We planned to hike the GR20 in 12 days, with one spare day in case of weather. We traveled to Corsica by plane, I arrived in Calvi. We took a taxi (cost 40Euro) to Calazonna to start the hike. We were not 100% sure on how we would get from Conca to Port a Vecchio (it was easy). Our plan was then to travel to Rome by ferry and rail, and spend a day there, before flying home.
We referred to the guide book for the stage numbers. We decided to double up stages 2/3, stages 10/11 and stages 14/15.
We carried our own tent. Each day we carried all the water we would need, approximately 4L/day. We treated our water with iodine pills. Many people drank the water direct from the water sources, but after many years of hiking in the wilds of the Canadian Rockies, we erred on the safe side and treated our water. We carried 3L of water in our hydration packs, and 1L in a bottle, in which we added some electrolytes (Gatorade).
We decided to lighten our load by purchasing lunch along the way from the bergeries and refuges. We had oatmeal for breakfast, with Starbucks instant coffee and a bit of sugar. For dinner we had pre-made dried dinners. Micah dried some food for snacks: apples, bananas and zucchini. I made Logan Bread, a dense baked product. Our food weighed about 16lbs each to start the trip.
The only item we had to purchase in Corsica was fuel for our stove. Micah was able to purchase a compatible fuel canister for our MSR Pocketrocket at the Super U Supermarket in Calvi. Be careful when purchasing fuel canisters, as some European stove use a different attachment to the stove, the MSR needs a screw type canister.
For dinners (I chose Mountain House brand), we both ate a meal labelled as a serving for two people each evening, plus three times I also ate an extra single meal on top of the double meal. Calories are your friend when you are hiking.
We planned to do four high points, Mt Cinto, Paglia Orba, Mt Ritondu and Mt Oru. Cinto and Oru and both very short excursions. Orba and Ritondu would require more time, and were almost mini stages themselves.
Had a number of people following our trek, (family members mostly), so we used the SPOT to communicate and let people know where we were. We would send a message at lunchtime and one when we arrived at the end of the day.