Page 11 - AMA Summer 2024

We had a quick water refill and couscous for dinner. Everyone got a fresh shower, but as expected, the shower and toilet are not ideal in the mountains. Everyone went to bed early to have a good night’s sleep before we left for our next destination.
The following morning, we left early after a light breakfast. The trek was a slow descent through tree-covered mountains, with a few stops along the route to admire a magnificent stream and put our feet in the pleasantly cold water. The route was enjoyable and easy to follow. We had a fantastic day, enjoying a refreshing swim in a lake, and the rest felt luxurious. We arrived at our destination with a positive attitude among everyone. We went to bed early every night as part of our routine because the following day we had to ascend 2005 metres above sea level, which was expected to be a challenging journey.
Getting out of a sleeping bag was the most difficult task on that chilly morning. We left early again, but this time by a more challenging route. The vista was stunning, and I felt extremely fortunate to have climbed in such a beautiful area with my crew. During our visit, we also captured numerous drone photos. In several places, we had to cross narrow passages while holding onto a chain; a slip could have resulted in a deadly injury.
As I fear heights, I recall having to pass a big rock and a slab when we arrived at the top of the mountain. I was trapped on the slab and the rock, and when I looked behind me, I saw a large fall. I didn’t like how my drone pack was on my chest, making it difficult for me to grip the large boulder in front of me, and I could feel my foot slipping. It was a memorable and terrifying moment for me. When we got to our next stop, we laughed a lot about it although it was not so funny at the time.
The most difficult aspect of the hike was managing my bulky backpack and navigating the uneven, up-and-down terrain. The most satisfying part was arriving at the refuge camp, where everyone was able to enjoy a nice cold refreshing drink while sitting on a bench or large rock and admiring the beautiful panorama below. At night, the sky and stars seem so close together and magnificent, bringing out my inner child who longed to jump and touch it. We also came across some of the most breathtaking scenery and natural features, like meandering streams, lush forests, glistening lakes, and vivid mountain landscapes. We were surrounded by clean air and nature.
Our bodies and legs adapted to the hike, and as the days passed, the weight in my rucksack decreased, but the route never became any easier. Every day presented a challenge, but our team’s strong bonds and communication kept spirits up. Day by day, we supported and encouraged one another. It felt like a tremendous accomplishment to glance back at the map to see the mountains we had passed. During the 14-day hike, we encountered a variety of weather, from strong wind and rain to foggy and sunny days. Hiking is a mentally and physically challenging adventure and as a team we aced it.
The GR20 is a long-distance mountain path linking Calenzana in North West Corsica to Conca in the South East. Comprising 16 stages, the path meanders its way through every possible terrain that this Mediter- ranean island has to offer. From wooded and agricul- tural valleys to granite ridges and peaks, the route takes the avid adventurer on an epic 210km journey over an ‘undulating’ profile of 12,800m of ascent and 13,400m of descent – enough to keep the legs burning. Although each stage offers its own unique challenges, it is stages six and seven that will really test your mettle. From Ciottulu to Petra Piana, these stages boast 42km under foot but with a more forgiving vertical profile (about 1300m of ascent over the two days) and topping out at 2000m. If this is too much, then Castel di Vergio can be used as an additional stop over and the distance covered over three days.
There is plenty to see on this route, so it is advised that you tackle it in 14-16 days. For those wanting a less demanding venture however, then Vizzavona midway along the trail can be used as an alternate start or finish. Whichever location you choose to begin or end your trek, all three are reasonably well connected by road or rail.
The route is served by a chain of privately owned refuges providing dormitory accommodation, water and food (seasonal) with a dedicated guardian between May and October, and indoor and outdoor cooking facilities for self-catering groups. Those travelling light can benefit from pre-pitched tents situated near the refuge, or simply pay for a pitch if carrying your own. Wild camping elsewhere along the route, fires and BBQs are not permitted but taking a dip in one of the trail’s numerous rock pools and streams is actively encouraged. There is probably no better way to refresh those aching muscles that inevitably come with such an epic exploration of this small French island.
Source: https://www.le-gr20.fr
ARMY MOUNTAINEER › 11