June 2013 Corsica’s GR20

For the third time in the last 5 years a contingent of vigorous hikers, Bob, Lou and Steve, followed Cliff Noyes longstanding lead and journeyed to Corsica, France to hike the famous and spectacular GR20, widely considered the most challenging long distance trek in Europe. The 3 groups all had somewhat different but positive experiences, even though this time the group planned their trek following closely the lead of Bart, Dave and David last time.

Bob and company traveled south to north unguided and without reservations covering 14 stages from the Col de Bavella to Calenzana, completing all but Stage 4 because of concerns about dangerous snow conditions. Along the way they covered about 110 miles and ascended about 37,000 feet, utilizing all of the high variants except for Stage 11 (bad weather) and Stage 9 (dangerous snow traverse). Bob and Lou did all but 3.5 km of Stage 4 and added the old GR20 high route that connects Stages 3 and 4; Steve summited Monte Cinto, Corsica’s highest peak. The 2013 contingent experienced more snow than the other two, but also more crowded refuges despite hiking in early to mid-June.

Pictures at https://photos.app.goo.gl/S5ctPSj3rcPBNs479