Estany Negre de Cabanes: Between Gerdar Forest and Glacial Lakes

After almost a month without doing a demanding route, it was time to get ready before the big challenge. Starting from the accommodation itself, I went into the Gerdar Forest (Bosc del Gerdar), a spectacular, dark, and solitary place, where the green clearings seem taken from a fairy tale.

As the forest receded, the landscape transformed, gaining altitude and Pyrenean character until reaching the lakes of Estany Negre de Cabanes and Estany Llong, surrounded by granite blocks and imposing mountains.

And, as expected, floral encounters along the way: Platanthera chlorantha, Neottia nidus-avis, Dactylorhiza maculata, and the Lilium pyrenaicum are beginning to bloom.

A good warm-up to leave the pause behind and face what's next with strength!