The beginning
Good fucking lord, I want to die! I would have knocked Tania over after the first 3 hours to end this miserable hike if she would have been anywhere near me, but she pretty much kicked my ass and was so far ahead that I couldn't see her at most times...Bitch.
I knew today would be difficult, a "trial by fire" as our guide books stated, with a 5,000ft ascent into oblivion. It began rather peacefully, with a constant ascent that was pretty steep and difficult, but not impossible. We made it to the first clearing in good time, and chose this point to enjoy our lunch. We ran into two Italian girls that we had met yesterday on the train to Calvi who were also sitting, enjoying the view.
About an hour into our hike
After a good 45 min break, Tania and I put our packs back on and continued to march. This is where things got dodgy. I mentioned in a previous post that this was NOT a typical trail, but rather, scrambling (which up until this point I didn't know meant that you would be needing to use your hands to climb- between mountain climbing and rock climbing). About three hours into our day, we reached our first scramble area.
First Scramble- Can you see Tania??
I have noted some lessons learned thus far:
1. Learn what a scramble is before you arrive at that portion of the trail so you don't pee in your pants in fear. I would suggest rocking climbing once or twice in advance with a bag that weighs as much as another person and see if you can do it. If not, don't go on the GR20.
2. If you bring walking poles, which I suggest to all that you do because they are amazing, make sure you buy the correct size. Not knowing anything about hiking poles, I just bought a pair and didn't look at them until I made it to the trail. Mine maxed out at 110cm, and I apparently need 120cm. I was hunched over in an attempt to use them during every decent. Pain in the ass.
3. BRING ENOUGH WATER!!! Unlike Tania who can be compared to a camel in that she can survive on one cup of water per week, I went through my camelback about halfway through the trip (I drank it as quickly as an alcoholic downs a beer after not having a drink in three days) and had to suffer the rest of the way using my saliva as hydration. That doesn't work, in case you were wondering.
4. Fuck food, it is too heavy. Just carry snacks and eat at the refuges
5. Why in G-ds name did I bring a 5lb solar panel???
6. I would highly suggest NOT making the GR20 the hike that pops your trekking cherry.
After seven hours of misery, we arrived at our first refuge where I dramatically dropped to the ground and kissed the soil that was to be my bed for the evening. We set up camp, and spent the rest of the evening eating chocolate and talking to some other travelers about the day. I popped my first blister of the hike, and stared out at the view. Day 1 complete
Our yogurt cups that we carried all 10 days
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