Safe Return Doubtful

39 miles (63 km) – Total so far: 684 miles (1,101 km)

Leaving Pension Veronica this morning.

It’s 2 km out of town, and last night I wandered in to pick up a takeaway pizza and a couple of beers.

This mornings route took me about 10 km down the Moldova river, then to the north, on its tributary, the Moldovita.

Having turned off, heading up the valley, this was very enjoyable cycling, with less than moderate traffic.
I’ve passed a few of these…

The village of Moldovita, and its claim to fame, having a narrow gauge railway.

That heatwave is back. It’s 11:30 am and the pharmacy thermometer shows 35C.. it may be a few degrees cooler, but not much.

The tough part of the day begins, as I take the 32D road north just after Moldovita.
It climbs 300 metres and is just a rough track. Lower down there are lots of farms with bridges like this one.

It’s just over 25 kilometres, and slow going, with a 4% gradient or so rising gradually to 10% just before the pass.

The pass at 940 metres.

There are several well-constructed benches and shelters on the way up. I saw no one at all though.. so wonder if they ever get used.

Lunch at the pass, at 1290 metres asl.

There are two huge monasteries here in Putna.
The first is the Hermitage, this one, just after the sealed road starts from the downhill.
They stand out as being such vast luxurious buildings compared to the houses around.
The other is the Putna monastery itself, in Putna town… which thrives on monastery tourism.

Casa Dana, where I am tonight.
A few nights ago in Brasov I met a relative of the owner, who insisted on a discounted price for a stay here.
I’m in at 2:30 pm today, a relatively short day, which is perfect, as it’s now late 30s outside.