Our second last day and we can’t believe it has almost finished, months of prep and planning. We woke up at our mountain hostel, with Cami going out for some early morning shots, whilst Craig and Andrew had some breakfast.

Before long, Emil was taking us back down the mountain, in a scene which resembled Top Gear. A kind gesture, Emil offered to drop us off in Carta where we would be staying the night, a drive which included a water crossing!

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Arriving at the campsite, we were depleted of cash, so the tents were pitched and an hour long walk to the nearest atm was on the cards. Morale hit a low point on that walk due to a lack of cash, tiredness and horrific driving, making the walk less enjoyable than before.

However, once the atm was reached and food bought, morale went up again with jokes being cracked on the way back. Although, when the rain started pouring down it didn’t sit too well!

Once back, an exploration of Carta took place. Carta is a small and rural town with a more traditional way of life. This was highlighted when a herd of cows paraded through the streets, even some of them making trips into people’s backgardens! (Got some decent photos though)

With night approaching we were all day in the shelter at the campsite (the only place that had outlets) as all of our battery packs and camera batteries had died from the previous days. After a while however, we all headed to the tents for some shut-eye. Well that was our second last day. Till next time, adios from Team Troon.

With a relatively early start to the day, we were headed out of the campsite at Carta. However, we were around 5 minutes late out of the site so as a team we decided on a shortcut, to which the railway bridge looked a good option. After checking that no trains were due and realising that there was a pedestrian path on one side of the bridge, we crossed which cut out 20 minutes of our journey.With a further 30 minute walk we made it to the intersection that we were getting picked up at. The arrival of Emil, the host at our hostel, marked the beginning of our journey into the mountains.

Our destination was the Transfagarasan Road, famous for being Top Gear’s ‘Worlds Greatest Road’. To say the least, the road was twisty to a sickening level!

Once up there however, the views were stunning and we got used to our hostel for the night, a cosy one for definite.

Heading out of the hostel, we passed through the tunnel (which was FREEZING!) and headed to the market next to Balea Lake, a bustling place and quite unexpected for us. With coffees and crepes bought we then headed to get some scenic pictures.

With pictures in the bag, the team headed for dinner, and we were in for more than we thought! First came a soup that was more like a main in portion size, then a full plate of meat and onion to top it off.

After dinner had been sorted, a trip back outside was planned and executed for some blue hour images and footage. On our excursion we met a very friendly American woman who we talked to for what seemed like ages.

As the team arrived back at the hostel, we sat out in the communal area for a while before heading back to the room and meeting our two roommates from the Netherlands who we had a chat with, although apparently my (Cami’s) accent is a bit too strong for some to understand when we talk to some other foreigners. Till next time, adios from Team Troon.

For Team Troon, Day 7 was a busy day with all our minor projects becoming complete and traveling out into rural Romania.

The day started by parting ways with Team 5 who were off to meet the local scouts again, whilst we were getting prepared to make our way into old town. With this new day, we planned to complete the rest of our minor projects including taking a picture with the most interesting person we can find, dress in traditional clothing and many more.

The day continued with a spot of lunch before revisiting all the three major churches of Sibiu, along with the Bridge of Lies.

With all the activities in Sibiu done for the day, we headed back to the accomodation, but not before a stop at Kaufland (the BEST supermarket!) for some food for the next few days in rural Romania. Afterwards, we loaded the rucksacks and headed for City Burger, the place to be for dinner.

With a meal finished, next on the list was to catch the 19:20 train to Carta. On the train we encountered a drunk man (although a very nice man) who took a liking to chatting to us, well, grunting at us! After he had expressed his liking of Andrew’s muscles and Cami’s braces we arrived at the stop and hopped off.

Now, we weren’t expecting much from this small town, but boy were we wrong! As soon as we stepped in everyone was as friendly as can be, hello’s and high-fives all around, along with horses and cart’ s lining the streets.

With the arrival at the campsite, we pitched the tents and prepared for our journey up the Transfagarasan into the mountains the next day. Till next time, yet again, adios from Team Troon.

Day 6 was an early start for both ourselves and Team 5 who we were going with to Sibiu for the day. With a 4am start, we were up and out of the hostel, on the way to Bartolomeu Train Station.

Once there, a snack was in order so a petrol station was found and snacks were consumed. We noticed that there are many different types of trains that passed us, seemingly different companies or locations. With the sun rising we hopped on to our train and found our seats.

As everyone slowly started to doze off, the train journey flew by, even though it was 3hrs and 45mins long. Arriving in Sibiu, we went for coffee until the time arrived that we were all able to check into Team 5’s accomodation. Once at our home for the night, Team Troon (us) paid for our three extra people (making a 6 person accomodation into an 8) and made ourselves familiar with the place, even though it was still a construction site!

Before long, we headed out once more with Team 5 to meet some local scouts who they had planned to meet. After a meal and some chat, they showed us around the picturesque city and played a game with us, teaching us the rules.

With goodbyes said, we all parted ways and headed to Kaufland, the mother of all supermarkets here. Supplies bought, a homebound walk to the hostel was undertaken. By this point it was around 7:30pm, and some of us were not staying at the hostel all night!

Three of us, Andrew, Cami and Peter went back out onto the streets of Sibiu. Andrew and Peter went to the running track whilst Cameron went into town in order to get some footage.

With everyone back at the accomodation, we stayed up and chilled before heading to bed, only to find that our very own Andrew had found himself locked in the toilet. With a brill effort from both teams, the door was finally unlocked by Craig. Needless to say, we left it there and went to our beds!

Till the next blog, adios from Team Troon.

Day 5 for Team Troon involved exploring what Brasov had to offer. After a thankfully uneventful night at the clown hostel, we headed out with the cable car in our sights.

Once we made it to the base of the ride, we paid our fees and were on the ride up. Once we were up there, and a short walk had been undertaken, we arrived at the Brasov sign. Making two for two, visiting both the Rasnov and Brasov signs. With some filming and pictures achieved we headed back down, meeting another passenger who had been involved in scouting recently.

Once down, the exploration of the old town was underway, with a stop at the Black Church and the Council Tower before a bite to eat.

Afterwards, the decision to try the local cinema was willingly made, with Spiderman Far From Home the movie of choice (although we won’t reveal any spoilers!). With popcorn and 3D glasses in hand we enjoyed a peaceful time at the cinema before getting the news that Team 5 had just booked into our very special Clown Hostel!

Meeting up with Team 5 at the hostel, we headed to meet the Leader Team for a quick chat and photo before a lovely pasta meal for dinner. With that, we headed back, stopping at the park and then the hostel.

After consulting with the group, we decided to change tomorrow’s plans and head to Sibiu for the next nights stay, as there was more scope for achieving our minor projects. With that we were off to bed for an early rise, till next time, adios from Team Troon.

@scoutsscotland

@southwestscotlandscouts

@southwestscotlandexplorers

@southwestscotlandnetwork

@naascouts

@kandcscouts

@beargrylls

With our lodging at the Leaders house coming to a close, we prepared to head out and make way to Brasov.

To do this, we decided that we would try the railway in order to get used to it for later on during the exped.

To say the least, it was an adventure. We didn’t expect to be climbing over the rails but what must be done will be done. From that point it was a nice journey to Bartolomeu station, Brasov.

Now, we were not prepared for what happened next. We arrived at the hostel only to find ourselves surrounded by evil clown dolls, like something out a horror movie! It was a cosy and upbeat atmosphere however and we settled in before heading out into the old town of Brasov for a meal.

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After exploring the squares and a meal had been devoured, we headed back to the hostel for a late night of chilling and meeting our roommates. Till next time, adios from Team Troon.

@scoutsscotland
@southwestscotlandscouts
@southwestscotlandexplorers
@southwestscotlandnetwork
@naascouts
@kandcscouts
@beargrylls

Day 3 for Team Troon started off at Vampire Campsite with breakfast of delicious pastries. Fast forward to mid day and we were all packed up and ready to leave the vampires of Bran behind.

Around 2pm we arrived at the bus stop, with full kit in tow, raring to go, only to have to wait for 45 minutes. When the bus finally made an appearance we hopped on and set off for Rasnov, our destination for the night.

After the walk into Rasnov, we arrived at the leaders house where we would be lodging. Saying our farewells, we went to Rasnov Citadel via the cable car.

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We still don’t know who had the sign first, Rasnov or Hollywood?

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After the citadel, a meal and some chill time was the activities for the rest of the evening for Team Troon. Till next time, adios.

Our second day was an early start, with us heading to the shop for breakfast before heading to Libearty Bear Sanctuary.

We arrived earlier than we expected so sat under shade, thankfully, until our tour. The tour was very informative and we learned of the hard work that the volunteers to in order to give the bears a happier life. We also found out how horrendously animals were treated before going to the sanctuary.

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During the tour however, we saw the clouds getting dark and the inevitable thunder opened up. Before long rain was pouring and lightning was striking. Hailstone the size of paintballs were falling but we were in cover at the time so everyone was safe.

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This rain went on for some while but eventually let up in time for us to head for dinner in Bran. We met up with another team and went into the centre for a meal. Another adventurous day for the team and till next time, adios.

@scoutsscotland
@southwestscotlandscouts
@southwestscotlandexplorers
@southwestscotlandnetwork
@naascouts
@kandcscouts
@beargrylls

With the days of preparation behind us we made a relatively late start to Day 1 at 10:00am, heading off towards Bran, the mythical home of Dracula.

With the sun bearing down on us we continued on our journey, soon reaching the halfway point. After walking for 2.5 hours we were halted by a bus that invited us in. Taking the lead was Andrew who told the driver our destination of Vampire Camping and soon we had arrived.

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After pitching our tents, we headed off down the streets into the shadow of Bran Castle (Dracula’ s Castle), having a filling lunch of pizza before touring the building and learning of the history and lore of the place.

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Heading into the night, we met the leaders and two of the network teams for dinner at a nearby hotel, a fitting end to our first day.

After a long day of travelling we have settled into our home for the first two nights.

After meeting at Glasgow Airport in kilts and full uniform, we boarded the plane to Bucharest for a 3.5 hour flight. From there we boarded the vans to Rasnov for a 2 hour drive towards our residence for the next 2 nights.

Although tired from the travelling we are raring to go for the next week’s and what they will bring.