Trekking Fagaras Ridge - Ep 4

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Trail Checkpoints: Caldarea Berbecilor - Strunga Doamnei (2346m) - Portita Caltunului (2263m) - Lacul Caltun (2135m) - Vf. Laitel (2390 m) - Vf. Laita (2399m) - Saua Paltinului (2370m) - Balea Lac (2034m)
Altitude difference: 686 m
Dificulty: Easy - Medium
Duration: around 3h:30m
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On our final day we crossed Strunga Doamnei to reach Caltun Lake and then we ascended to Laitel and went around Laita peaks, before descending to Saua Paltinului and Balea Lake.
A couple of hours after day break we packed and left towards Strunga Doamnei
The chains looked more inviting in the sunlight than in the fog we saw them last evening.
After we descended, we felt like kids in an amusement park, that are eager to get on the next ride.
The next ride was ahead of us in the form of Caltunului Saddle.
We left behind Negoiu and the Devil`s peak, but only after gazing for minutes at their rocky slopes.
Once we got closer to Caltunului Saddle we could see a dot of color on the grassy slope. It was a chamois that is grazing like she didnt have a care in the world… until we showed up.
From the Saddle we could see the lake and on it`s shore the Mountain Rescue Cabin and Caltun Refuge.
The lake is located at 2 135 m, but the water from the it safe to drink. You can try drinking from the emergent stream.
From Caltun we headed back up the ridge towards Laitel. After the last couple of days the effort put into the last few kilometers ware mear drops in an ocean of joy.
We reached the peak and stopped to admire the view that so many times we take for granted, but not today, not after 3 days of mist engulfed scenery.
From here the trail got easier, as we went on we could see the crossing underneath Laita Peak.
Behind my celebrating friend you can see Paltinului Tower… a stone giant that we must go around so we can reach Paltinului Saddle.
On the way we stopped and drank some water with the purifier, because this area is frequented by livestock.
After climbing the last slope we reached Saua Paltinului and from here the first signs of civilization started emerging.
I stopped for a second and my mind drifted back to the peaks we climbed in the past days, because only from atop a mountain one can laugh at all tragedies… real or imaginary.
As we got closer the quiet of the mountain was gradually replaced with the roar of the crowds. The smell of barbecued meat floated uphill with the wind, but meat was the last thing on our mind. All we wanted was to go back.

[@davidtua6076]

Nice video...do not forget you inspiring us ..so some gear reviews are well recived..tks

[@LetsdanceRo]

Great video, great story, great English :)

[@DoiViezuri]

Amazing scenery, really like the fraze "Only on the top of a mountain, one can laugh at all tragedies, real or imaginary" (citing Friedrich Nietzsche I see, fine choise of words). Great job with your Fagaras West Ridge series, great videos and excellent documentation material for someone who wants to follow the same path though this breathtaking mountains :>

[@CetateanulCarpatin]

Thanks mate! We only met with one person in the first 3 days..., so this last part was an awakening to reality. Nietzsche was inspiring for the mood we had after we ran into the first scores of tourists. Everybody was on about the World Cup and other mundane affairs that seemed so out of place for the mental state we ware in. The world above the world was no longer our sanctuary.