Romana -- English

Welcome to my website dedicated to my mountain trips!

Each trip has a separate link; they are sorted by year and season, in reverse chronological order. From each trip I've selected only the pictures which I thought were most representative, up to 15 pictures per trip day. For any comments you cand send me an email.

All the pictures below are in the public domain; you can use them for whatever purpose you may want, including commercial use, without asking me; you're also free to edit them, repost them on other sites, pretend you made them :-) and so on.

You can search for trips based on a certain participant, mountain range and/or a certain year or season using the menus below.

Happy browsing! Stefan.

• July 30th: Bucegi. From Busteni we ascended the Kalinderu ski slope to its top, then thru the forest up to Poiana Inalta; from here we climbed a bit more, passed two small abrupt valleys then climbed a tributary of Valea Spumoasa up to Brana Portitei which we followed to Portita Caraimanului ; for coming back we've also chosen Brana Portitei up to Valea Jepilor which we followed back to Busteni . People: Paul Vladescu, 7 more persons.
• 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 17th: Piatra Craiului. From Zarnesti I've climbed to Refugiul Diana then followed Padina Popii to the Padina Popii summit on the main ridge ; then after more than 10 years I've walked nearly all of the Northern Ridge to La Om Peak . I've descended via Refugiul Grind - La Table - Folea house then back to Zarnesti over the hills . Alone.
• 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.

• May 14th: Ciucas. We've left the car at Cheia then we walked thru the forest over the Buzaianu ridge to Poiana Stanii ; from here we started the climb, at the beginning more easier but later more demanding on the valley of Paraul Alb to the southern end of Zaganu ridge which we followed north to La Rascruce ; the descent was to Muntele Rosu where the night fell; here the girls stayed and had dinner while Radu and me continued the descent thru the forest to Cheia to retrieve the car. People: Anisoara Cristea, Monica Lauleanu, Simona Dragomir, Radu Antonescu.
• May 7th: Piatra Mare. Since some time I wanted both a solo trip and one to the Piatra Mare massif and today I've fulfilled both wishes! From Predeal I climbed via Poiana Stanii Pietricica to the junction below Piatra Scrisa then continued towards Piatra Mare chalet on the summit avoiding trail a; from the chalet I climbed the summit to descend again via Piatra Scrisa - Poiana Stanii Pietricica towards Tunelul Mare . Alone.
• April 23th: Baiului. We got off the train at Nistoresti and climbed thru the woods to the unpaved road which follows the ridge which is parallel to Prahova valley; we followed this road northwards then continued on trail over the so-called summits of Boncu and Frumosu to a hill overlooking the Paltinu lake and dam; the return was to Comarnic. People: Ion Tacutu, Ileana Tacutu, Andrei Bardau, 9 more persons.
• April 9th: Bucegi. From Posada we climbed the Plesuva hill then continued to Poiana Hotilor where we split: half of the group preffered to go towards Comarnic while we continued northwards over the hills to Cota 1000 chalet then Sinaia over Drumul Codrului . People: Ion Tacutu, Ileana Tacutu, Andrei Bardau, Emil Georgescu, Radu Antonescu, Dumitru Strazzaboschi, 6 more persons.
• April 2nd: Baiului. From Poiana Tapului railway station we climbed again to Stana din Picior then continued towards the plateau then went down to Sinaia over Cumpatu mountain and plaiul Tufa ; I walked the same route exactly one year before as well as the previous autumn. People: Adina Chisciuc, Simona Dragomir, Teodora Cicu, Monica Lauleanu, Ion Tacutu, Emil Georgescu, 19 more persons.
• March 26th: Bucegi. A remake of a trip from a year ago: departing at the Valea Larga railway station we climbed the valley with the same name for some 2km on the forestry road then directly thru the forest up to a road some 1km north from Poiana Hotilor; then thru the clearing we proceeded to Gurguiatu summit . The descent was to Comarnic ; somewhere we split into two groups, my group wandering accross the hills further south than the direct trail so we arrived at the Comarnic rail station about an hour later than the group which took the right path. People: Cora Alboiu, Ion Tacutu, 11 more persons.
• March 19th: Baiului. We alighted the train at Valea Larga, crossed the national road then climbed the right side (hidrographically) of Valea lui Bogdan to a forestry chalet at an elevation of some 1120m . After a break we continued going up to Stana din Piciorul Gagului ; the descent was freely thru the woods to the Cainelui river which we met some 2km up from Sinaia. People: Dumitru Strazzaboschi, Ion Tacutu, Liviu Ghigeanu, Andrei Bardau, 6 more persons.
• March 13th: Baiului. From Poiana Tapului we climbed a seconday forested ridge to Stana din Picior (1440m) ; when going down on the same trail we lost it so we descended freely thru the woods. People: Teodora Cicu, Oana Petrescu, Monica Lauleanu, Elvis Grandin.

• April 16th: Baiului. When noone would expect a return of the winter... here we are in 80cm high snow! From Predeal we took the road to Susai up to the junction with the trail to Clabucet Plecare ; then we opened a trail in thicck snow to the Cocosul ski slope junction then descended to Predeal along the slope . People: Teodora Cicu, Alina Caladiev, Ion Tacutu, Emil Georgescu.
• January 22nd: Bucegi. From Busteni - Caminul Alpin we followed the tail over Munticel and Poiana Costilei to Pichetu Rosu where we turned right towards Poiana Izvoarelor . Here some people remained at the chalet while we continued to Saua La Cleste then apoi Azuga . People: Ion Tacutu, Adina Chisciuc, Cora Alboiu, 11 more persons.
• January 15th: Baiului. From Sinaia Sud we climbed Piciorul Gagului towards the north-south road which we followed north to Cainelui summit ; the descent was also towards Sinaia but by Piciorul Cainelui . People: Ion Tacutu, Adina Chisciuc, Oana Petrescu, Teodora Cicu, Simona Dragomir, Dragos Iancu, 8 more persons.
• January 8th: Bucegi and Postavaru. From Azuga we climbed towards Grecului saddle then proceeded to La Cleste saddle ; from here we followed a road to Steaua Chalet, then thru the forest towards National Road 73A Predeal-Rasnov then finally climbed and descended a hill towards Predeal - the southernmost part of the Postavaru range. People: Ion Tacutu, Ileana Tacutu, Cora Alboiu, Monica Lauleanu, Andrei Bardau, 8 more persons.
• January 2nd: Piatra Mare. From Predeal-Ciople we followed the trail which climbs to Piatra Mare summit until just below Piatra Scrisa at an elevation of 1659m where the trails to the summit and Piatra Mare chalet split; here part of the group continued the climb then descended towards Timisu de Sus via Tamina while we preferred to descend back to Poiana Stanii Pietricica ; then towards the Tunnels . People: Ileana Tacutu, Ion Tacutu, Monica Lauleanu, Emil Georgescu, Andrei Bardau, 7 more persons.
• December 26th: Postavaru. From Predeal we followed more or less the paved road to Trei Brazi then started the descent towards Cheile Rasnoavei until reaching a clearing where we left the marked trail, avoiding the canyon on the southern bank; later we've lost the trail so we descended trail-less thru the woods and small vegetation to Rasnoavei river ; for coming back we followed the trail thru the canyon and over the Spinarea Calului saddle to Timisu de Sus station . People: Ileana Tacutu, Ion Tacutu, Alina Caladiev, Monica Lauleanu, Liviu Ghigeanu, Andrei Bardau, 6 more persons.
• December 18th: Baiului. From Predeal we climbed the Cocosul ski slope up to Clabucet Plecare then descended slightly to the Garbova chalet ; after a short break we climbed Clabucetul Taurului summit then descended to Azuga on a trail new to me - Durmul Tunului which we followed to a forestry road, 3km before Azuga. People: Cora Alboiu, Ion Tacutu, Emil Georgescu, 7 more persons.

• November 6th: Bucegi. We've got off the train at Sinaia where Andrei led us thru the woods up to the trail which goes up to Piatra Arsa which we followed to the plateau, very close to the chalet ; in the plateau we continued to Canton Jepi then descended towards Busteni on Schiel's Trail . People: Andrei Bardau, Cezar Badoiu, Emil Georgescu, Radu Antonescu, one more person.
• October 31st: Bucegi. Since I wanted a short but interesting trip I went from Sinaia rail station to Stana Regala then continued towards Piata Arsa up to the junction with Brana Usrilor which I followed to the Sfanta Ana church ; the descent was also to Sinaia on the forestry road which descends from the church . Alone.
• October 23th: Baiului. A carbon-copy of a trip from the last spring: from Poiana Tapului we ascended to Stana din Picior (1440m) then continued up until slightly below the main north-south road in the plateau (around 1750m) ; then walked southwards for a bit then descended towards over muntele Cumpatu and plaiul Tufa . People: Ileana Tacutu, Ion Tacutu, Andrei Bardau, 13 more persons.
• October 2nd: Piatra Craiului. We've left the car at the Clabucet dam then walked the 4km forestry road to Garofita Pietrei Craiului chalet then turned left towards Poiana Tamasel ; after we continued to Umerii Pietrei Craiului ; where the ascent ended. We followed Braul de Mijloc to the right up to Prepeleag by passing Marele Grohotis, Stanciului cave and Ceardacul Stanciului. The descent was to Crucea Granicerului , Valea lui Ivan chalet and the car . People: Monica Lauleanu, Emil Georgescu, one more person.
• September 18th: Bucegi. From Busteni we've climbed Valea Alba up to some 2200 meters of elevation when we turned left on Brana Vaii Albe to the Heroes Monument ; the descent was quite classic towards Caraiman chalet and Busteni . People: Corina Nicolae, Radu Antonescu, 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.

• April 23th: Bucegi. I left Sinaia railway station for the trail to Piatra Arsa chalet and back decided to keep climbing while it was safe; the turn around point proved to be lower than what I originally thought, some 1630m elevation so the trip was really short, only three and a half hours. Alone.
• April 17th: Bucegi. Departing at the Valea Larga railway station we climbed the valley with the same name for some 2km on the forestry road then directly thru the forest up to a road some 1km north from Poiana Hotilor; then thru the clearing we proceeded to Gurguiatu summit . The descent was the direct road to Comarnic . People: Cora Alboiu, Ion Tacutu, Andrei Bardau, 4 more persons.
• March 27th: Baiului. We got off the train at Poiana Tapului then climbed to Stana din Picior (1440m) then further up to the main north-south plateau road (just below 1800m) ; we followed it a bit to the south then descended towards Sinaia via Cumpatu and Tufa mountains. People: Ion Tacutu, 9 more persons.

• March 20th: Baiului. From Valea Larga station we climbed to National Road 1 then took the left bank (southern) of Valea lui Bogdan to the Razoare summit ; here we split, our group choosing to go north; after some ten minutes we split again, choosing to avoid Mierlei summit thru the left. The descent was towards Sinaia Sud station by Piciorul Gagului. People: Adina Chisciuc, Ion Tacutu, Liviu Ghigeanu, Emil Georgescu, 15 more persons.
• February 20th: Baiului. A remake of a trip from more than four years ago; from Predeal we left on the highway leading to Susai up to the junction woith the marked path which climbs from Cioplea where we followed the trail to the junction just below Susai chalet where we turned right towards Clabucet Plecare ; at the junction with the Cocosul Rosu ski slope we followed it down to Predeal . Unfortunately I forgot to take the 'official' group photo! People: Ion Tacutu, Ileana Tacutu, Elvis Grandin, 3 more persons.
• February 6th: Bucegi. On December 27th of last year I've heard about the trail which crosses Coama Lunga so we wanted to walk it during this day; we left Busteni and trekked Coama Lunga up to Grecului saddle ; initially we planned to proceed to Predeal but due to the bad weather we've shortened the trip by descending the slopes of Grecului valley to Azuga. People: Ion Tacutu, Ileana Tacutu, Emil Georgescu, Liviu Ghigeanu, 6 more persons.
• January 30th: Baiului. Again an easy trip - practically a triangle around Predeal. I've left the Predeal railway station towards Cabana Garbova then proceeded to the ruins of Clabucet Plecare chalet , the highest elevation of the day at around 1455m. From there I went down to the vicinity of Susai chalet then back to Predeal . Alone.
• January 24th: Postavaru. Easy winter trip: From Predeal we climbed the 250m elevation needed to reach the so-called "summit" of Fitifoi ; from here we descended to Trei Brazi for a small break, continuing then to Poiana Secuilor - Cotul Donului then up thru the forest for another 150m back to Predeal . People: Dumitru Strazzaboschi, Elvis Grandin, Emil Georgescu, Radu Antonescu.
• January 16th: Bucegi. From Azuga we took again the alternate path to Saua Grecului, then proceeded to Saua La Cleste where the four from Floarea de Colt split; the remaining five continued to Diham when we took a 15 minute break. The return was back via Saua La Cleste where Liviu preferred to proceed to Busteni and Don Mitica ran in front of us; the remaining three slowly descended to Azuga but this time using the standard trail at the bottom of the valley . People: Dumitru Strazzaboschi, Emil Georgescu, Liviu Ghigeanu, Alina Caladiev, 4 more persons.
• January 9th: Baiului. From the Valea Larga railway station we arrived on the paved Drumul National 1 then climbed the left bank (southern) of Valea lui Bogdan to a spring below Razoare peak at some 1430m elevation ; here we did split, a party of 7 continuing upwards and northwards to end at Sinaia over Plaiul Gagu while our party of 10 contiuned towards south, towards Doamnele peak then descending to Posada via Piciorul Florei . The weather was incredibly warm, sunny nearly all the time, and around 1500-1600m of elevation the snow was present only in patches! People: Ion Tacutu, Ileana Tacutu, Corina Nicolae, Vali Gorea, Noni Roman, 11 more persons.
• December 27th: Bucegi. When we've entered the Grecului valley forestry road we've noticed behind us a group of other walkers which have descended from the same train; we've stopped to wait for them and it was a good idea, because they've shown us another version of the trail towards Grecului saddle , not the 'classic' one which follows the valley floor but one which climbs the left bank of the river and exits some 50 meters higher then the saddle in the trail which goes from Grecului saddle towards Predeal (blue stripe). some 500 meters north of the saddle. The four were members of the Floarea de Colt alpine club and we've met one of them seven months before! All six of us climbed to Saua Grecului but there myself and a lady decided to turn back (I disliked the blizzard) while the four others proceeded towards Busteni. People: Dumitru Strazzaboschi, Emil Georgescu, 3 more persons.

• November 17th: Capatanii. For my first attempt to explore Capatanii range I've chosen an easy one-day trail: Baile Olanesti - Suta village - Manastirea Frasinei - Rostea mountain - IF Lotrisor - Motel Lotrisor . Unfortunately the trip was a big disappointment; the trail marking is nearly absent on the terrain; the part between Olanesti and Frasinei completely lacks any mountain attributes, being rather a walk over the muddy, gentle hills, and from Frasinei going north the trail disappears at a given point, so around Muntele Rostea saddle I've aborted the initial plan and descended towards Calimanesti via Caldarile valley. Alone.
• September 24th: Bucegi. I wanted for several years to walk on Brana Caprelor so I've built a hike which would include it, managing to change seven different marking during a single day; the trip was absolutely great. I've left Busteni going towards Poiana Costilei then under the mountain up to Pichetu Rosu where I turned left towards Prepeleag ;tr. From here I proceeded on the ugly trail which goes to Bucsoiu until it meets the upper end of Brana Caprelor at an elevation of 2277m. Then I've descended Brana Caprelor to the floor of the Malaesti Valley where I've met the trail which climbs towards Omu; I followed it up to the lower end of the horn which goes to Curmatura Hornurilor ; here I left the marked trail and climbed the horn ; from Curmatura Hornurilor I've descended towards Stana din Gaura then the Simon village of Bran , completing the day with an 8km walk up to Bran-Center. I was a bit disappointed by Brana Caprelor, which I judged to be plain and uninteresting, however I enjoyed the descent of Valea Gaura, with has a very varied and beautiful landscape. Alone.

• 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.

• May 31st: Bucegi. From Busteni we went up on Schiel's trail up to Canton Jepi ; from here we intended to proceed towards Piatra Arsa then back to Sinaia via Poiana Regala but the fresh snow which fell just the evening before hid the trail between Canton Jepi and Piatra Arsa so we decided to turn back to Busteni on the same trail. People: Radu Antonescu, Dumitru Strazzaboschi, Emil Georgescu.
• May 9th: Fagaras. I've read that some upgrade was done on Stan Valley during 2008 so I went to check the valley. It was the third time I climbed it but the trail seemed much more dangerous to me than previous times; maybe the water level from the small dam was flowing at a higher rate, maybe I got older... The 2008 upgrades are useful; some black ropes appeared as help in some difficult places, two more logs, some ladders were remade and all the trail was marked with plastic stripe. In 2006 I failed to identify the upper exit from the valley but this time, also helped by the description from the Natura Romaniei magazine (year 2, issue 10 - January 2009) I continued towards Calugarita and the southern shore of the Vidraru lake . Alone.

• March 15th: Bucegi. The Transbus Codreanu bus was on time and left me at 3.35pm at 'La Sipote' (km 4 on National Road 73A) from where I proceeded towards Diham Chalet - Pichetu Rosu then descending towards Poiana Izvoarelor and Busteni . Besides the dogs at Diham and Poiana Izvoarelor chalets I haven't met anyone on the trail. Alone.
• January 6th: Baiului. Short day+night trip in the nortern part of the Baiului range; I've left Predeal railway station at 3.15pm and climbed for a bit more than 2 hours via Garbova chalet to Clabucetul Taurului summit where the night fell; the 75 minute descent was under the moonshine (there was no need for the flashlight, not even in the forest) towards Azuga where I arrived at 6.30pm. Alone.

• October 13th: Piatra Craiului. The Small Circuit of Piatra Craiului massif, walked by me for the first time in a single trip. I've alighted the train at 3pm; it took me some 1 hour to reach the bottom end of Crapatura valley then two and a half more hours to the Crapaturii saddle, which I reached when the sun was setting . The nightly descent was towards Cabana Curmatura then Fantana lui Botorog on the direct trail . Alone.
• October 4th: Ciucas. Round-trip from Cheia to Zaganu ridge - Gropsoare peak - La Rascruce - Muntele Rosu chalet then again Cheia via the Gropsoare forestry road. The weather was much nicer and warmer than our expectations. All along the way we were accompanied by a stray dog which joined our grup from the moment we parked our car. People: Catalin Ghita, Monica Lauleanu, Liviu Serbanescu, 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.

• December 8th: Baiului. We planned to climb from Azuga to Garbova chalet via Clabucetul Taurului then to descend towards Predeal ; however due to high snow levels and since the trail was not open we got quite tired so around 100m below the summit and a bit more than 1km away from the chalet we gave up; we descended freely thru the forest until reaching the Ursoaia Mare valley which we followed to the National Road (I descended the same valley two years ago). Together with Liviu Ghigeanu.

• October 2nd: Piatra Craiului. Gorgeous autumn hike; from the Zarnesti rail station I walked towards Poiana Chiliilor then I took the trail which goes to Padina Sindileriei. At first it goes thru forest, then some shrubs and after some 15 minutes walk from the split the real alpine part starts. Altrough the height difference is only some 600m the valley is absolutely beautfiul, as well as quite dangerous; there are some sections where you have to climb loose rocks (gravel). Some half an hour before reaching the Turnu summit you get out of the dark valley and into the sun. After some rest on the summit (where I've also met a Spanish trekker which I joined up to Curmatura Chalet) we continued towards Saua Padinei Inchise ; the descent was to Curmatura , Botorog spring then back to Zarnesti. Alone.
• September 25th: Ceahlau. My first trip in Ceahlau. We've left the car at Izvoru Muntelui then walked for a bit more than an hour to Poiana Maicilor; later we climbed at a slower pace to the Dochia chalet and Toaca summit . When going down we first stopped at the chalet for something to eat and a warm tea then we trekked, in darkness but under a full moon, towards Lutu Rosu and the car . Together with 2 more persons.

• 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.

• May 5th: Fagaras. After seven months here I am again at Valea lui Stan , this time in a trip by public transport (train, train, van, van, thumb when going and thumb, van, thumb, train when coming back - it was fun). The valley is like last autumn beautiful... This time we only trekked to the 'Shoes Off' point, some minutes before the little dam which marks the end of the alpine part of the valley. I wasn't able to find much material on the Internet regarding Valea lui Stan People: Radu Antonescu, Razvan Tudorica.
• April 21st: Bucegi. From Predeal we took Iadului valley then without trail thru the woods up to Saua La Cleste ; there we split and I proceeded to Azuga by the Saua Grecului trail . Together with Radu Antonescu.
• April 8th: Piatra Mare. Relaxing four hour trip. I walked the mile between the Timisu de Jos railway station and Dambu Morii chalet in 15 minutes then took Sipoaia valley thru the Sapte Scari canyon until its upper end ; later I took the Prapastia Ursului trail to the lookout ; for the descent, again to Dambu Morii, I took the Family Route . Alone.

• March 25th: Baiului. Nice trip on a day which seemed ugly when I've left Bucharest. I climbed from Predeal to the Garbova chalet to Clabucetul Taurului; the descent was towards Azuga . In the cities (Predeal and Azuga) there wasn't any snow left but around 1300m there were already 12-15 inches and close to the summit more than 20 inches of snow; it was cloudy but still it was a nice day and every now an then there was sunshine too. Alone.
• March 11th: Piatra Mare. Another easy winter trip; from Predeal (Cioplea) we trekked to Tunelul Mare then went up some 550m elevation difference to the southern tip of Poiana Stanii Pietricica ; the descent was by the classic trail which winds down from the summit . People: Radu Antonescu, Razvan Tudorica.
• February 25th: Postavaru. Easy winter walk; unfortunately the itinerary was badly chosen (at an altitude too low) so we walked thru snow, mud and sometimes spring-like landscape. We started at the Predeal railway station towards Cotul Donului - Poiana Secuilor - Spinarea Calului - Rasnoavei valley until Cheile Rasnoavei ; for the return we took the trail to Trei Brazi then Predeal . People: Radu Antonescu, Razvan Tudorica, one more person.
• December 29th: Bucegi. A very basic winter trip: Predeal (National Road #73A at km 4) - Diham Chalet - La Cleste Saddle - Gura Diham chalet and ending at Busteni. The pictures are not interesting due to fog and darkness which set when I arrived at Diham. Alone.

• October 28th: Piatra Craiului. Maybe the last 'summer time' trip for this year. From Zarnesti we've climbed for some 5 hours Padina Hotarului towards Turnu summit ; then continued on the main ridge up to Saua Padinei Inchise . The descent was towards Curmatura chalet where we took a tea and food break. The night fell as we wandered thru the woods towards the Prapastii forestry road then back to Zarnesti . People: Monica Lauleanu, Radu Antonescu, 2 more persons.
• October 4th: Fagaras. I wasn't able to find much material on the Internet regarding Valea lui Stan in the southern Fagaras range so I walked somehow into unknown territory... and what I found there exceeded all my expectations! I consider this to be one of the best trails in Romania - and I've seen quite a lot of them! During the two-hour ascent (including breaks) the landscape is terribly wild and the valley is either a quiet riverbed dotted with small rocks or raging waterfalls. There are 8-10 metallic ladders and more cable handrails; unfortunately they're quite damaged but on the other hand some kind people repaired them recently in some spots. However the trail is dangerous and I reccomend it only to the ones with a good sense of equilibrium; there are some places where a wrong step will send you 10-20 meters lower in the river. Towards the end there is a place when one has to go thru the river itself; the water is more than knee-high. 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.

• May 28th: Ciucas. Nice trip built around the rarely used trail which climbs from Poiana Stanii thru Paraul Alb and Paraul Sterp valleys to the southern edge of the Zaganu ridge. We've had quite a diverse weather but perfect for us: ugly, fog and a bit of rain for the climb; clear and sunny on the main ridge; cloudy for the descent; finally heavy rain on the forestry road out from the mountain. Cheia - culmea Buzaianu - Stanii clearing - Paraul Alb river - southern end of Zaganu ridge - La Rascruce - 500m towards Muntele Rosu up to a small saddle where we caught one of the waters which later would form the Groupsoare river which we followed up to our car. People: Alexandra Radu, Radu Antonescu, 2 more persons.
• May 21st: Fagaras. An exact remake of a trip from one year ago. Like most remakes it wasn't as nice as the original. From Piscu Negru chalet climbed the Paltinu stream until the main ridge , which I followed eastwards until the Paltinu Saddle . From there I descended towards Balea Lake , then thru the tunnel and free descending inside Caldarea Caprei up to the Capra Chalet then the final 4 miles to the car on the paved Transfagarasan road. Alone.
• April 23th: Ciucas. A remake of a trip made two years ago. From the Bratocea Pass we've climbed up to the Cicuas summit; the descent was towards the former Ciucas Chalet until we reached an unnamed saddle where the path meets the other trail coming from Tigailor Saddle but avoiding the main summit ; from here we took that trail back to Tigailor Saddle then we descended back to the pass following our own footsteps . People: Alexandra Radu, Radu Antonescu, Razvan Tudorica, one more person.
• April 15th: Cozia. The first trip for this spring and my first in the Cozia range. We went from the Lotru railway stop thru Slamnei Valley - Muchia Urzica - Stana Rotunda up to the Cozia summit ; the descent was by Cozia Chalet towards Muchia Vladesei - Stanisoara Monastery - La Troita - Manastirea Turnu railway stop . People: Razvan Tudorica, one more person.

• March 28th: Bucegi. Short half-day trip; it started at Busteni (Caminul Alpin) following the trail which leads to la Cleste Saddle passing Gura Diham Chaleta ; before the saddle I turned right thru the forest, descended then climbed back the banks of Valea Seaca a Baiului in order to emerge on Grecului Peak ; the descent was towards Azuga first on the snowy hills then directly thru the river bed. Alone.
• February 11th: Bucegi. We've left the car at Uzina Veche (10km/6mi from Rasnov) then went to the Malaiesti Salvamont Chalet in four hours, out of which three in daylight and one after sunset (full moon); at the beginning we've also lost the trail so we had to climb the steep bank of a small river. After a good sleep at the chalet we desceneded the same route. The snow level was far smaller than my expectations for this time of year. People: Bogdan Visinescu, Ionut Savulescu, 2 more persons.
• February 4th: Baiului. I've finished the trip started but not finsihed on December the 10th of the previous year. The itinerary was Predeal Cioplea - next to Susai Chalet - Claucet Plecare - Garbova Chlalet then a free descent thru one of the steep valleys which later make the Ursoaia Mare stream, getting into the forestry road then finally on the main Brasov-Bucharest road south of Predeal. Alone.
• January 7th: Bucegi and Postavaru. A relaxing trip even if we climbed and went down in two different ranges. From the Busteni railway station we went on the road up to Gura Diham then on the trail which leads thru La Cleste Saddle to Diham Chalet . The descent was to the 'La Sipote' point on the Predeal-Brasov road. After walking a mile on the paved road the last leg towards Predeal was on the trail which crosses the eastern part of the Fitifoi . Together with Monica Lauleanu.

• December 10th: Baiului. Easy trip on route Predeal - Susai Chalet - intersection with Cazacu ski slope - again Predeal on the slope . People: Radu Antonescu, Elvis Grandin, Ionut Savulescu.
• November 13th: Piatra Mare. From Timisu de Jos railway stop we climbed the Sapte Scari trail up to Piatra Mare chalet . After a break at the chalet we continued towarsd Piatra Mare summit . The descent was thru Poiana Stanii Pietricica up to Tunelul Mare railway stop . People: Radu Antonescu, Ionut Savulescu.
• November 6th: Baiului. We climbed plaiul Orjogoaia then the central north-south ridge up to Rosu Peak ; descent was over a grassy hill up to a shepherd's house then 10km of forestry road on Caleasa, Musita and Doftana valleys . People: Marian Feticu, 3 more persons.
• October 29th: Ciucas. We've left the car at Bratocea Pass then climbed the main ridge up to the Ciucas Summit; the descent was thru former chalet Ciucas then Berii Valley up to Podul Berii . Only Radu and myself climbed then up to the pass , the others remaining at Valea Berii Chalet. Ugly weather at lower altitudes, under the clouds but a superb one above 1400m, over the cloud blanket. People: Monica Lauleanu, Liviu Serbanescu, Radu Antonescu, one more person.
• October 27th: Piatra Mare. I've read here about a trail which leads directly from Timisu de Sus to Piatra Mare summit. I managed to locate it and intermitently followed it up to the summit . The descent was more classic, towards Predeal . Alone.
• October 20th: Ciucas. Roundtrip from Cheia to midway on the trail connecting the Muntele Rosu chalet to the N. Ioan spring ; here I decided to return due to the abundant snow. Alone.
• October 9th: Fagaras. Day trip leaving from Stanele din Podul Giurgiului. We climbed the trail thru the Izvorul Molodveanului valley up to Galbena Saddle then the Moldoveanu summit . The descent was Vistea Mare Peak - Orzanelelor Saddle - Orzaneaua Mare valley . People: Monica Lauleanu, Felix Stanculet, one more person.
• October 5th: Leaota. After a seven-year break here I am again in this rarely-travelled range. I've left the car in the Valea Badenilor village; after walking 4km on the forestry road a heavy truck took me up to a forestry worksite some 1160m high on the road to Curmatura Tancovei; I've followed the road up to the main ridge . From the saddle it took me an extra hour to reach the Leaota summit . The descent was over the Vaja Ridge until the end of the Vaja valley forestry road . The last 4km of this road were in another heavy truck. Alone.
• September 29th: Iezer-Papusa. From the Voina Chalet I took the badly damaged road to Cuca Chalet; from here climbed to Gradisteanu Saddle where I've met the main ridge trail. Continued westwards to Papusa Peak, Spintecatura Papusii and above the Tambura and Fracea valleys then descended on Plaiul lui Patru . Alone.

• 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.

• June 13th: Piatra Craiului. We weren't so lucky with the weather in this easy one-day trip. We've left the car around Plaiul Foii chalet then we climbed on the 'La Lanturi' trail until the entry in the rocky portion, called La Zaplaz . Together with Nicoleta Puscasu.
• May 30th: Fagaras. One of the most beautiful mountain trips. I've left the car at Piscu Negru then climbed the Paltinu stream until the main ridge , which I followed eastwards until the Paltinu Saddle . From there I descended towards Balea Lake , then thru the tunnel and free descending inside Caldarea Caprei up to the Capra Chalet . From here a car took me for the 7km to Piscu Negru. Even if the weather wasn't as great as great as the forecast it was still an really beautiful trip. Alone.
• May 14th: Bucegi. I've climbed from Busteni on the trail which winds under the funicular up to Caraiman chalet ; from here I took a less travelled path to Piatra Arsa ; from the plateau I descended a small valley up to Schiel road , a bit further down from Canton Jepi; then I followed the Schiel road to Busteni . Lots of snow, even compared to the trips in the previous days; here the snow started just further up from Busteni, around 1100m high! Alone.
• May 10th: Ciucas. Nice spring trip on the eastern side of the mountain. I've climbed from Cheia by Gropsoare-Zaganu-La Rascruce up to the former Ciucas chalet then I descended by Berii valley . Encountered serious snow just between Chirusca Saddle and the former chalet. Being a tuesday I haven't met anyone during the day. Alone.
• May 5th: Postavaru. A classic trip accross the massif, this time from North to South. I've left Brasov (Pietrele lui Solomon) in sunny weather up to the remains of the Cristianu Mare chalet; the descent was towards Poiana Secuilor - Cotul Donului - Predeal . Between Poiana Trei Fetite and the crossing of the Timisu de Sus - Rasnov trail (marked with a red triangle) the path is deteriorated and hard to follow. Alone.
• April 24th: Iezer-Papusa. Very short, 3.5 hours trip. I've climbed in two hours from Cabana Voina (938m) to the shepherds' house at Plaiul lui Patru (1630m) . The descent, via the same trail, took only an hour and a half. I was in Iezer one year ago around the same time of the year but now the snow was way, way more abundant; it started around 1200m and at the treeline (1500m) it measured at least half metre. Alone.
• April 17th: Piatra Mare. Again a full crossing of the mountain but not the usual Sorth-North but an unusual one for me, West-East. I've climbed from Timisu de Sos thru Tamina up to Piatra Mare summit ; from there I went down towards Piatra Mare chalet then a seldom traveled trail in the Garcinul Mic valley up to the forestry road on the Garcinul Mare valley . Alone.

• March 27th: Bucegi. The last trip of this years' winter on a pretty winding itinerary: Busteni Caminul Alpin - the Costila clearing - Pichetul Rosu - Poiana Izvoarelor Chalet - Gura Diham Chalet - Diham Chalet - city of Predeal . People: Elvis Grandin, Bogdan Visinescu, 2 more persons.
• February 23th: Bucegi. Winter camp organised by Clubul Alpin Galati (see here for details in Romanian) with Marian Anghel as trainer. Learning had a theoretical part (afternoons and evenings) and we also had 3 days going out in the Morarului valley (first day: A bit more than Poiana cu Urzici; second: climb of Timbalul Morarului; third: climb of Rapa Zapezii up to the Rapa Crucii-Rapa Mare split). In the four days I've learnt a lot of new things in a lot of areas linked to mountain hiking and trekking. People: Marian Anghel, one more person.
• February 13th: Baiului. Easy trip from Predeal (Cioplea) to the Susai chalet on a well-defined trail; from the chalet we initially wanted to proceed towards Azuga valley but as the trail was not open we decided to turn back some one kilometer from the chalet. When passing by the chalet on our return leg we've also taken a hot tea which helped us warm up after playing in the snow. People: Irina Gligor, Elvis Grandin, 2 more persons.
• January 29th: Bucegi. Initially I wanted to go from Busteni (Caminul Alpin) thru Pichetu Rosu and Diham Chalet to Predeal . The snow was 50cm high and the path travelled but somewhere between Cerbului valley and Pichetu Rosu I met the 25-30 strong group which was cutting the trail, the snow being absolutely new in front of them. I joined so we continued forward way slower, every now and then I would help as trailblazer. As I already had 2-3 hours of delay at Pichetul Rosu I decided to go down towards Gura Diham thru Poiana Izvoarelor. Alone.
• January 8th: Bucegi. We've followed from Predeal one of the valleys which depart from the National Road 73A Predeal-Rasnov for some 2-3km on a forestry road with fresh snow; where the road ended we trekked freely a quite steep valley, managing to exit the woods a bit to the north of Saua La Cleste on the road which connects it to Forban. From the saddle we descended directly to Azuga . People: Nicoleta Puscasu, Radu Antonescu, Bogdan Visinescu, Elvis Grandin, one more person.
• December 19th: Piatra Mare. We climbed from Dambu Morii to the Piatra Mare chalet on the Sapte Scari trail ; we avoided the canyon since it was full of ice. When descending, again towards Dambu Morii, we started on the Familial trail which we followed to the Belvedere then switched to the Sirul Stancilor trail . The snow was surprisingly small; only 20-25cm on the plateau and even less in the forest. People: Adriana Feraru, Irina Gligor, Liviu Serbanescu, one more person.
• December 5th: Postavaru. Crossing of the range from south to north; I've left Predeal towards Cristianu Mare chalet by Trei Brazi and Poiana Secuilor ; when going down I chose the trail towards Saua Tampei up to Poiana Stechil where I turned left to Fantana Dreptatii and the Schei neighbourhood of Brasov . From Trei Brazi up to the summit a local dog followed me. Snow of more than 40cm and plenty of sunshine; a really nice day. Alone.
• November 28th: Bucegi. Night trip under a full moon. I trekked the Schiel trail from Busteni rail station (10pm) to Cabana Piatra Arsa (1.30am) ; the descent was on the same trail from the chalet (1.45am) to the rail station (4.45am). Being winter the moon was quite high and I only had to use my flashlight rarely, in the more difficult spots. Unfortunately because of the darkness I only have photos of myself. Alone.

• October 31st: Fagaras. A replay, at a smaller scale, of the last week's trip. Because I wasn't alone anymore the itinerary was much shorter: Climb from the southern tunnel entrange until the main ridge , then eastwards thru Capra Saddle towards Vanatoarea lui Buteanu Peak ; then we returned through Vaiuga valley to Balea Lake chalet . Same incredible weather for this time of the year; unlike last time, when I only met a single group, today we met tens of people. Elvis preffered to wait for us at the chalet. People: Elvis Grandin, Nicoleta Puscasu.
• October 24th: Fagaras. I took advantage of an unexpected nice weather period and the moon nearly full for a last day/night trip during my favourite mountains for this autumn. I climbed the path from the southern entrance of the Transfagarasan tunnel until the main ridge , which I took westwards for 4 hours up to the Negoiu Peak . When returning it took me 6 hours due to night fall and the three diversions: First I used the avoiding version through Strunga Doamnei ; from Caltun, after the night fell, I continued thru Caldarea Paltinului , from where I went up again to the main ridge ; finally the descent from Paltinu Saddle directly to the Balea Lake . Unexpectedly warm for this period; again I had luck seeing four ibexes next to Caltun. During the four hours of night walk the moon was enough for orientation. Alone.
• September 20th: Statele Unite. Yosemite National Park, California. I've left the car at the Glacier Point parking lot (2205m) then I descended towards the top of the Nevada Falls (1800m). The first mountaineering trip in my life when I first descended then climbed back! Only several days later another one will come in the same style, much more interesting. 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.

• May 29th: Fagaras. Again we've left the car at Piscu Negru; the intial plan called for us to reach Caltun Lake then on the main ridge until Capra Saddle then descent towards Capra Chalet. The nightfall was supposed to get us somewhere ardound the middle of the itinerary. The first part of the trek, up to Caltun Lake was uneventful; we did not realise that we should turn back due to abundant snow so we continued towards Capra . Somewhere in the middle of the main ridge trail, between Laita and Paltinu peaks, we finally realised that we cannot go on so we decided to turn back. It was already 3am and the moon disappeared so we took a 2 hour break, until 5am, on absolute darkness. Even after resuming the march we've had probles; we decided to descend thru Paltinu Valley ; here the abundant snow caused us futher problems. Finally, after lots of adventures, we've reached the car the second day around 1.30pm (the initial plan called for us to reach it just after midnight - so we were late by more than 12 hours!) People: Marian Feticu, Irina Gligor, one more person.
• May 22nd: Bucegi. We've left the Predeal-Rasnov national road where the road to Forban and Diham splits; we've climbed to Malaesti Chalet thru Glajarie then Malaesti valley ; then at the chalet I convinced Nico to continue thru upper Tiganesti valley towards Bran . The snow was much more abundant than expected; also the maximum elevation we've attained (2190m) was about 200m higher than our reading on the map. The weather was changing; we had sun, rain and hail. Together with Nicoleta Zamfir.
• May 8th: Fagaras. I was fouled by the small amount of snow in the Iezer range a week before so I thought one can climb one of the gentle trails which reach the Fagaras main ridge from south. Mistake, there was plenty of snow there so I had to come back. Car left at Piscu Negru then walk to Podeanu-Florea saddle ; here the original plan called for the reach of main ridge next to Lespezi Peak but it was changed to a climb on a secondary foot of Podeanu Monutain up to some 2130m where lots of snow started to appear. The descent was again by Saua Podeanu-Florea then unmarked thru the forest towards the Transfagarasan road. I had the luck to find a trail with a forestry or shepherds' marking and the bad luck to exit the mountain on the wrong side of Capra River so I had to cross it (a bit dangerous). Alone.
• May 1st: Iezer-Papusa. One-day tip; the initial plan called for walking for three quarters of the time during daylight and the final quarter under the moonshine; due to delays the proportion ended being equal. We've trekked the eastern half of the ridge trail: Voina - Saua Argesel - Saua Gainatu Mare - Saua Gradisteanu - Papusa Peak; then descended via Spintecatura Papusii (here the night fell), Batrana Peak and Plaiul lui Patru . We only needed flashlights while walking in the forest; above the treeline the moonlight was more than enough. Unfortunately Elvis had a foot problem only one hour into the trip so he had to return; he waited for us at the car. People: Bogdan Visinescu, Elvis Grandin.
• April 25th: Piatra Craiului. Beautiful one-day trip; by car to Plaiul Foii then 10 hours in the mountain; from the Spirla Shelter we proceeded under the main ridge until Prepeleac , next to Funduri Saddle; the snow and the flowing rocks were loved (by me) and hated (by the girls) in the same time! Return by Granicerului Cross then the Granicerilor Trail back to the chalet. Congratulations to the girls for their excellent shape; in the end they went even faster than me. People: Nicoleta Zamfir, one more person.
• April 18th: Ciucas. Roundtrip starting and ending in Bratocea Pass. Slight climb on the main trail thru Tigailor Saddle up to the Ciucas Peak; continue to the former Ciucas Chalet , Chirusca Saddle, the "La Rascruce" point then the final descent to the Muntele Rosu chalet and Podu Berii ; finally 200m climb to the pass where I left the car. Altrough the forecast mentioned clouds and small rain more than half of the trip was sunny and no rain; I was very happy with the weather and the landscape. Alone.
• April 10th: Postavaru. Like the previous week I crossed the massif from South to North. I've left the rail station of Predeal towards Cotul Donului and Poiana Secuilor Chalet then the main N-S trail towards Poiana Trei Fetite and Postavaru Chalet ; for the descent towards Brasov I took the trail which goes to Pietrele lui Solomon but left it at Poiana Nisipului where I turned left towards Poiana Brasov . The weather was pretty cloudy with lots of wind when ascending but no rain. Alone.
• April 3th: Piatra Mare. South-North crossing of the massif. I've left Bucharest with the 12.55 Intercity train, reaching Predeal at 14.45; during daylight I went up to Piatra Mare chalet via Susai and Stana din Pietricica ; then I lingered for some half hour at the chalet waiting for the darkness to come. The descent was by Sirul Stancilor trail ; towards Dambu Morii chalet which I reached around half pas ten in the evening. Alone.

• March 21st: Bucegi. We climbed from Azuga up a small valley to La Cleste (Baiului) saddle then continued to Diham chalet - Poiana Izvoarelor ; - Gura Diham . The snow layer was quite big; from Azuga to Saua La Cleste we opened the trail and this took us a lot of time. People: Nicoleta Zamfir, Cosmin Zamfir, one more person.
• March 14th: Postavaru. Beautiful winter day with lots of sun - I also got some tan on my face from the sunrays reflected in the snow! Difficult ascent from Timisu de Jos CFR to the Cristianu Mare summit on Drumul Serpilor ; on the final part lots, lots of snow (sometimes up to the chest) which made our advance difficult. The descent towards Poiana Brasov was really easy along a ski slope . With the help of the Alpinet site I found this trip organized by Laszlo Zsolt Gaspar and 5 friends of him. Together with 6 more persons.
• March 6th: Bucegi. A trip very similar to the one taken one month and a half ago. Busteni - Caminul Alpin - Pichetu Rosu - Poiana Izvoarelor Chalet on the marked trail, with a beaten path and daylight; nice views towards the main ridge. After a good meal we proceeded: Poiana Izvoarelor - Saua La Cleste - 73A National Road (3km away Predeal) without markings (free navigation by GPS), nor trail (we opened one in the fluffy snow), by night with the help of the torches and full moon. Superb! Unfortunately due to a wrong setting in the camera the pictures were taken at a low resolution of 640x480. Together with Bogdan Visinescu.
• February 22nd: Postavaru. Easy trip in the south. Went by train to Timisu de Sus, then climbed the trail until it crosses the main ridge trail which we followed down until Poiana Secuilor chalet. After a good meal the last segment was Poiana Secuilor - cotul Donului (on the Brasov-Predeal road) from where we took the bus towards Predeal. Together with Almina Apavaloaiei.
• February 7th: Bucegi and Postavaru. Solitary trip in the northern part of the Bucegi range and the southern part of Postavaru range, from Busteni to Gura Diham chalet , La Cleste saddle, Diham chalet , Frasinet valley, La Sipote , DN 73A si then on the trail which reaches Predeal over the Fitifoi peak . The last two hours were on darkness, exactly as I wanted. Alone.
• February 1st: Bucegi. Based on a wrong tip from Salvamont we decided to climb from Sinaia up to Piatra Arsa chalet on the direct trail . However above Poiana Regala the snow became perilously high; a new call to Salvamont convinced us that reaching the chalet was not possible so we continued climbing until we felt that it wasn't safe anymore then we turned back. All the time (some 5 hours) we've got as company two anonymous dogs from Sinaia which joined us at the start. Together with Cosmin Zamfir.
• January 18th: Piatra Mare. Round-trip from Dambu Morii to the Piatra Mare summit and back; went up by Sapte Scari and down by Familial road . Lots of snow on the final part of the trip between the Piatra Mare chalet and the summit; as for the weather it alternated between thick fog and completely clear. Together with Cosmin Zamfir.
• January 4th: Postavaru. Group trip going up from Timisu de Jos CFR - Postavaru Chalet - Cristianu Mare summit then descending back to Poiana Brasov on Drumul Rosu . Lots of snow when going up, very nice. People: Nicoleta Zamfir, Cosmin Zamfir, 2 more persons.
• December 27th: Italia. The Marittime Alps. Short and easy daytrip on Monte Vecchio, a mountain which I know well and trekked several times. I've left the station of Limone Piemonte at approx 1000m elevation; the peak is at 1908m but I stopped at around 1750m due to abundant snow. Alone.
• November 9th: Bucegi. Easy trip from Cota 1400 to Cota 2000 and back. Lots of snow at the higher elevations. Cristi joined us for the descent only. People: Nicoleta Zamfir, Cosmin Zamfir, Cristi Sincai.

• November 23th: Baiului. Easy daytrip during some nice summer weather. Sinaa - Piscul Cainelui Chalet - Cainelui summit . Altrough it was late november we've met very few snow. Lots of mud for the descent on Valea Rea and a good dinner at a restaurant! People: Almina Apavaloaiei, Mihaela Topsa, Nicoleta Zamfir, Cosmin Zamfir.
• September 27th: Fagaras. Two day trip with an overnight in Valea Sambetei chalet. The first day I was alone and it was pretty exhausting: I've left the car at Cabana Capra then Fereastra Zmeilor shelter - free navigation towards Nierlinger Memorial - main ridge thru Vistea Mare - Fereastra Mica - Fereastra Mare with going down to Valea Sambetei chalet (the descent from Fereastra Mare to the chalet was at night time, with the flashlight; when the batteries were exhausted I had a difficult time changing them). The second day early wake up then descent to Manastirea Sambata (where I've met Nico and Cosmin) then by car to Balea Cascada and finally an ascent on foot from Balea Cascada to Balea Lac . People: Nicoleta Zamfir, Cosmin Zamfir.
• September 6th: Fagaras. A nice South-North cross of the mountain. I've left my Bucharest home at 5:45 by city bus, train, two microbuses then two times hitchhiking to Cabana Capra (where I arrived around 14h, after more than 8 hours on the road). The trail was Cabana Capra - Fereastra Zmeilor - main ridge - Podragu saddle - Podragu Chalet - Turnuri Chalet - Victoria (arrival at 10.15pm). It was the day when Mars was visible; in the evening, after having left the mountains, the landscape was extraordinary, with the Moon and Mars together on the sky. I have some nice memories from this trip. 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.

• May 25th: Fagaras. Circular trip from Piscu Negru - Caltun Lake - main ridge - Strunga Doamnei - Negoiu Peak - Caldarea Berbecilor - Lespezi valley . One of the two dangerous trips of 2003; I lost the path when returning (even having map and GPS!) so I had to go/climb some boulders and for the final part I got half an hour of heavy rain. Alone.
• May 18th: Fagaras. Valea Rea from Canton Nisipuri to Portita Vistei and back . No snow at all when I've started but lots of it in the upper part. This is the trip which opened my appetite to explore Fagaras and damaged some parts inside my car... Alone.
• May 11th: Piatra Craiului. I've left my car at Fantana lui Botorog; I then proceeded to Curmatura Chalet then Ascutit refuge and summit ; from the refuge I descended via the Prapastiile Zarnestiului ; a sourprise was the finding of a small lateraal canyon in the Prapastii; I entered it for some 50 meters. Alone.
• May 3th: Bucegi. I went up by Jepilor valley then down thru Piatra Arsa - Canton Jepi - Busteni . I wanted to see the swollen spring waters and I succeeded! The waterfall in the upper part of the valley was gorgeous; I also had some problems before when had to cross the creek. Alone.
• April 19th: Franta. Vosges Range, to the East of the country near Strasbourg. We climbed by car to the highest summit (1400m; the average elevation of the surrounding valleys is only 5-600m) then descended on foot to a small village called Metzerel. Heavy fighting took place in these mountains during 1914-1918; we've also visited old trenches, fortifications and a monument to the French soldiers. Ioana was with us only while by car. People: Vasile Comanescu, Ioana Puscasu.

• March 23th: Bucegi. Solitary trip on the Sinaia - Piatra Arsa Chalet trail . I decided to go up while it's possible; I turned back at the upper margin of the forest (around 1700m altitude). Plenty of snow after Poiana Regala. Alone.
• March 2nd: Bucegi. We went from Pestera Chalet - Piatra Arsa Chalet then back. Nice weather, full of snow; the road by car to Pestera was interesting and eventful as well. People: Mihaela Topsa, Bogdan Visinescu, 2 more persons.
• February 23th: Bucegi. Round trip starting from Gura Diham chalet then Poiana Izvoarelor, Pichetu Rosu then returning by Poiana Costila then the final part of the Valea Cerbului trail . Just before we've reached the car it was very cold. People: Mihaela Topsa, 2 more persons.

• November 17th: Bucegi. The last mountain trip before winter sets in. We climbed from Busteni to Babele via Jepilor valley ; from Babele we continued to Piatra Arsa then to Busteni . Besides Roxana and Andrei there were also some friends of them. Together with 6 more persons.
• October 26th: Postavaru. We started from CFR Timisu de Sus on then up to the main summit. We then descended towards CFR Timisu de Jos ; the last part was on paved road in order to get to the car. People: Ioana Puscasu, one more person.
• October 5th: Bucegi. Solitary autumn trip; I went up by Jepi valley but can't remember which way I descended. Alone when going up; I met somewhere Vali Gheorghita so we descended together. Together with one more person.

• 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.

• May 25th: Piatra Craiului. We intended to climb from Plaiul Foii chalet all the way up to the main ridge by the 'La Lanturi' trail ; unfortunately Cosmin felt bad a bit further up than La Zaplaz so we had to return. A very relaxing trip overall. People: Nicoleta Zamfir, Cosmin Zamfir.
• April 16th: Elvetia. Again in the Alps, again Cantone Ticino, this time by night; this was my first night-time trip; I wanted to go from Airolo (1200m) to Passo di Gottardo (2150m). Unfortunately around 1600m the snow became too abundant so I had to turn back. Alone.
• April 15th: Elvetia. Alps in the Cantone Ticino. Two trips in the same day; the first one is between Airolo (1200m high) and Biasca (600m) on a 30km bike trail. The second is an ascent by the train (actually more like a tram) on Monte Generoso and a 20-30min walk to its peak. Alone.

• February 23th: Piatra Mare. A circular trek starting at Dambul Morii; the ascent by Drumul Familial , the descent by Sapte Scari canyon which, besides being forbidden during the winter, at that time was also quite damaged! Risky. People: Nicoleta Zamfir, Cosmin Zamfir.
• February 9th: Bucegi. A short trip Bucegi - the Urlatoarea waterfall then a sidetrip to Cota 1400 by car. Nearly all the time when Arno was in Romania there was no snow! Together with one more person.