Lower Danube
May-June 2013
Lower Danube |
In the 1990s after the fall of the Soviet Union,
the Danube River through the Balkans was a scene of violence Now cyclists are invited to tour its length and river cruise ships brings tourists to see this beautiful region, finally at peace |
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The river is very wide, but narrows suddenly
as we approach a gorge Although beautifully scenic, transversing these water can be trecherous. Construction of 2 massive locks, the Iron Gates, has helped control the flow of the river |
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This sailing day was particularly windy |
The white blob
in the distance is a greenhouse |
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It is a sparsely populated region |
rimmed by rocky crags |
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A few enjoy riverside living |
Roads must be reinforced to minimize rockslides |
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We are approaching a town |
with 2 of 3 towers visible of a submerged castle-fortress |
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Approaching another gorge |
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Visibility of oncoming ship traffic is limited |
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Caves dot the shoreline |
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A few locals enjoy the water's edge |
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This lighthouse has been transformed into a church |
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The Romans invaded this region and
controlled it for centuries
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