Iron Gate

Sorry for the lengthy radio silence. I caught a cold, and although I've been able to enjoy the sights, cities, and events along the way, I did not have the energy to do any photo editing or writing.

Yesterday we reached the stretch of the Danube known as the Iron Gate. There are mountains on both sides, and the river channel narrows dramatically. Throughout history, this has been a frontier of one sort or another. The Romans defended their empire against the barbarians here, the Austro-Hungarians tried to keep out the Turks here, etc., etc.

Very dramatic landscape. Around one corner was a tiny monastery built into the cliffs. Farther along is a huge, famous carved face, a Dracian king. I had been under the impression that it was very old, but no, it was carved in the 20th century.