Ascent of Monte Ritondu
This morning we awake to a clear sky for the first time in four days. The mood around camp is noticeable higher given the improvement in weather.
Today the four of us plan an excursion off the GR20 and to make an ascent of Monte Ritondu (2,622m), the second highest mountain on Corsica to make up for not scaling Monte Cinto on Day 4.
We ascend a less used path up onto the hillside above the refuge – looking back we can see clouds racing in from the horizon. We push on climbing more steeply and finally a scramble up a narrow gully to a gap in the rocks. At 2,280m we are the highest point we have been to so far on Corsica. The view across to Monte Ritondu is spectacular with the Lavu Bellebone lake in the foreground.
However, behind and below us the clouds are approaching fast threatening a thunderstorm. We decide to retreat without summiting and retrace our steps to the refuge.
Petra Piana is the nicest and cleanest refuge on the route – the Gardien is a petite lady with a lovely dog called Blanca (the Corsican for white for obvious reasons). The Gardien’s hut is separate from the main refuge and she can be found baking the most delicious cakes as her dog warms himself by the open fire.
In the evening the Belgian boys arrive in camp – they have finally caught us up after an epic crossing of the Cirque in damp conditions.
Today the four of us plan an excursion off the GR20 and to make an ascent of Monte Ritondu (2,622m), the second highest mountain on Corsica to make up for not scaling Monte Cinto on Day 4.
We ascend a less used path up onto the hillside above the refuge – looking back we can see clouds racing in from the horizon. We push on climbing more steeply and finally a scramble up a narrow gully to a gap in the rocks. At 2,280m we are the highest point we have been to so far on Corsica. The view across to Monte Ritondu is spectacular with the Lavu Bellebone lake in the foreground.
However, behind and below us the clouds are approaching fast threatening a thunderstorm. We decide to retreat without summiting and retrace our steps to the refuge.
Petra Piana is the nicest and cleanest refuge on the route – the Gardien is a petite lady with a lovely dog called Blanca (the Corsican for white for obvious reasons). The Gardien’s hut is separate from the main refuge and she can be found baking the most delicious cakes as her dog warms himself by the open fire.
In the evening the Belgian boys arrive in camp – they have finally caught us up after an epic crossing of the Cirque in damp conditions.
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