More than a year separates my reunion with my friend William. Last time, we were walking the deserted Cathar trail out of season. This time, however, we’ve chosen a far more touristy route: the GR20.
We arranged to meet in Marseille to catch the boat. I make this journey by train from Bordeaux, on a line I’m starting to know by heart. Fortunately, Giono keeps me company during these 6.5 hours of waiting, and I finish devouring Que ma Joie Demeure.
We’re happy to see each other again; I feel like we saw each other just yesterday. We barely have time for a beer when the ferry is waiting for us. Actually, it’s not really waiting — we’re within a hair’s breadth of missing it, and the staff give us a serious dressing-down for being so late. They still let us on board, unlike a few other hikers who aren’t so lucky.
As is my habit, I haven’t booked a cabin, so we settle on the floor of the bar, where the night will be short, restless and noisy.
We emerge around 6am, surrounded by the smells of coffee and croissants. We dock an hour later and jump ashore. After a quick breakfast on a terrace, we head to the road to hitchhike.
After a few mishaps, we get picked up and reach Calenzana in two stages.
We set up on a dusty, hot patch of ground. We think we’re alone, but by 6pm the campsite is packed to the brim, tents stacked on top of each other. Fortunately, the neighbours are very friendly and we have a good chat.
Tomorrow, departure is set for 5:30am to arrive early at the lodge, which we haven’t booked…
33 degrees in the shade, you said “pretty hot”. Good luck to you both for this beautiful adventure.
Absolutely thrilled about new adventures! What a great idea to keep this journal again! Bon voyage to both of you!!
Hi Ivan, That’s quite a start, it seems! Hope you managed to find a roof for the night after this first day… I think storms were forecast for Corsica…?! Thinking of you, hope you have a great time! Kisses😘😊