Marcy and John Beard Picture Set #4 - October 2003

Corsica

In October we had a chance to take a ferry to Corsica and explore the island for a few days.

We (and our car) boarded the ferry for an overnight trip to Bastia.
We slept in a nice cabin and woke up in Corsica. An adventure!


One of the many towers around the edge of the island

It was really windy the day we arrived. The waves on the west side of the island were impressive.

The best part was the change in scenery every time we came over another hill or turned a corner.

We slept in the car in a camping area at a higher elevation, then awoke to a dusting of snow and frost. Undeterred, we forged ahead with our planned hike, following a trail toward Monte Cinto. The trail was interesting, with pretty scenery, and several scrambles up rock faces and in crevases.

A view of the sea over a nearby mountain range.

About 400 meters from the top we were turned back by an icy section of rock with sketchy footing.


See, the peak is just over that way... we never did get a good view of the top. Next time!


Another peek at the sea










One of several ancient bridges we found.




Company at our next camping spot. Tourist buses would stop here just so people could feed the cute piglets.




A hike on the east side, different terrain and vegetation. But always lots of rocks.








Hiking and eating lunch always calls for a little nap.


One of the more interesting animal entourages seen on the locals roads.

We finally found an open via ferrata site, taking the opportunity to try it out. An excellent course, not too difficult and with playful challenges.

We especially liked the cable cargo net, climbed from the inside so you got a view of the valley while climbing up.

I most enjoyed our hike in Les Aiguilles, or The Needles. After the via ferrata, we drove up to Col de Bavella. From there we hiked through Les Aiguilles, down the backside, and then up a valley to climb Monte Incudine at 2100 meters. It was getting late after we came back Incudine, so we ran along a trail down the valley, chasing the sun as it descended. It was just after dark when we finally found the car. Long day, but very satisfying.

A great little motel near our departure point of Ajaccio. Sunset (and just resting) was spectacular.

Our ferry home :)


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