Day 43 - Iron Gate

We spent the night travelling along the Danube which forms the boundary between Serbia and Romania.

Friday 8 July: In the morning we headed towards the "Iron Gate" which is a narrow gorge through which the Danube passes. For most of the trip so far, the scenery has consisted of flatlands with trees or pastures. Quite different to the highly populated Rhine.

As we approached the “Iron Gate”, the river became narrower and we were bounded by steep cliffs on both sides. The Danube has been dammed here, and to continue the trip we have to pass through two sequential locks.

In the first we drop 20 metres, and in the second, 14 metres. In other words the dam is 35 metres high which has effected the river upstream for 150 kilometres. At least 5 villages and 17,000 people were relocated.

Before the locks were completed in 1972, the passage was quite treacherous as the water sped up because of the narrow gorge. The locks are jointly managed by Serbia and Romania, taking turns week about to operate them – and collect the revenue.

They are so big that up to four ships can be transferred at a time. It's getting harder to upload and transmit photos as internet access on the river is getting worse as we travel further east.

Day 47 - Iron Gate

Tuesday 12 July: Today was an on-board cruising day, and we were grateful for the rest-day. Surprisingly, even with what seems to be little activity compared to the earlier days before the cruise of walks, hikes and transport transfers.

As a treat, the crew put on free ice-cream on the top deck. Of course we had to participate which wasn’t too difficult given the 30+C conditions.

This has created some lapses in on-board dress standards. When we booked, there was supposed to be an on-board pool. There is, but it’s only 20 cm deep and is not to be used – feature only. Nevertheless I decided to at least soak my feet!

Another treat was in store in the evening – a Baklan roast. We were looking forward to this a change from individually prepared meals. The meals have been pretty good, although with a preponderance of pork.

I usually have the vegetarian option as these meals are quite good. Frances has been enjoying lots of fish. Anyway the Baklan roast ended up being PORK: Suckling Pig, stuffed with pork mince, Roast Pork, and …Roast Pork Knuckle. I’d kill for some beef or lamb.

Most evenings there is a live music duo, although the repertoire is pretty-well limited to popular standards, with the odd tango or waltz thrown in.

Our on-board activities are pretty exciting. Frances commences a jig-saw puzzle today. We do some exercises though – Frances joins the morning exercise class, and I practice tai chi on deck – however balancing on one leg on the top deck of a moving ship in the morning breeze can be a challenge.