Pensiunea Rodica guesthouse was a lovely place to stay.
The two thirteen year old girls, Everline and Maya, served us with a lovely breakfast.
It's a shame that we were the only guests.
We soon entrusted our 'big bags' to a taxi driver who rolled up at about 9:15, just as we were leaving to retrace yesterday's steps for nearly an hour.
First landmark, a bridge over the river.
Then a steep 400 metre climb to a signpost.
Some interesting fungi were spotted.
Peeling Paint Ringless Ammonita
Turning left here was a minor error that paid off. According to Collett's route guide we should have continued to the next junction This 'error' left us on a lovely path, signed with a red stripe, all the way along a ridge to arrive in a strung out village called Simon.
Along the way we enjoyed good views from the belvedere path.
Our first orchid of the trip, a Common Spotted Orchid, was seen. There were also lots of Bird's Nest Orchids.
For a while we could hear the hiss of summer rain on the tree canopy above us, reminding me of a favourite Joni Mitchell album. Not many drops got through.
Hoary Plantain lined the verge at one point.
White Mullein competed with Sue for height.
Down in the valley, hay was drying on fences on the now sunny day.
After lunch on a bus stop bench we strolled into the small town of Bran, home of Bran Castle, aka Dracula's Castle.
We were soon installed in Casa din Bran in a nice room with two balconies and a view of the castle.
After some much needed cold drinks we rooted out the tickets that Collett's had provided for a tour of the castle.
This is apparently the busiest tourist trap in Romania, but apart from one coach load that was best avoided, it wasn't at all crowded and we could take our time studying the rooms and reading the comprehensive information boards. I'll just provide a few photos for now. All the postings from this trip will be edited when we get home, and many flower pictures will be added.
At the end of the visit, a final picture from ground level, a walk around the castle gardens and a welcome cold beer before adjourning to our balcony to finish our copious picnic lunch, washed down with lots of tea.
No need for a meal out tonight - we are stuffed with excesses from the past few days.
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