20 September 2014
Again, my intention is to post this to the group.
We are now in Romania. With the help of some Romanian cavers (both local and
living in the USA -Bogdan Onac and Gheorghe Ponta ---THANKS Bogdan and
Gheorghe) and lots of sign language, we are having a great time (even though
the weather isn't the best). Just north of Rosia we found a cavers camp
perched on a hilltop overlooking (and part of) large scale sink hole studded
karst. 360 degrees! Friendly local farmers manage the caver-owned complex of
small traditional houses and camp sites fed us with local meals. Our particular
little House under the Stars sleeps two on the bed (one room house), but four
more could spread their bags in the attic.
The Western Apusini Mountains (Bihor karst) is a large complex limestone unit
that contains more than 7,000 caves. A cavers paradise.
Our little house is by the entrance to one of Romanias major caves: Ciur Ponor
Ciur Izbuc Cave system. The second day we were there two Romanian cavers
showed up to bunk in the main house, which has a self catering kitchen
(interesting phrase) with stove, fridge, etc and room for 25-30 cavers without
crowding. Add beer and you could fit more.
We visited several nearby caves.
Farcu Mine which dug into the Cave of the Crystals. Small but gorgeous. Like
Caverns of Sonora, but not as extensive. It has about 30 "butterflies" , but
none to compare to Sonora's missing one. Clear, transparent helectites and
more.
Meziad Cave. Huge passage but most of the formations were dry and dusty. A
bit of a disappointment, but we were comparing it to the best of the best.
Bear Cave. A fantastic paleo site and quite a beautiful cave. On the order of
140 cave bear skulls and a lot more. A must visit if you are in the area.
The next day was Monday and developed caves and museums were closed. Besides,
it was raining. So we moved on.
Dirt Doc
Sent from Samsung tablet
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