A Week in Corsica

In the northern interior of the island, high up in the hills, is a town called Corte. It's the starting point of many hikes in treks. I stopped only briefly to buy lunch before continuing on to the Lac de Melo hiking trail. The road to the trail head took me along a beautiful forested river valley with stunning views and occasional wildlife. At one point, an eagle (or hawk? I can't quite remember) started gliding at the speed of my car just 10 feet above my dashboard, and for a few seconds, I got to watch its enormous wings outstretched like it was on display at a museum. Other times, I would have to share the narrow road with cows wandering from pasture to pasture.

The trail head is situated near a ton of goat farms, so of course I bought some on my way out. But first, I hiked the short but steep trail up to Lac de Melo. When I started, the day was warm and sunny. But I soon learned how quickly the weather can turn in the Corsican mountains. By the time I reached the top, it was cold, gusty, and rainy. I was practically blown over by the strong wind, and the cold rain chilled my hands and face. There is another lake just a short walk further, Lac de Capitello, but I wasn't dressed for the weather and decided to turn back. Part of the hike involves scrambling down a sheer rock face (with the aid of a chain rail in some places), which was nerve-racking given the weather. But I got down safely, bought my goat cheese, and headed home where goat cheese crepes awaited me.

Another highlight from Corsica was Le Fango, a small river south of Calvi. Starting from le pont de Tuarelli, I followed the riverside trail for hours. In summer months, it's a popular place to swim, but it was a chilly day in October so I decided to stay dry. Still, I found myself wanting to float down the crystal blue water and scramble over the rocks and waterfalls. On the plus side, I passed very few hikers and had the river mostly to myself. Downstream ways, I crossed Ponte Vecchio, a pretty stone bridge crossing the river. It was a short day trip, but well worth the time. I recommend this plan, especially for families and people who want to enjoy the wonders of nature. I would especially recommend visiting in summer!

One of those places that everyone should be able to appreciate