Refugio and Embalse de Respomuso desde Embalse de la Sarra

Torrents and waterfalls characterize today's stage. Rested and refreshed, we leave Sallent and follow the GR11 upstream toward the Refugio de Respomuso. In the lower section, dense boxwood bushes line the path, which is mostly paved with stones here. The night's thunderstorms have turned the stream into a murky stream. Even the Sarra reservoir has a milky hue today. Only further up, in the higher sections, does the water become clear again. Numerous tributaries plunge down the valley, forging their way, some directly over the hiking trail, which we can easily cross. We take our lunch break at the waterfall of the Barranco de Arriel. This is followed by a steep climb along the gorge of the Río Aguas Limpias. The dam of the Embalse de Respomuso, next to which stands the refuge of the same name, becomes visible from a distance. A brief glimmer of hope, but there's no free space today. The hut warden points us to a cabin across the street. This one, however, proves to be barely usable – the roof is leaking, the floor damp, and the atmosphere uninviting. So, all we have left is to search for a suitable campsite. We follow the HRP route for the next stage and find a spot at Campo Plano, where a small hill offers shelter from the wind. Not far away, a shepherd lives in a simple hut above the lake. Repeatedly, patches of fog drift low through the high valley, breaking briefly to reveal the surrounding peaks just over 3,000 meters high. Combined with the interplay of sun and clouds, a wild scenery emerges that lends the place a unique atmosphere – lonely, rugged, and yet impressive. Relive Video: https://www.relive.com/view/vDqg2RXV7G6

Today we decided to climb the Ibones de Arriel. Ibones are the name given to the natural mountain lakes here, which of course, like in the Alps, are the norm for the color turquoise 😍, at least when the sun is shining and the sky is blue. This view makes up for the exertions of the day🥰. Komoot seriously said that the climb was a T1 route 😂. In places we had to use our hands to hold on while walking, similar to the way home from the pub in the evening 🙄. In addition, the sun is doing its best at the moment🥵. After two days we have already exceeded the Mediun level 😏. But the biggest problem was the descent, which went about two kilometers over a scree field and had no significant markings. Unfortunately, there were also steep edges that added to the thrill😄. All in all, a very nice tour, but also very strenuous. But whatever, we're not here to laze around. Best wishes and a nice weekend to all🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️