Hi there and a happy new year! (8 days later...)
I'm back in Cologne after I've spent the winter holidays back home and today I want to tell you how's it like to spend the new year's eve on the top of mountains.
This habit started during my bachelor's first year after I was accepted in The Ecotur Club in Bucharest. In the fall of 2008 we have already organized the first hiking trip to the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the appetite was high. So when the list for the new year's party was made I also wanted to be a part of it.
I'm back in Cologne after I've spent the winter holidays back home and today I want to tell you how's it like to spend the new year's eve on the top of mountains.
This habit started during my bachelor's first year after I was accepted in The Ecotur Club in Bucharest. In the fall of 2008 we have already organized the first hiking trip to the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the appetite was high. So when the list for the new year's party was made I also wanted to be a part of it.
Cuca 2008-2009
Before we left I did a bit of research and I found out the detail: 1210m altitude in the Iezer-Păpușa mountains, we go by train until Câmpulung, after that with a minibus until Voina Hut and from the on foot till the top. We also had to carry our food and drinks and some gasoline for the electric generator and also the phone reception was very weak. It doesn't sound extremely tempting, but it was hell of a party. When you're up there with more than 20 cool people it can't go wrong. A funny ritual took place at night. Because we heated the place through the stove it was very hot in the evening, but nevertheless we slept with out clothes near us. And then during the night it got colder and you had to put on a shirt, and then a jacket and some warm pants and in the morning you were already prepared to go outside. Out good time included cutting wood for the stove, cooking, sliding on the slopes, climbing the Iezer peak, losing the generator in the big night and spending the rest of the party with candles and lamps, playing the guitar and singing songs, making new friends and admiring the nature. :) Welcome 2009.
Before we left I did a bit of research and I found out the detail: 1210m altitude in the Iezer-Păpușa mountains, we go by train until Câmpulung, after that with a minibus until Voina Hut and from the on foot till the top. We also had to carry our food and drinks and some gasoline for the electric generator and also the phone reception was very weak. It doesn't sound extremely tempting, but it was hell of a party. When you're up there with more than 20 cool people it can't go wrong. A funny ritual took place at night. Because we heated the place through the stove it was very hot in the evening, but nevertheless we slept with out clothes near us. And then during the night it got colder and you had to put on a shirt, and then a jacket and some warm pants and in the morning you were already prepared to go outside. Out good time included cutting wood for the stove, cooking, sliding on the slopes, climbing the Iezer peak, losing the generator in the big night and spending the rest of the party with candles and lamps, playing the guitar and singing songs, making new friends and admiring the nature. :) Welcome 2009.
Cozia 2009-2010
After the adventure from the previous year I registered among the first for the party in the Cozia mountains. This time we had to go up to 1573m really close to the peak. We also took the train until Turnu Monastery station and from there on foot. I think it was one of the hardest hiking trips that I've ever undertaken. With a backpack full of delicious stuff: sarmale, cozonac, wine just to name a few, we had climbed for 10 hours. Luckily the night path was lighted by a full moon whose light was reflected in the white snow. The entertaining was assured by two dogs that accompanied us everywhere.
Once we reached the top we were welcomed with warm rooms and soft beds, but also some fresh water, because we ran out of liquids. From up there you can see the Olt river as it waves through the mountains. And in the new year's eve night Râmnicu-Vâlcea was lighted in the distance like Mordor. We didn't take to many walks, but we enjoyed the nice weather, the snow and the landscape. For the trip down, without heavy baggage we arrived at the train station in 3 hours. Of course our dog companions were there.
After the adventure from the previous year I registered among the first for the party in the Cozia mountains. This time we had to go up to 1573m really close to the peak. We also took the train until Turnu Monastery station and from there on foot. I think it was one of the hardest hiking trips that I've ever undertaken. With a backpack full of delicious stuff: sarmale, cozonac, wine just to name a few, we had climbed for 10 hours. Luckily the night path was lighted by a full moon whose light was reflected in the white snow. The entertaining was assured by two dogs that accompanied us everywhere.
Once we reached the top we were welcomed with warm rooms and soft beds, but also some fresh water, because we ran out of liquids. From up there you can see the Olt river as it waves through the mountains. And in the new year's eve night Râmnicu-Vâlcea was lighted in the distance like Mordor. We didn't take to many walks, but we enjoyed the nice weather, the snow and the landscape. For the trip down, without heavy baggage we arrived at the train station in 3 hours. Of course our dog companions were there.
Negoiu 2013-2014
After a little break I returned to the mountains. This time at 1546m at the Negoiu hut. We were also a big group but this time we went by car. Technology! :D When it comes to landscapes, the Făgăraș mountains are gorgeous with it's frozen waterfalls, snowy peaks and alpine vegetation. We also had a lot of fun, the 3 days that we've spent there are unforgettable. On the new year's eve we had a paid dinner, but on the next day we were the chefs. Each of us had a responsibility: prepare the meat, cut the vegetables, fill the champignons with cheese, maintain the fire, nourish the cooks with brandy, but also maintaining the good mood. Afterwards the night continued with dancing and partying and when we woke up we headed slowly back to the base.
After a little break I returned to the mountains. This time at 1546m at the Negoiu hut. We were also a big group but this time we went by car. Technology! :D When it comes to landscapes, the Făgăraș mountains are gorgeous with it's frozen waterfalls, snowy peaks and alpine vegetation. We also had a lot of fun, the 3 days that we've spent there are unforgettable. On the new year's eve we had a paid dinner, but on the next day we were the chefs. Each of us had a responsibility: prepare the meat, cut the vegetables, fill the champignons with cheese, maintain the fire, nourish the cooks with brandy, but also maintaining the good mood. Afterwards the night continued with dancing and partying and when we woke up we headed slowly back to the base.
Cheia 2014-2015
The most fresh one in my mind, due to obvious reasons, is the new year's eve in the Căpățânii mountains in the national park Buila Vântirarița at 919m altitude. We went by car until the entrance in the park and then we tried some top sensations with the tractor. 20 km long was the road, partly in the evening lights, partly in the dark on a road lighted by the full moon. We also went through a tunnel filled with icicles with caused some adrenaline to be pumped in our blood. Finally we arrived at the hut and the people there prepared for us a lot of delicious dishes: goose soup, sarmale and mulled wine. We also took two short walk around the mountains and then we returned to party at the hut. What I like most about going to the mountains is the absence of light pollution. At -17 degrees Celsius we debated which one was the Big Dipper and where did the North Star hide. So well you can see the stars. We also had a nice surprise: Until now we carried also a guitar with us, but this year we dropped the idea. And guess what? One of the cabaniers brought us a guitar and also some song books. This way everybody could sing along. On the way back we discussed interesting topics for 20 km in foot and in the afternoon we were already at the cars.
The most fresh one in my mind, due to obvious reasons, is the new year's eve in the Căpățânii mountains in the national park Buila Vântirarița at 919m altitude. We went by car until the entrance in the park and then we tried some top sensations with the tractor. 20 km long was the road, partly in the evening lights, partly in the dark on a road lighted by the full moon. We also went through a tunnel filled with icicles with caused some adrenaline to be pumped in our blood. Finally we arrived at the hut and the people there prepared for us a lot of delicious dishes: goose soup, sarmale and mulled wine. We also took two short walk around the mountains and then we returned to party at the hut. What I like most about going to the mountains is the absence of light pollution. At -17 degrees Celsius we debated which one was the Big Dipper and where did the North Star hide. So well you can see the stars. We also had a nice surprise: Until now we carried also a guitar with us, but this year we dropped the idea. And guess what? One of the cabaniers brought us a guitar and also some song books. This way everybody could sing along. On the way back we discussed interesting topics for 20 km in foot and in the afternoon we were already at the cars.
