A change in the weather
Yesterday the weather had been very humid and looked as if a thunderstorm might eventuate. While we were having dinner, surrounded by the high rocky walls of the Bicaz Gorge, a loud clap of thunder occurred. No more than this though, maybe just 2 drops of rain. We thought this was it, but having been in bed for about 10 minutes, it started to rain, steadily. Neither of us could sleep, because of this. I was worrying about the tent leaking. After some time the rain stopped and we did manage to get some sleep.
This morning dawned fine but, cloudy and considerably cooler. I had to get out a jumper and jeans. The tent was not too wet and reasonably dry when packed up. Throughout the day we have had periods of showers. It is much nicer temperature wise, but dull for photos. We are heading for Sighisoara, a fine example of a fortified medieval town founded by the Transylvanian Saxons during the 12th century. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Journey to Sighisoara
We continued through the Gorge, soon leaving the rocky overhanging walls, but continuing to climb. This was the pattern through out the day. Winding up through hairpins, the down again, then crossing a flat valley. Sometimes in a bit of sun, other times in the rain
On the crest of the hill. A monstrosity, presumably a hotel for winter sports.
Mountain driving
Valley driving
During the morning we saw several old, colourful Trabant’s. A rally maybe.
We are camped on the outskirts of Sighisoara. An expensive camp at 190 RON, about £36. More than twice the amount we have paid anywhere else. It has all the things we don’t want. A swimming pool, bar, restaurant etc, but it is easy walking distance to the city. It isn’t a city you can drive around!
Sightseeing
As anticipated Sighisoara is lovely, but very touristy. Lots of restaurants and coffee shops, plus the sightseeing train. When we arrived Dennis wanted to do maintenance on Poki. The turbo has been whistling loudly and he thinks the waste gate (whatever that might be) may be seized. I thought we should go sightseeing while it was fine. We agreed to do this first and set off over a footbridge across the river, to climb up to the city.
Reluctant sightseer
We climbed to the very top church via an ancient covered walkway constructed in 1642.
Covered steps to mountain top church – more steps than we thought! 15 RON each to enter the church, so we didn’t bother.
After competing with tour groups and groups of school children during our walk around the city, we stopped for an ice cream break. Having looked at the prices in some of the restaurants, it appears the prices reflect the popularity of the destination. It is quite expensive compared to the other places we have been.
A few shots of the city
Vlad the Impaler
Vlad the Impaler, or Vlad III Dracula, was a 15th century ruler of Wallachia. He is infamous for his brutal method of executing enemies by impalement and for being the historical inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s iconic vampire, Count Dracula. In Romania, however, he is celebrated as a national hero who fiercely defended his country against the Ottoman Empire.
Vlad the Impaler’s home.
Poki Maintenance
On our return to the camp, Dennis, tried checking out the turbo. He has discovered it isn’t jammed, but whether it is okay or not, he’s not sure.
Preparing dinner in the back of Poki, thunder started to rumble all around and the rain started. Torrential rain. The tent doesn’t like this and after 30 minutes or so was starting to leak, badly. After dinner the rain stopped and we could begin mop up operations. Hopefully, it will remain dry all night and by the morning will be nice and sunny to dry the tent out completely.
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