Andorra > Between mountain lakes and peaks

It rained heavily last night, but when I get up in the morning, it’s dry. I even see some patches of blue sky through the clouds. When I open the window, I notice that it’s much cooler than the past few days. I estimate that the temperature outside is still below fifteen degrees. In the breakfast room, we sing for Yvonne.

Andorra - Lunch at the refugio near Lake Cabana Sorda

It’s her birthday today. Together, we bought a small gift for her. At half past nine, I’m ready for today’s hike. I put on an extra shirt and carry my rain gear in my backpack. I walk from the hotel into the Val d’Incles. I had already walked part of this valley on Saturday afternoon. The valley ends at the French border, but I don’t go that far. I cross the meadow just before the middle and take the path on the other side of the valley. The path gradually climbs—a solid ascent of over an hour. When I emerge from the forest and reach above the tree line, the fresh wind picks up strongly. I put on my rain jacket against the wind. It’s cooler than I expected, and I even briefly regret not having brought my gloves. I continue along the path past the barren mountain slopes. The view is stunning. I see clouds swirling around the peaks. The landscape is rugged, and I often have to step from rock to rock. Mountain streams flow between the stones. Around noon, I arrive at Estany Cabana Sorda, a large mountain lake at 2,300 meters. The crystal-clear water reflects the surrounding peaks. On the slopes above the lake, I see remnants of snow from last winter. The snow is too high to walk to. I make my way to the refugio by the lake. At this stone mountain hut, I eat my lunch. The sun is shining, and I sit sheltered from the wind behind the hut.

Andorra - Crossing the plateau from mountain lake to mountain lake

Just as I’m about to continue, the sky darkens briefly. A few drops fall, and I put on my poncho just in case. I don’t want to get wet combined with the cold wind. I continue along the same altitude as the lake. The plain is covered with tufts of grass and stones. Down below, I see Soldeu and the ski slopes. After about half an hour, I reach the Estany d’Anrodat mountain lake, a small pond of icy meltwater. Luckily, I can put my poncho away again here. From the lake, I descend back into the Val d’Incles—a steep and long rocky descent. I have to watch carefully where I place my feet to avoid slipping. I occasionally stop to enjoy the view. At one point, I slip, but luckily there’s no damage. I do notice, however, that the soles of my hiking boots are starting to come loose at the back. I’m afraid I’ll need to look for new shoes when I get home. The descent leads back into the Incles valley. I reach the valley without further incident and follow the footpath back to Soldeu. On the terrace by the hotel, the birthday cake is served. I think I’ve earned both a piece of cake and a beer.