What to do around Murighiol when it rains?

After two years of expeditions in the Danube Delta, it was time for our third. We had never paddled around Uzlina, but the Universe clearly thought we'd wait some more even though we had prepared gear, supplies, and a good paddling plan.

We were stunned by the endless poppy fields, more than we had ever seen! Before entering Saraiu, we stopped and got closer to the red.

Welcomed kindly by our hosts in Murighiol and their enchanting garden full of roses and jasmine, we woke up to sunshine. Then, a sudden storm lasted long enough to make us reconsider our plans.

It was the first time it had rained in the Delta in the morning and the third time it had rained in total in 13 years of trips there, at times more than twice a year, twelve of which were with our kayaks.

 

So, how did we still manage to enjoy our beautiful surroundings?

 

In the Delta--

• Paddle and rejoice

We drove to Dunavăţu de Jos and stopped by Lake Barcaz [I had a hunch and fell in love with it the moment I saw it].

You enter via a short canal; then, there's the lake inhabited by a family of pelicans, like many are around the Delta. They are friendly and don't get easily scared; this way, you can get very close to them. There is also an islet; to its left, you reach a canal. At the first intersection, to your right, you reach another canal. About twenty minutes later, on your right, a small entrance marks the way to a narrow canal [we missed it the first time around] to Lake Soschi. [Around Uzlina, we were supposed to paddle lakes Isac and Isăccel, so I said we'd exchange the two lakes for the other two.] Sadly, we couldn't paddle with such a limited space.

On the main canal, however, you can reach other wonders. Rain reached a paddle boarder we befriended and us, so we were grateful for what we had!

 

• Eat locally

In Dranov, there is Danube Delta View, a small family business. You can practise water sports at this location. You can rent gear, too; plus, there are rooms to book. We went there to eat, were kindly welcomed, given suggestions about other things to do in the area, and enjoyed the... view! Our dinner was delicious, and I wholeheartedly recommend a stop there.

• Walk along the lakefront in Murighiol

It is a wonderful spot by Lake Murighiol. We were there in the evening, the light was superb, and we witnessed many swans enjoying the breeze.

 

• Head to the Observatory [Observator] by the landing pier

Climbing to the top provided a good view of Lake Murighiol, St. George Branch, and the places we paddled in June 2024, on our way to the sea.

 

• If you plan to head to Tulcea, stop at Piaţa Nouă for fresh and tasty fruits and vegetables, even small trees to buy and fish [if you eat fish].

 

Outside the Delta--

• Farther even, in Slobozia, there is the National Museum of Agriculture, an impressive collection helping you to understand Romania better.

 

• The road from Slobozia to Lehliu Gară is very scenic. With the multitude of poppies, we were blessed with incredible sights!

 

• Coming from the Delta [or the Black Sea], we usually stop at 'La Partid' to eat some incredible food and have some gorgeous drinks [e.g. Sifonier – a cocktail with lavender syrup] and enjoy the company of the loving and adorable animals that this restaurant takes care of.

 

Well, it wasn't our typical Delta. But it was one we'd remember! We know one thing for sure: we didn't have time to get bored!