Corsica – The true Jewel of the Mediterranean
Out of everywhere in the Med I was most looking forward to revisiting Corsica. I had sailed there with my parents a few years back and longed to return. It is probably one of the most breathtaking, dramatic and magnificent islands we’ve been to. Only about 100miles from the mainland of France it is surprising how few yachts cruise there considering the volume of yachts in the Cotes D’Azur. We were there in early September which is a magical time of year for cruising.
Corsica is most well known for its superb walking trails and treks. The grueling GR20 trail is one of the worlds top hiking trails, stretching 180km from Calenzana in the north, traversing diagonally, to Conca in the south. This is reputed to be one of the most difficult long-distance treks on the continent varying in height in about 10,000 meters with exposed scrambles, and at some point’s ladders and steel ropes to assist walkers! The whole thing takes at least two weeks, and involves staying in refuges or camping along the way.
Needless to say we didn’t have this length of time to commit to such a thing, however Paul and I have already starting about returning here next year! Hopefully the latter comment in itself should give you an idea of how much we liked this place. Out of everywhere we’ve been, it’s top of the list to return. Now that we are factoring in flight costs in this decision it does narrow our choice down to Europe. Whatever new island or place we next explore it will be sadly without LUSH as this magnificent chapter of our life is nearing the end.
This was actually our last week cruising on LUSH with Eddie and Marie before returning to Antibes (France) to do an overhaul on LUSH and handover to the new crew.
Coastal Corsica is breathtaking flanked by green foothills and dramatic rocky ridges and cliffs piercing the sky with miles of golden sand beaches below. There are six citadels on the island, the most famous being Bonifacio. Unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to visit Bonofico with Eddie but the memory of this wonderful town is still etched in my head since I came with my parents. Bonifacio is hands down the most dramatic town to come to by sea. As you approach the harbour entrance you are greeted by cliffs on either side that seam to just keep going skyward with a fortress sitting precariously on the cliff edge! Awesome!
We did manage to have a beautiful few days sailing along the south east corner of the island and had plenty of BBQs on the beaches ashore much to EJ’s delight! The natural harbour of Porto Vecchio was an ideal spot to finish our Corsican adventures. It has a charming citadel and old town on the hilltop and is steeped in history. We strolled about the medieval streets and ate dinner alfresco. Actually I think nearly every meal we’ve had, either onboard LUSH or ashore, over the past two years has been alfresco!
One Life….. Live it…. alfresco!
Lots of love,
Audrey xxx
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- Paul Adamson in the sunset
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- Sunset Corsica
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- Spectacular Corsica
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- EJ happy out coming ashore for a BBQ
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- Audrey brings back some decent west of Ireland meat on a visit home last week. EJs absolute favourite meal onboard was “Jack & Eddies” pork belly! Yum yum!
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- Paul cooking up some “Jack & Eddie’s” sausages on the BBQ!
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- BBQ and sundowners ashore
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- Corsican birds watching the sunset
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- Captain doing a spot of barnacle busting
Hi Audrey & Paul
Wow, what a fantastic two years you have all had. Iâve tracked your adventures since the beginning but all good things have to come to an end and what better place than the Med to do so. Your regular logs of this amazing trip, together with the photos and videos, must have been inspirational to all who have had the privilege of reading and seeing them. No matter where in the world you might have been before, little could have prepared you for this life-changing period of your life, the highs, the lows, the gruelling sea conditions and the fantastic sunsets in flat calm. It all makes for a more rounded attitude to life but what can follow an experience like this?! Not a regular 9 to 5 thatâs for sure!!
Thank you again for sharing all this so professionally and with such zeal. You are so right – One Life, Live It â but, sadly, so few people do.
All the very best for wherever and whatever is in next in store for you.
Peter Burrell
South of England
Hi Peter,
A MASSIVE THANK-YOU for such lovely kind words! Its fantastic to hear you have been following us and we are thrilled you enjoyed the posts and updates. To know people have been enjoying them keeps us motivated to write! We can’t thank you enough for getting in touch! There are a few more exciting posts and videos and photos to come! Stay Tuned! One Life…Live it Paul & Audrey 🙂
Audrey & Paul,
Sara & I agree with your assessment of Corsica, especially Bonifacio – astounding. Nevertheless, it is with extreme sadness that I write this – losing you & Lush, how very sad… If I ever could afford a professional crew, it would be you two.
Best,
Tom & Sara Hughes
S/Y Unconditional
Oyster 49-09
Hi Tom & Sara,
Thanks of your kind words we really appreciate them. You will not be losing anything!! We will still be blogging on here with lots of new adventures! Our vision for this blog is to be an inspirational resource and so stay with us and and I think you will really enjoy what is coming down the line! In the meantime we are busy writing our book about the amazing journey we have had the privilege to undergo over the past 2 years! Absolute best wishes Paul & Audrey! 🙂
Enjoy! Lovely photos! Xx
Sent on the go with Vodafone
Thanks Nancy! Hope all great with you? Send AL & Kizzy & the girls our love when you see them next! Best Wishes Paul & Audrey xx
Well done.
Thank you.
Armchair traveller.
Hi Frank,
Thanks a mills! Enjoy your arm chair travelling! We are doing the same at the moment as we put pen to paper writing about the past amazing 2 years!
Best Wishes
Paul & Audrey
Love reading your stories – always look forward to the emails- hope you return to St Helena one day Best regards Janice xxxx
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Hi Janice,
Thanks for letting us know! I hope life is great on that amazing island of your’s in the South Atlantic! 🙂 Best Wishes Paul & Audrey 🙂 xx