Something is always happening

Day #33

Tuesday, 02.06.

From Novaci to Morârești

Country: Romania

After being in bed later than expected yesterday, I realize while packing that my shoe covers are missing.

Extremely annoying, especially since heavy rain is forecast for today.

So I have to retrace yesterday's route into town where I took them off, which unfortunately proves to be in vain.

I guess I'll have to take the day as it comes and, if necessary, get soaking wet feet.

For the route to Bucharest, I’ll head through the Southern Carpathians, starting with a delayed departure towards the east.

This involves quite a bit of ups and downs, and often climbing, meaning steep inclines over a longer distance.

I decide to go with the cold option, so just riding in a shirt.

Climbing makes me extremely warm and I start to sweat.

Going downhill is very fresh, but it would be too much hassle to put the jacket on and off every time.

Swaying power lines cross my path, which gives me an uneasy feeling as they seem to hang just three meters above my head.

I'm sure it will all work out.

There are many wells in various designs along the roadside, and many locals use these to fill water containers.

A sight I have become familiar with.

And then it happens again, another bikepacker comes towards me.

It's such an unusual sight for both of us that we sit down in a café to chat and get something to drink.

Christopher is an American who now lives in Finland and previously lived in Romania for 14 years.

He tries to take a cycling vacation in the Balkans at least once a year and has plenty to share, as he can work while traveling and move around a lot.

He also gives me helpful tips for Greece.

It’s well known that there are many churches there.

However, they all likely have running water and are excellent for camping next to.

Locals seem very relaxed about it.

Good to know. Additionally, he thinks the chosen route, further north and away from the coast, is well chosen.

After our exchange, we continue in our respective directions.

It’s very humid and I ride the first part of the day right on the weather edge.

Threatening dark clouds on one side and blue sky with scattered clouds on the other.

Until I take a turn to the north.

There was already thunder before, and then the rain starts.

Fortunately, there’s a sort of small chapel or prayer place with a roof and benches.

I let myself settle and seek shelter.

I actually wanted to get through the current ascent and then take a break. Better to do so in the dry, as options for shelter are scarce.

Right decision, there’s a proper downpour and I watch while munching as my bike gets washed. Unfortunately, I have to leave it by the road.

While I’m still considering my options and preparing to get wet, the rain stops again.

Rejuvenated, I hop back on the bike and continue, and eventually the sun even comes out.

Lucky me, I stay dry throughout the day.

Or at least, it’s not rain that soaks my shirt.

In the afternoon, I pass through Ramnicu Valcea, a city on the rise, and the impressions are nice, although I had hoped for a bit more.

Primarily, the traffic increases. Unfortunately, from here on I must ride on a federal highway, and there’s a lack of a proper shoulder, making it uncomfortable with the vehicles passing by.

The road sign indicates that Bucharest is still 170km away. My GPS gives the route as 177km.

This could be an adventure.

What is it with the dogs?

It started yesterday, as they seem to have something against me.

Completely relaxed, they let everything pass until I show up, and then they go a bit crazy. Or do they see food on wheels?

With classics like eventually there will be a hole in the fence. Hello, this is now very close.

As long as they just bark, it’s fine.

At least the animals are braked for, whereas for me, it seems to be partly punishable to cross the center line.

After a stretch of secluded paths, I return to the highway, where trucks are blocking in one direction and the next ones are roaring from behind. Extremely uncomfortable.

Fortunately, shortly after, there’s a side road I turn onto, and I quickly find a spot for the night.

The litter scattered around shows that people are here, but right now it’s all deserted, and I set up my camp, step away a bit for my dinner, and enjoy my sandwiches.

The day was surprisingly exhausting, as it had more elevation gain than yesterday on the Transalpina, and I gently let the sleep take me.

Song of the day:

Antrisch - Ultima Ratio