Vulcanii Noroioși

After taking it easy on Tuesday, we also spend Wednesday (11.10.2017) mostly indoors due to the weather. In addition to preparing several excellent meals, I use my engineering skills for minor repairs in Alina's apartment.

On Thursday morning, we had to set the alarm. The plan is to visit the mud volcanoes of Berca. We booked a ride to Buzău, which will pick us up at half past eight in front of the door. Rango can relax in Alina's apartment all day because pets are not allowed in the nature reserve. From Buzău, we try unsuccessfully to hitchhike to Berca and therefore take the bus. From there, it is another 20 minutes after changing buses until we are close to the mud volcano fields. We can walk the last 2km to the small volcanoes in glorious weather. The mud volcanoes are formed by rising natural gas, which works its way through clay and water-rich soil layers on its way to the surface. The high salt and sulfur content in the mud create an almost vegetation-free zone in the immediate vicinity, allowing for an unobstructed view of the volcanic cones. After spinning a ringlet in the area of Vulcanii Noroioși de la Pâclele Mici and experiencing the phenomenon, we head to Vulcanii Noroioși de la Pâclele Mare, which are about three and a half kilometers away and waiting for us. The distinction between Mare and Mici is not quite clear, as the mud volcanoes appear very similar to the layman. Near the large mud volcanoes, there is time for a small lunch before we walk back to Berca. The two-hour walk is rather involuntary because the bus announced for early afternoon lets us down. But the weather is favorable again, and we can walk in glorious warm sunshine. We reach Berca at half past five in the evening and from there take the bus to Buzău, where the renewed attempt to hitchhike is successful and we reach Focşani at dusk.

On Friday, October 13, 2017, I finally pick up a package from the post office. After the cold nights in the Munții Făgăraşului, I decided to have some warmer clothes sent to me. From the post office, we take the bus (with Rango in the front seats) directly to the Muzeul Satului Vrăncean. The ethnological museum is located in a suburb of Focşani and shows typical Romanian residential and commercial buildings from the surrounding area. After spending some time in the spacious grounds and the adjoining park, we take advantage of the nice weather and walk back to Focşani.

On Saturday, we go on a longer stroll to the city center in search of a new bag for Rango. We finally find one in one of the many second-hand stores and can buy a cool red backpack for the big one for 5Lei. We spend the rest of the weekend with organizational tasks (creating a couchsurfing account, writing travel articles, etc.) and repairs. Alina is quite skilled with the sewing machine and is willing to repair any damage to my equipment.