The Beach!

Short interruption in updates due to much needed rest at the seaside. We enjoy very much not having to get up before sunrise, for a change! Corsica's southern coast beaches are most beautiful with white sands and turquoise waters. Also some local attractions can be found here, like Bonifacio, an ancient city perched on the cliffs high above water (view from nearby).

Done!

Today we arrived safely in Vizzavona after taking on our last mountain pass. Last night was a little scary because Jewel didn't feel well and the freezing wind was howling over the mountain. But in the morning things looked better and we were on our way at 8:30. The descent was long and tough, and the whole hike took about 7hrs, much more then quoted by the book. I guess we're a little worn out by now. After 10days of relentless trekking we calculated a total of 6700m climbing ascent. No more hiking for now!

Almost there!

Last night was very windy and we could hardly sleep with the tent flapping about. Also feeling very sore and beat up now. In the morning it was cold and foggy. Thank god this stage is one of the shorter ones with only 4.5 hrs projected. However nothing is easy on the GR20! At the end we had to climb up 400m to reach the shelter. Tonight we are herded inside a corral such that the pigs (pic, check in the background, they're waiting!) won't harass us. Tomorrow the last climb of the trip, up 670m to reach a pass at 2100m. Food fantasies are setting in!

Vendetta!

Fantastic stage of the GR20: crossing the highest pass at 2225m, walking on the ridge overlooking glacial lakes and the endless mountain ranges in the distance. However at night Paul fell victim to Napoleon's revenge, along with a number of other hikers coming in from the same direction. Still not clear if the water from Manganu or heat and exhaustion is to blame. Passing the magic number of 2000m alt still makes us start wheezing and panting, quite a show. Image of the day: the view of the refuge of Pietra Piana from high above.

Ole!

Already one week on the trail! We're in Corsica's high valleys now, where green alpine pastures with livestock dominate the scenery. This is also where you can get Corsica's famous aromatic cheese directly from the producer. Great addition to the freeze dried stuff we have otherwise! Funny incident today: a young bull wandered into the camping area of the refuge and started molesting people. With the help of a red T-shirt and some courageous hikers we finally got rid of him.

Taking it easy

Today is our 6th day on the trail. We're feeling a bit tired so we decided to take it easy, doing only the 3.5hrs to the next refuge and stopping in between for swimming in the rock pools. Yesterday climbed up to the hole in the top of Tafunatu! Splendid view on swirling cloud masses and jagged peaks around.

Difficult!

The 4th stage turned out to be a tough one. We started a bit late (the red wine!) and we had to race up the mountain to make it before the thunderstorm. Spectacular views in the cirque de la solitude however technical climbing up and down iron chains. Not so easy!

Altitude 1991m

That's where we are right now, just below the peaks of Paglia Orba and Tafunatu (see picture). Short hike today but very difficult. Actually, every day is difficult so far. Imagine hiking Breakneck ten times up and down with a full backpack! Therefore: tomorrow we will take it easy and hang out at the nature pools.