THE CORSICA HIGH ROUTE CHALLENGE JUNE 13-24, 2011 $1100 Roman Laba, Trip Leader TRIP IS NOW FULL - PLEASE CONTACT THE TRIP LEADER AS IT MAY BE OFFERED AGAIN IN 2012 The island of Corsica is a granite mountain range rising out of the Mediterranean Sea to a high point of 8878 feet. The Corsican High Route, (the GR20) is known as one of the most difficult and spectacular mountain hikes in the world. In ten days, we will hike the northern, more difficult part of the trail. Average days will be between three and five thousand feet of ascent and descent. This is a trip for A Plus hikers in good form who are looking for a challenge. We will carry tents and sleeping gear but our packs will be light as we take meals in the refuges and bergeries along the trail.  We will stay in hotels on five nights including the beginning and end of the trip.       How to get there:   The nicest way is to take a ferry from Nice to Calvi or L’Ile Rousse or Bastia. They go most days and take five hours. Our starting place of Calenzana is 12 kilometers from Calvi by bus or taxi.  You can reach Calvi by bus or train from Bastia or L’Ile Rousse. If you fly, Calvi or Bastia airports are the most convenient airports.  From Ajaccio, you would need most of a day to reach Calenzana. You may wish to book a departure from Ajaccio for your return.   Equipment:  We have to carry one day’s food in case a refuge is unexpectedly closed. We will spend seven nights in tents.  Probably the most important thing you can do to make a success of the trip other than being in good physical condition is to prepare a light pack of no more than 15 pounds. You will need a modern light tent such as the Z Packs Hexamid (9 ounces), Gossamer Gear, The One, (one pound) or the Big Agnes Fly Creek 2 for two persons. (2.4 pounds)  Depending on the winter’s snowfall, we may have to carry crampons and ice axes. There is no leeway on this. You must have a light pack in order to assure the success of the trip for everyone. Food and Lodging: Because of the way services are organized on the GR20, we cannot reserve meals in the refuges or pay in advance for meals. We will carry light tents and pay camping fees and pay for meals and food individually as we go. Conditions in the refuges make it preferable to carry a tent and camp in their vicinity.  Individual expenditure for food and camping fees should run about 250 Euros or 425 dollars. Lodging in hotels is included on five nights as indicated. Evening meals are provided on four days, breakfast on three. Level of conditioning:  If you are an ADK “A Plus” hiker who can do five and six thousand vertical feet in a sixteen mile day, you can probably do this trip. Indicators are to be able to do the Great Range trail or the traverse of Marcy, Skylight and Haystack in a comfortable days hike. You have to have the ability to move over rough, uneven, rocky and steep terrain. Payment Policy: a deposit of $385 is due at the time of registration; the remaining balance of $715 is due no later than March 1, 2011. Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel the trip at any time, an $85.00 ADK registration fee is non refundable. The balance of the deposit is fully refundable up to March 1, 2011. After March 1, 2011, no refunds are possible unless your space can be filled from a waiting list. However, if the ADK cancels the trip or if in the opinion of the leader this trip is not for you, the full amount will be refunded. Daily Itinerary   For more information and to sign up, contact the leader, Roman Laba, 22 Front Street, Schenectady, NY 12305; 518-374-2586, RomanLaba@aol.com PRICING: THIS TRIP IS SUBJECT TO AN INCREASE IN COST AT ANY TIME UNTIL THE TRIP'S DEPARTURE DATE. BECAUSE THIS IS AN INTERNATIONAL TRIP AND THE PRICE FOR THIS TRIP WAS ESTABLISHED IN MARCH OF 2010, IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR A SURCHARGE IF THE VALUE OF THE DOLLAR CONTINUES ITS DECLINE AGAINST THE EURO. Please note:  Prices and trip arrangements are subject to change due to circumstances beyond ADK's control. All registration fees are non-refundable. Details including cancellation policy will be supplied to all those requesting trip information. MEMBERSHIP IN THE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB IS REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPATION