then thru the forest then at last 5km on the forestry road towards the Sinaia station . People: Monica Lauleanu, one more person.

• September 6th: Iezer-Papusa. An exact replica of the last Iezer trip from three years ago. This time we left the car at Intre Vai then proceeded towards Cuca chalet, Gradisteanu saddle then westwards to Papusa Summit, Spintecatura Papusii and above Tambura - Fracea valleys with a nighttime descent of Plaiul lui Patru . People: Monica Lauleanu, Radu Antonescu.
• August 30th: Fagaras. A trip quite similar to the previous one; we've left the car on the Transfagarasan road at 1910m elevation at the last intersection of the paved road with the trail which comes from the Capra Chalet; we took the trail upwards towards Capra Lake and Saddle . The initial plan called for a climb on Vanatoarea lui Buteanu peak but the strongs winds sent us back towards the Capra Lake then the steep descent trail towards Cota 2000 Salvamont Chalet . The weather was quite ugly, with rain at the beginning and end of the trip plus very chilly wind gusts. People: Adriana Feraru, Monica Lauleanu, Liviu Serbanescu.
• August 19th: Fagaras. Night time trip. I've left the Capra Chalet at 9.45pm and without any hurry I reached Capra Lake around 1am ; as the lake was engulfed in fog I decided to continue without stopping towards Capra Saddle but just before reaching it I got out of the fog; from there I returned to the lake shore, this time without fog, for a lunch break; then I reached again Capra Saddle at 2.30am then proceeded to descend towards Balea Lac chalet which I reached at 3.15am ; from here it was 17km on the paved road to Capra and Piscu Negru chalets. Alone.
• August 17th: Bucegi. Solo trip on the trail from Busteni to Caraiman Chalet and back; a nice summer day with high temperatures even above 2000m of elevation. Unfortunately the trail is quite damaged in the upper part which made the descent less pleasant. Alone.
• August 7th: Piatra Mare. After an eight-month break in mountain trips I've chosen an easy daytrek: Predeal Cioplea - Tunele - Poiana Stanii Pietricica then going down back to Cioplea on the trail which comes from Piatra Mare summit . The path which I took when going up is less known so it avoided the invasion of the ATV's but, unfortunately, the trail which I took downwards is way more known so it was transformed in an ATV racetrack. Very sad... and it's even more sad to know that more and more mountain trails will have this fate. Alone.

• August 23th: Bucegi. From Azuga I followed Grecului valley to Saua la Cleste then another trail towards Poiana Izvoarelor , Pichetu Rosu and Prepeleag then ending at the Bucsoiu and Omu peaks . Because I didn't allocate well my time (it took me six hours from the Azuga rail station to Omu summit) and I had a train to catch in Busteni the descent of the Cerbului valley towards Busteni was the fastest in my life - it took me only 2hr 24min non-stop from the Omu chalet down to the point where the trail leaves the forest and meets the Cerbului valley, some 2.5km from the National Road. Alone.
• August 16th: Italia. Alpi Marittime. I've left the railway station at Limone Piemonte (1030m) to follow the L11 trail which follows the Almellina valley up to the plateau which lies between the Vermenagna and Pesio valleys; unfortunately around 1300m elevation I've lost the unmarked and faintly visible trail and wandered south of it; when I realized it was too late so I had to make a big detour in order to get to the plateau around 2050m high. The initial target was Bric Costa Rossa (2403m) but somewhere around 2150m I was too tired so I preffered to get down towards the Pesio valley on the H13 trail. Alone.
• July 14th: Fagaras. After a two-year pause here I am again going in the mountains with my (former) wife; unfortunately the itinerary chosen by me (with only some 500m elevation difference when going up - an easy trail as I considered) was considered to be too difficult by the girls which stated that they no more saw the beauty of the mountain because of the leg pain :-( . From the southern end of the Transfagarasan tunnel (2035m) we climbed to the main ridge trail at Fereastra Balei (2300m) then continued westwards to Saua Paltinu, Laitel peak up to Caltun refuge ; from here we descended some 200m down to elevation 1967m ; where these two trails split: I continued alone to the tunnel in order to retrieve the car while the other four, more tired, continued down towards Piscu Negru . People: Adriana Feraru, Nicoleta Puscasu, one more person.
• July 2nd: Retezat. After two years I left for Retezat with big plans but I've been forced to adjust them because of the rain. During the first day I went from Carnic to Pietrele chalet ; the second I trekked on the Culmea Lolaia up to the Retezat summit ; just before reaching the summit the thunderstorm started, with lots of thunders and flashes; since it rained for three hours I was forced to descend towards Retezat saddle then back to the chalet on the Stanisoara valley . For the third day it took me 2 and a half hours for the forestry road from Pietrele to Nucsoara village . Alone.
• June 22nd: Cozia. From the Turnu dam I walked towards La Troita then continued towards the central heights but I was forced to turn back due to the lack of water at the dry La Troc spring ; I changed plans so I went to Stanisoara Monastery then to the Gardului (Urzicii) waterfall which amazed me with its beauty. The descent was from the Monastery to Pausa railway stop . Alone.

• September 7th: Bucegi. From Busteni I've climbed Valea Alba (the White Valley) up to the plateau; I was amazed by the giant snow patch in the valley which for sure will last until the next winter. The descent was by Caraiman Chalet and Jepi Valley . Alone.
• August 20th: Piatra Craiului. Leaving home a bit late I managed to reach Cojocaru on Dambovita valley only at 12.30 noon. From here I climbed along Dragosloveni Valley up to Garofita Pietrei Craiului chalet then continued until the trail which runs parallel the main ridge some 500m lower . From here I turned left thru Umerii Pietrei Craiului then met the La Lanturi trail ; which I followed up to Saua Grind . I turned then right to trek the southern ridge up to Saua Funduri where I arrived at 8.15pm. The descent was by Urzicii valley to Prepeleag where the night arrived (it was 9pm). For the next hour I descended thru the woods to Crucea Granicerului and the Hunting Lodge ; the last 3km were on forestry road. A nice trip which took me 10 hours instead of the planned 8. Alone.
• August 15th: Bucegi. Again the Bucegi massif and again the Omu Summit, this time through Malaesti valley. I've left the Busteni rail station towards Gura Diham Chalet - Poiana Izvoarelor - Pichetul Rosu - Prepeleag - Malaiesti Chalet - Hornul Mare - Omu Summit . The descent was by valea Cerbului . Alone.
• July 23th: Fagaras. It has became a custom for me to cross the massif every year from South to North starting in Buda valley. This year I continued thru Izvorul Podul Giurgiului up to Podragu Saddle ; initially I wanted to descend over Muchia Tarata but, like the previous year, I ran out of time so I had to take again the standard valley floor route to Victoria. Alone.
• July 7th: Bucegi. Nice, solitary trip on some rarely used trails. I've left the car on the Predeal - Paraul Rece national road then climbed thru Diham Chalet - Pichetu Rosu - Prepeleag - Bucsoiu up to Omu Chalet then descended towards Bran thru Ciubotea-Poarta , a trail which I took one year before and liked a lot. Full day (nearly 10 hours walk) and some luck for only getting 10 minutes of light rain. Alone.
• June 25th: Fagaras. George led us on an interesting journey on the western slopes of Museteica mountain between Capra chalet and Museteica summit (2460m). Both the climb and the descent (two different trails) were without trails or path. When we went up we had lots of rain; for the descent we had nice weather with sun towards the end. People: Radu Antonescu, one more person.

• September 17th: Fagaras. Felix invited me to a two-day trip that definitely had to include a certain part of the Main Ridge called Custura Saratii. After leaving our car at the Balea Lac chalet we walked the tunnel and from its south entrance we took the trail which crosses thru the Paltinu upper valley until we reached Caltun Lake . From here we continued on the main ridget itself through Strunga Dracului, Negoiu Peak and Custura Saratii (this one partially during darkness) until Serbota Peak which was reached at 9pm. The descent to the Negoiu Chalet took us two more hours. Next day, under some cloudy skies and with some rain periods we climbed Piatra Pranzului and Strunga Ciobanului back to the Caltun Lake then we continued on the main ridge until the Paltinu saddle from where we finally descended to Balea Lake and our car. People: Felix Stanculet, Radu Antonescu, one more person.
• September 11th: Fagaras. When descending four days before the Strunga Dracului I decided to visit the place again, together with Strunga Doamnei. To reach them I've chosen two path rarely used and the result was a nice day out. After parking the car & wife at the Piscu Negru Chalet I've climbed the Lespezi Valley (this marking is not mentioned on older maps) until it crosses the trail which climbs from Arefu to Negoiu ; from here I've descending thn climbed the other side of Caldarea Berbecilor , until the top of the Strunga Doamnei, which I descended , then I climbed Strunga Dracului ; finally the return was on the Negoiu-Arefu trail until the Podeanu-Florea saddle from where I took another trail to Piscu Negru . Alone.
• September 5th: Fagaras. Again a three-day trip. The first day we went by car up to "La Cariera" (near Porumbacu) then on foot up to Negoiu Chalet . Second day we left the chalet with plans to reach Caltun Lake by Piatra Pranzului and Strunga Ciobanului but the enthuziasm has waned after Strunga Ciobanului so we returned to the chalet. In the third day the others descended to the car and I crossed the mountain on the itinerary Negoiu Chalet - Serbota Peak - Custura Saratii - Negoiu Summit - Caltun Lake - Piscu Negru . People: Nicoleta Puscasu, Nicoleta Zamfir, Cosmin Zamfir.
• August 31st: Retezat. Again in Retezat after being sent back home by the rain three weeks before. Like then the first day was the climb from Carnic to Pietrele Chalet where again I had a great time. The second day I walked on the trail Pietrele - Culmea Lolaia - Retezat Summit - Retezat saddle and took the Stanisoara valley for return; the third day was the busiest: Pietrele - Gentiana chalet - Bucura Saddle then the main ridge over Bucura 1 Summit up to Retezatului Saddle ; from here the descent was again Stanisoara Valley up to Pietrele then 5 more miles until the bridge over the Nucsoara stream . Alone.
• August 26th: Postavaru. Again in the Postavaru range after three weeks and again from Timisu de Jos to Brasov. This time we took the easier trail on Lamba valley . At the beginning there are three miles of forestry road then the problems start: The trail becomes unclear thru thick weeds; the markings are old and one can get lost. For the descent towards Pietrele lui Solomon however everything was simple; the only problem was heavy truck traces which have filled the path with dirt on some sections. A plain trip with some less interesting pictures. Together with Nicoleta Puscasu.
• August 22nd: Piatra Craiului. I noticed some time ago the painted text 'Padina Lancii' (==Lancii valley) on the trail which goes from Plaiul Foii towards Saua Funduri and after reading in the Emilian Cristea's book that the valley is reasonably easy and can be climbed without techincal means I tried to walk it up to the main ridge. Still it was too technical for me so I decided to give up some half-way. Even so it was a beautiful trip: Plaiul Foii - Spirla Shelter - La Umeri - Padina Lancii entrance (here there were some ~200m height difference climbed and descended on the valley ) - Prepeleag - Crucea Granicerului then going back to Plaiul Foii on Drumul Granicerilor (the Bordermen Trail) . Alone.
• August 10th: Retezat. A trip three days long but with only one full day. First day: Captarea Nucsoara (1105m) - Pietrele Chalet (1490m) . Second day: Pietrele - Lacul Galesu - Saua Mare - Portile Inchise - Vf. Papusa (2507m) and descent via Saua Pelegii and Valea Rea . On the third day I planned to climb Culmea Lolaia up to Retezat Summit but the rain turned me back around 2130m so I left the mountain at Nucsoara (700m). Alone.
• August 5th: Postavaru. While having the same markings the ascent and the descent followed quite different trails. The climb between Timisu de Jos and Cristianu Mare summit was a wild, infrequently travelled, weed infested and sunny trail. The descent to Tampei Saddle then Brasov was much gentler, very frequented and under a very strong storm. Alone.
• July 30th: Fagaras. We left the car next to Capra Chalet on the Transfagarasan road then climbed up to Fereastra Zmeilor on the main ridge. From here we took the northern trail to Podragu Chalet , then Podragu Saddle then the main ridge back until just before Fereastra Zmeilor from where we descended freely towards the Fereastra Zmeilor Shelter then to the car . Eigth full hours of trekking, out of which two under rain. People: Radu Antonescu, one more person.
• July 23th: Postavaru. Short, relaxing trip. We've left the Timisu de Sus railway station around noon for Cheile Rasnoavei ; after some two hours there the return was towards Poiana Secuilor - Cotul Donului - Predeal . Together with Nicoleta Puscasu.
• July 17th: Bucegi. A less demanding trip over bigger than usual distances. I went up by cable-car to Babele then proceeded towards the Omu chalet ; approximately one kilometer before the summit I started descending towards Pestera by passing the Mecetul Turcesc rock and the Ialomita waterfall. From Pestera I followed the same trail to Piatra Arsa then down to Sinaia . Alone.
• July 8th: Bucegi. Nice but demanding trip. Climbed from Busteni to the Omu chalet by the direct trail thru Cerbului valley then descended towards Bran thru Ciubotea-Poarta . Especially the descent was interesting, both because it was a first for me and for the relative difficulty of the trail. There was still snow up there, more than I expected. Alone.
• July 4th: Italia. Alpi Marittime. The last of the three trips starting at Terme di Valdieri (1365m). This time I walked the Valasco ring which goes around the big glacial amphitheater (1750-1800m elevation at its base) on trails winding between 2200 si 2500m altitude on its walls. I've climbed Valmorta valley then continued to Rifugio Questa - lago delle Portette - lago di Claus - lago Valscura Inferiore then back to the starting point. Alone.
• July 1st: Italia. Alpi Marittime. The second of the three trips starting at Terme di Valdieri (1365m). I've followed the same trail as one year before: Colle di Valmiana (2922m) - Lago di Sella Superiore (2360m) - Sant'Anna di Valdieri (1010m). The nicest Italian trip for this year. Alone.
• June 29th: Italia. Alpi Marittime. First of the three trips starting at Terme di Valdieri (1365m). I climbed towards Chiapous saddle (2526m) then descended to the Chiotas dam and artificial lake (1980m) the the Rovina lake (1540m). Alone.
• June 26th: Italia. Alpi Marittime. I've left Limonetto (1345m) with a plan to reach Rocca dell'Abisso (2755m). Due to the difficult climb along Rio Prati della Chiesa I was already tired when I reached Forte Giaura (2260m) so I decided not to go further up; the descent was again towards Limonetto via Forte Pernante and Colle di Tenda. Alone.
• June 16th: Iezer-Papusa. I wanted to climb from Voina to Iezer Refuge by the winter trail (via Stana din Iezer ) but I abandoned some 15 minutes after the trail leaves the Batrana creek due to continuous rain. Alone.

• September 30th: Statele Unite. Saguaro National Park (West), Arizona. Easy trip (600m elevation difference) to Wasson Peak (1420m), the highest summit in the park. Again a quite interesting landscape; at lower altitudes the trail was in the middle of a forest made of cactuses several meters high. Alone.
• September 27th: Statele Unite. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. Maybe the most spectacular of the US hikes. It's exactly the other way - at first you descend, then you go back up! Then the landscape is gorgeous and very wild. I descended South Kaibab Trail (some 1500m elevation difference) and went back up on Bright Angel Trail (some 1350m). Alone.
• September 24th: Statele Unite. This time I preffered a trail on one of the two ridges which border the valley. I've climbed from the Mahogany Flat campground (2479m) to the Rogers Peak (3046m). The first half of the trail through the forest (yes, there are trees in the Death Valley! However only above 2000m) and the second in bare terrain. Alone.
• September 23th: Statele Unite. Death Valley National Park, California. During the previous day I started to climb at over 3000m this time the elevation of the starting point was -70m ... so 70 de metri below the sea level! There were two trips in two neighbouring canyons: First Desolation Narrows (which I also visited 9 months ago) for about 30minutes rountrip and then Golden Canyon until it ends at Zabriskie Point (some 450m elevation). Alone.
• September 22nd: Statele Unite. Yosemite National Park, California. I've left the car at Tioga Pass (3033m) and climbed Dana Peak (3985m). Up to 3200m there were trees, up to 3600m grass and for the last 400m bare rock. Just below the summit there were some small snowpatches. Alone.
• September 21st: Statele Unite. Yosemite National Park, California. The target was the same as in the previous day - the top of the Nevada waterfall. This time I started from somewhere on the valley floor; while climbed I passed by the smaller Vernal Falls. Alone.
• September 19th: Statele Unite. Kings Canyon National Park, California. I climbed some 600m elevation gain along Hotel Creek from the Kings valley to an outlook. Alone.
• September 18th: Statele Unite. Kings Canyon National Park, California. Easy trek (200m/700ft altitude gain, 12km/7mi round trip) from Road's End, the place where the paved road which follows the Kings valley ends, to the Mist Falls. Alone.
• September 17th: Statele Unite. Sequoia National Park, California. Round trip from the Wolverton car park (2222m) to the Alta Peak (3420m). Over half of the trail was in the forest; only around 3000m elevation the forest ends. Alone.
• September 5th: Piatra Mare. It was supposed to be an easy trip but in the end turned out to be quite demanding for the trekkers. We got off the train at Timisul de JOs around 10.30am; then we headed towards the Sapte Scari canyon which we climbed (Elvis and myself took the canyon-avoiding route due to slippery boots ). After the canyon we proceeded to the lookout from the Drumul Familial ; here Bogdan and Elvis opted to split from us and descend. The other four proceeded towards Pestera de Ghiata ; the descent was by Sirul Stancilor . People: Elvis Grandin, Nicoleta Puscasu, Bogdan Visinescu, 2 more persons.
• August 31st: Fagaras. Magnificent night-time trip on the itinerary Cabana Capra (23h45) - Capra Lake (02h00) - Capra Saddle (02h30) - Laitel Peak - Caltun Refuge (05h30) - upper Paltinu glacial valley (07h00-08h30 + 90min of sleep up to 10h00) - southern entrance of Transfagarasan Tunnel (10h40) - Capra Chalet (11h45) . Even as the was a heavy rain in that evening until 7pm I had the luck to get an absolutely cloudless sky so I had to use the flashlight only in places the moon was covered by mountains. As from the similar night-time trip of June 2003 I have unforgettable memories from it. Alone.
• August 21st: Fagaras. A trip very similar to the one two months ago (June the 19th). I've reached Gura Oticu again by hitchhiking a bit later than expected, around 11h10; the 17km/10mi to Stanele din Podul Giurgiului went quickly . From there I intended to climb Moldoveanu Peak but a pack of dogs which I've met in the forest made me turn back; I took a very well maintained sheperds' trail and finally I reached the main ridge in Fereastra Orzanelelor , exactly like two monthds before. From there I walked eastwards, climbed Vistea Mare summit then descended towards Portita Vistei the finally descended towards Victoria , with the last two hours in the dark. Alone.
• August 15th: Ciucas. We left the car at Muntele Rosu then we went up to the former Ciucas chalet . Then we continued on the trail which avoids the Ciucas peak southwards; the destination was the Tigailor saddle where this trail rejoins the main ridge trail . We were lucky enough to have a better than forecast weather but it was still quite cold for the middle of the summer. People: Elvis Grandin, Nicoleta Puscasu, Bogdan Visinescu, one more person.
• July 24th: Italia. Alpi Marittime. The nicest trip for this summer. The bus left me at Terme di Valdieri (1365m) then I followed the former military road up to some 1730m. From there the climb of Val Miana starts (at the beginning there's water in the valley, later it becomes dry) and it lasts up to the Colle di Valmiana (2922m). From there I descended on the other side to the Rifugio Dante Bianco chalet (1850m) then walked the Meris valley to Sant'Anna (1010m) where I was lucky enough to get picked up by the second car which I waved. A beautiful daytrip, as I like: high and wild. Unfortunately there was fog for three quarters of the time. Alone.
• July 17th: Austria. Tuxler Alpen. The initial plan was a two half-day trip with sleeping in the tent, going up one valley and down another. The target was the Spina del Lupo/Wolfendorn Peak (2770m). Around 5pm I've left the Brennero/Brenner rail station which lies at 1350m on the Italy-Austria border and I climbed to 2350m where I camped. To my misfortune during the storm which followed my tent (borrowed from a friend) took water so I had to return in the valley; I reached around midnight the upper end of the forestry road and around 1.30am the railway station which I left 8 hours before. Alone.
• July 10th: Ciucas. One day trip. Started at Cheia over Mount Buzaianu towards Valea Stanii Clearing; here the trail starts thru Valea Stanii Canyon up to the main ridge then former Ciucas Chalet , Muntele Rosu and back to Cheia . There were only some short periods of rain; however, about one hour after having left, there was a storm with very impressive thunders. Alone.
• July 3th: Rodnei. The main ridge in a little more than two days. Went by sleeping car to Iacobeni (next to Vatra Dornei) then bus and hitchhike to Rotunda Pass, where the first day starts - 10 hours of walk: Rotunda - Gagii Saddle - Ineutz Peak - Ineu Peak - Putredu Saddle where I camped (cold and windy; unpleasant). Next day 12 hours, to Gargalau Peak - Galatiu Saddle - La Cruce Saddle - Buhaescu Peak - Batrana Saddle (here I've left the main ridge trail towards Romuli) - Poiana Ciungi . I've camped in the forest, just above Zavoaiele Borcutului. At last, the third day was short; half an hour of descent thru the woods plus 8km of forestry road to Romuli. The trip Romuli-Brasov by 2 trains, 2 taxis, 4 hitchhikes and a minibus. Alone.
• June 19th: Fagaras. Superb one-day trip in my favourite mountains. I've left Bucharest with the 6.23am train bound from Pitesti, then took two minibuses to Curtea de Arges and Capataneni where I was lucky enough to get a quick thumb ride from two hikers which went to Balea by car so I reached the Oticu river mouth (actually Buda's) way faster than thought - 10.30am. I then walked the 17km/10mi of forestry road up to Podul Giurgiului then took the Orzaneaua Mare valley up to the main ridge, on Orzanelelor Saddle . More snow than my expectations! I've kept the ridge up to Podragu Saddle then went down thru Podragu and Turnuri chalets to Victoria . I didn't arrive in Victoria in time to catch the last bus so I've slept a night outside, in a field. Alone.
• June 11th: Cindrel. The first longer trip for this year. I've left Friday afternoon the village of Rasinari (next to Sibiu); after walking for 4 hours, mostly in the rain, I've reached Poiana Tomnatic where I camped. The following day, Saturday, the weather was nice in the morning; after walking for one hour I've met Irina at Gradina Oncesti and we walked together the 25km thru Cindrel Peak to Oasa chalet . The weather worsened after noon so there were some scenes of rain. After a good sleep at the chalet we left towards Sebes around noon on Sunday; we got a ride for some 5km, then walked another 8km and finally got another ride which helped us to reach the city of Sebes around 5pm. Together with Irina Gligor.
• June 6th: Ciucas. Very short trip (only 4 hours, from 5.30pm to 9.30pm) from Cheia to Gropsoare Peak - La Rascruce - Muntele Rosu . The initial plan called for camping somewhere in the main ridge but since I walked faster than the initial expectations I decided to make it a day trip. Even with a nasty forecast I was lucky enough not to get any rain; just before the sunset the sun actually emerged from the clouds! Thanks to Elvis Grandin for the phone support :-). Alone.

• December 11th: Statele Unite. Joshua Tree National Park, California. Two easy daytrips in the national park, again with a night slept in the desert, under a gigantic boulder. After the Death Valley it didn't impress me so much. Alone.
• December 8th: Statele Unite. Death Valley National Park, California. Gorgeous trip thru Death Valley, three days with a night slept under the stars and another in the car. The barren, dry landscape is gorgeous, not to mention the temperatures of up to 22 degrees (centigrade) during mid-december (that's why the trip is under Summer 2003 - the climate matched the Romanian summer contitions) Alone.
• August 31st: Buzaului. Vulcanii Noroiosi and the Meledic Plateau. It wasn't a mountain trek but rather a trip to a mountain area. We managed to find Vulcanii Noroiosi (Paclele Mari and Paclele Mici) but weren't able to locate the Meledic carstic plateau. People: Bogdan Visinescu, 2 more persons.
• August 16th: Fagaras. By night; we've left from Balea Lac Chalet towards Capra Saddle - Paltinu Saddle - somewhere on the main ridge (we turned back because our only light bulb broke) - again Capra Saddle - Capra Lake - (here we got lost, we started to navigate using the GPS and full moon) Cota 2000 Chalet. The last 3km were on asphalt (Transfagarasan road, including the tunnel) with arrival at the car around 4am - this way we managed to see the sunrise around Curtea de Arges. Together with Bogdan Visinescu.
• July 27th: Piatra Craiului. Beautiful one-day trip, a bit tiring for most of the hikers (I was to blame for underestimating the difficulty of the trip). Good weather, we've also got lost a bit, missing water, aching feet Plaiul Foii Chalet - Curmatura Foii - Marele Grohotis - Umerii Pietrei Craiului - Spirla Shelter then back to the Plaiul Foii chalet . People: Almina Apavaloaiei, Cristi Sincai, 3 more persons.
• July 12th: Fagaras. Day and night; a follow-up to the previous trip, this time eastwards. Cabana Capra - Fereastra Zmeilor (here I saw a mountain goat; the only time in 2003) - lake Podragel - Podragu Chalet (daylight until now; from now on night time) - Podragu Saddle - main ridge - Fereastra Zmeilor - Capra Lake with going down towards Transfagarasan and the final leg on paved road. This time I've reached the car around 3.30am. Alone.
• June 28th: Iezer-Papusa. Most dangerous trip so far. Climbed without problems the trail from the Voina Chalet to the Iezer lake an shelter then took the main ridge. In some places the forest is devastated by avalanches and looks very bad. The initial plan called for a complete walk of the main ridge up to Papusa Peak - Gradisteanu Saddle then to Cuca chalet ; however in Spintecatura Papusii I realised that I'm out of time so decided to go down towards the Cuca chalet directly thru an unmarked valley . The idea turned out to be bad, around 1300-1500m altitude I had to pass some difficult obstacles (above the waterbed, hanging on the nearby vegetation). Due to delays the night fell; without flashlight and with new moon (fortunately one could vaguely see around). I've reached again the Voina Chalet after 11pm. I can only hope that after this trip I became more responsable... Alone.
• June 14th: Fagaras. By far my favourite trip so far; I keep some unforgettable memories from it. Night time and full-moon trip on the route from Capra chalet (departure at 9pm) - Capra Lake and Saddle - Vanatoarea lui Buteanu peak - Vaiuga Saddle and valley - Balea chalet - Capra Saddle - main ridge under Vartopel/Arpasel - Fereastra Zmeilor Saddle - Capra chalet with arrival at 7.15am. The moon reflected on Capra Lake, the silence broken only by some invisible waters, the alternance between clear sky and thick fog, my moonshade were all wonderful! Alone.
• June 8th: Iezer-Papusa. An interesting roundtrip from Voina Chalet: Vacarea - Crucea Ateneului - Main ridge - Rosu Peak with descent thru Plaiul lui Patru . Together with one more person.
• June 1st: Piatra Craiului. We continued our week-end trip after having slept in Brasov. The trail was Plaiul Foii - La Lanturi - Grind Saddle - southern main ridge - Funduri Saddle - Urzicii valley - pe sub Umeri . The weather was interesting, with rain and hail in the heights but dry at lower altitudes; the last 2 hours were in dakness thru the forest, to the desperation of Bogdan Together with Bogdan Visinescu.
• May 31st: Piatra Mare. Easy trip, served as a warming-up for the second day; we went from Dambu Morii to Sapte Scari and returning by Prapastia Ursului and the Familial road ; to my joy we got a bit of darkness when turning back. People: Bogdan Visinescu, Mihaela Topsa.

• September 7th: Bucegi. We left the car at Zanoaga chalet and walked towards Cota 2000 ; somewhere we changed our mind and went to the Padina Chalet where we took something to eat. The last part was on the forestry road between Padina and Zanoaga. Unfortunately I took only one picture during this trip. People: Razvan Rughinis, one more person.
• July 6th: Piatra Craiului. We've started from Zarnesti (Botorog Spring) towards Curmatura ; from Curmatura to Pestera Village then back towards Zarnesti . Nice weather and plenty of animals :-). People: Nicoleta Zamfir, Cosmin Zamfir.
• June 17th: Bihor-Vladeasa. Two days trip; the first was a very long and tiring trail, starting at the Casa de Piatra village towards the Padis chalet , the circuit around Cetatile Ponorului and back; Cosmin and I took a crazy risk and insisted for all of us to descend into Cetati where a loose rock nearly missed Vasile; fortunately he only got some bruises to his hands. On the second day only a car trip; in the same day I decided to leave (big stupidity) and the others stayed for a few more days. People: Nicoleta Zamfir, Cosmin Zamfir, Vasile Comanescu, one more person.

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