July 19, 2016 - Somewhere in Austria?

I'll be honest - I am getting a bit sleepy as I am writing this, so just the short version: today I made some 150 km, most of the time following the River Bistrita. First it was some 80 km more or less downhill, the countryside could have been easily mistaken for Austria, except for the road. These conditions were the reason that this downhill drive took me close to 5 hours. Well, the road network has some room for improvement.

Countryside in Austria - eer, no, in Romania

At the Lake Bicaz, I took a rest - the exact place I had been on my first trip three years ago. This time I headed off towards the city of Bicaz, these 45 km cost me 3 hours, it was up to some 400 meters elevation, then down to the lake and this repeated like 4 times over. The view, however, was stunning - the lake, the mountains, the countryside. In Bicaz, I rewarded myself with a hearty salad and more micis.

Splendid view of Lake Bicaz

The final push was not the prettiest, so I was glad to have reached the very pleasant city of Piatra Neamt. For starters, the roads are excellent. The town was built of seven hills, similar to Rome, but unlike Rome, it was a cable car, connecting some of those. There is a picturesque city center full of church ruins, nice structures - full with people enjoying a not-too-warm summer night.

Town Center of Pietra Neamt

It was a few km outside of the town that I found a place to sleep - and that is exactly what I am going to do now. Good night!