The GR20 with a dog: a Corsican adventure that has to be earned
This idea has been floating around in my head for a while now… crossing Corsica from north to south with Musher! There are always 1001 good (or bad) reasons that make me give up on this adventure: am I capable of it? Can Musher do it? What equipment should be provided? How to manage food? I have read and heard lots of stories about this famous Corsican hike… Let me share this one with you!
Laura, Thomas, Loukia and Diablo: the GR20 as a family
Among you, fans of Emmenetonchien.com, there are Thomas and Laura. Thomas discovered the GR20 last year with his husky Diablo and this year he decided to share this great adventure with his partner and his dog Loukia. They will therefore leave as a family, 2 humans and 2 dogs. I interviewed Thomas a few days ago to tell us about the preparation for this experience: equipment, training, hiking advice...
First of all, let's start by making the introductions. Thomas and Laura, it's a bit like Roger and Anita in 101 Dalmatians…. They met in a dog walking group which he both frequented with their respective huskies. Since that he forms a nice family all 4! Thomas started the trek when he adopted Diablo and fell into it as they say. He initiated Laura and her dog Loukia. And this year they are embarking on a great challenge!
To know everything about Thomas and Diablo, discover their Portrait Wouafement Bien. And to know everything about Laura and Loukia, read it to them!
The southern part of the GR20 more suitable for a dog
First, an important thing to know: the GR20 crosses a regional park; it is therefore possible to take it with a dog (it would not have been the case if it had crossed a national park or a nature reserve).
Then know that there are two parts in the GR20: the southern part and the northern part. The northern part has very technical parts with passages that are a bit like climbing with ropes and ladders. Only a hyper agile and highly trained dog will be able to follow you. Otherwise, you will have to plan to carry your dog in addition to your backpack to overcome certain obstacles. In this case, it is better to provide a specific harness to be able to hoist your dog or fix it on your back.
Thomas and Laura have chosen to do the southern part only, more suited to their level at all.
What equipment for this great adventure?
Diablo and Loukia are huskies. They have a very strong hunting instinct. For their safety and that of the other hikers who take the path, they will do the stages in cani-rando. They will therefore be linked to their respective master by a harness, a elastic line et a harness.
Last year, Diablo didn't carry his food with a pack bag. In cani-rando, Diablo tends to tow Thomas a little. A big effort on 7 hours of walking per day! So it was Thomas who carried everything: bowl, croquettes, water, tent, first aid kit, food, clothes… They left in complete autonomy. Even if you will certainly find something to eat in the shelters, nothing is planned for dogs. So we have to transport their food.
Water and heat management can be (very) complicated if you do the GR20 in the hot season. Thomas did not encounter any difficulty during his crossing, because it was in September. He crossed many water points where to fill his gourds and bathe Diablo. I admit that this question of water is what questions me the most. I have already been to Corsica (in June). We had hot days…. It is therefore necessary to provide large quantities of water so that everyone can drink to their thirst and be able to moisten their dog to avoid heatstroke. The packsack can be very useful for managing your dog's water reserves, for example...
With first aid kit, remember to provide little ankle boots for your companion. If he hurts a pad, the adventure can stop for everyone. Last year Thomas shared his crossing with 2 friends and 2 other dogs (husky and beauceron). These two dogs were very quickly injured in the pads: lack of training? No chance ? Ointment applied a few days before the big departure?
Dog-friendly shelters or not?
On the refuge side, do not plan to sleep there with your dog. Not all hikers are dog friendly so the dog will not be able to pass the door of the refuge. Plan to spend your nights in a tent. Depending on when you start your journey, it can be more or less cool or cold at night. Remember to provide something to make your dog sleep warm and comfortably installed. For him too, the days of walking are exhausting!
To find out in detail the list of equipment to be provided for hiking with a dog, re-read the dedicated article on the Mag'.
With which dog can we do the GR20?
The GR20 is worth it! and it is valid for you as for your dog! You have to be able to line up the kilometers despite the difficulty of the course. Your training is very important to be able to leave safely and be sure to return with only beautiful memories in your head.
Only you know your dog's abilities and level of training; only you will know if he is able to follow you on such a journey. Is he nimble enough? Does he have enough stamina? Is he comfortable overcoming obstacles?
Your dog must be in good shape to walk 7 hours a day, just like you. Your training will allow him to have solid pads to face certain parts of the trail. Before embarking on this adventure, I advise you to make an appointment with your veterinarian for a complete check-up of your dog. He will also be able to give you good advice on the care to take during the trip (anti tick, mosquito, sandfly...).
Diablo and Loukia will accompany their masters in cani-rando for the crossing of the GR20. If your dog has excellent recall, he will be able to follow you freely. On the trails, you will come across many herds, it is out of the question for your dog to run behind. Same thing for the wild animals that you will meet like the mouflons for example.
The crossing to Corsica
Are you decided? Do you want to share this great adventure with your dog? Thomas and Diablo chose Corsica Ferries for their crossing last year. Dogs are welcome on board and can follow their masters everywhere except in the ship's restaurants. They made the crossing together, without a cabin. However, if you want more comfort, know that there are cabins where they are welcome. On the deck of the ship, a hygiene area has been set up for the needs of your dog. This year, they will make the crossing again with this shipping company. To know all about the travel conditions for your dog on board Corsica Ferries, look at their special page.
Want to follow their adventure?
Laura, Thomas, Loukia and Diablo have planned to start the first stage of the GR20 on June 21. For some time now, they have been sharing their workouts on their Facebook page”Around the world with my dog”. They promised to share their adventure with us in detail (if they have network and enough battery!): so you can follow them now!
When they return, I plan to interview them again to share their memories and some anecdotes with you. See you in a few days for the rest of their adventures!
Discover their trip interview.
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