Safe Return Doubtful

54 miles (87 km) – Total so far: 376 miles (605 km)

In the end I had to share my site at the back of the Pension..

Brezoi centre

Away from the traffic again after a short climb, at 703M road heading east to Perişani.

‘and there’s always construction work bothering you’

In Perişani and the seal ends with 400 metres of the climb to the pass and 20 kilometres left, so it’s slow going.

And the pass, at 970 metres. One of the most tranquil places of the tour so far with superb views, and not a sound.

A very rough and steep descent for about 10 km to the village of Sălătrucu.

From here I had planned to ride a hiking path over another pass of similar height, a climb of 350 metres. I started on the ‘track’ but a guy with a horse and cart indicated ‘no’ to me. I didn’t have to proceed far to see mudslides had washed a lot of it out.
So the long way, back and south on the road, several km further, but all rideable. In the end probably the wisest as it was 34C.
I had high hopes for Dracula Camping, but they were soon dashed. Fellow cyclists I had passed had enjoyed it. It’s small, noisy, next to the main road and highly fenced, apparently because of brown bears, but then again that does help the owner’s bank balance..