Mountains in the Mediterrean: Corsica Hut to Hut
Andrea Deaton/Kevin Perry
August 15-30, 2008
SUMMARY OF TRIP INFORMATION
Mountains in the Mediterrean: Corsica Hut to Hut
Leader Andrea Deaton
Co-leader Kevin Perry
Corsica. GR20 hiking trail; Corte; Calvi
August 15-30, 2008
Total # of days 16
Hiking
Downhill skiing
Kayaking
Title of trip
Leadership
Location(s)
Dates
Type of trip
check all that apply
Backpacking
Cultural
Road biking
Nordic ski
Mountain biking
Snorkeling
Other – please describe
Sightseeing and coastal water sport options
Max 10
Min 5
$ Approx $3100
Does it include airfare? Yes
No
$ $1300-$1500
Is this proposal for a small group trip – i.e., less than 14 participants and 2
leaders or 7 participants and 1 leader? Yes
No
If yes, why is a small group proposed? This trip is a more strenuous one and will
likely not have a large draw. Due to the strenuousness we also want to be
concerned with group safety; therefore we feel that having a smaller group is
better for safety reasons.
If a participant fee increase of more than 15% is proposed, please explain
why?
Number of participants
Advertised cost
Airfare range if not included
Smaller trips and leader
subsidization
LEADER AND CO-LEADER INFORMATION
Other related trip experience
Andrea Deaton
P.O. Box 2952, Jackson, WY 83001
andrea.deaton@gmail.com
Home 267-738-8048 cell
Work 307-732-0629
WFA
AWFA
WFR
Expiration: 05/2009
CPR
BLS
Expiration: 05/2009
Please list the last three longer (5+ day) trips you have led for the AMC including
destination, type of trip, dates and number of participants. Feel free to list additional
trips you have led, particularly if they demonstrate experience related to the trip you
are proposing.
Crown of Africa: Kilimanjaro Hike and Safari--December 2006
Colorado Mountain High--Dayhiking and Backpacking the Maroon Bells, Aug 2006
Belize MultiSport--March 2006; Backpack Yosemite 2007; Bike Tuscany 2004;
Backpack Teton/Yellowstone 2005
Kevin and I have been on many trips together and led together as well
Co-leader name
Co-leader address
Kevin Perry
6 Hutchinson Dr, Princeton NJ 08540
Leader name
Leader address
Leader email
Leader phone
Wilderness first aid training
CPR training
Prior leading experience
Trip one
Trip two
Trip three

To lead a major excursion you must have current CPR and WFA at the time of your trip (or AWFA for all backcountry
trips). If you do not have the required level of certification at the time you submit your proposal or it will expire before
the date of your trip, you will need to make arrangements to recertify in a timely manner.
Revised 7/15/2016
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 1 of 5
Mountains in the Mediterrean: Corsica Hut to Hut
Andrea Deaton/Kevin Perry
Co-leader email
Co-leader phone
Wilderness first aid training*
CPR training*
Prior leading experience
August 15-30, 2008
perry@princeton.edu
Home 609-683-7493
Work 609-258-4697
WFA
AWFA
WFR
Expiration: 04/2008 (will re-cert prior to trip)
CPR
BLS
Expiration: 04/2008 (will re-cert prior to trip)
If you are a new co-leader you must submit an application to be a major excursions
leader or co-leader prior to submitting this application.
Scouting
Have either of you led this trip
before or traveled to this
area?
Languages
Does either the co-leader or
leader speak the local
language?
Couples
Do the leader and co-leader
have a significant personal
relationship?
Private trips
Do either of you lead trips that
are private - not sponsored by
the AMC?
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below:
Executive summary
Please provide a brief
description of the trip and the
activities planned.
Accommodations
Please describe your plan for
accommodation(s)
See the attached itinerary.
Co-leader: Yes
No
Leader: Yes
No
Not applicable:
Yes
No
If yes, please list who has agreed to be your back-up in case one or
both of you need to drop out. This is required for approval!
Yes
No
If yes, please note that you cannot advertise AMC and private trips
together unless there is a clear distinction between the two in any marketing
materials you send out.
LOGISTICAL DETAILS OF TRIP
Meals
Please describe your plan for
providing meals
Permits or permissions
Does the trip require special
permits or permissions?
(required on many U.S.
federal lands and national
parks)
Special equipment
Does the trip require special
equipment?
Special experience
Revised 7/15/2016
We will stay in basic hotels (2 or 3 star) the first 2 nights in Corte and the last 2 nights in
Calvi. On the backpack we will be staying in refuges or shepherds' cabins or in tents
along the trail. If we stay in tents, the tents will be provided at the huts. There will be 2
nights in the middle of the hut to hut trip where we stay in basic lodges and have access
to our luggage. These are basic hotel rooms with private bathrooms.
The hotels we stay at provide breakfast. 4 of the 5 dinners in town (restaurants) are
included in the price. All meals during the hut to hut are provided by te outfitter at the
huts. We will have a trail lunch provided for us at the hut each morning that we will
carry in our packs. Snacks and other food can be purchased at the huts along the way.
We will pass through two roadside towns and can purchase other items as needed.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what you will need to do to obtain them:
If no, please describe the process you went through to find out that they were not
required:
The GR20 is typically known for its huts filling up and therefore requiring hikers to carry
tents in case the huts are full. By going with an outfitter we are assured confirmed spots
in private refuges and shepherds huts even if the "public" huts are full. This eliminates
the need for us to "rush" to each hut every day to get a bunk spot. It also means we can
carry less weight (no tents, no big quantities of food) There are no other permits
required or they would come through the outfitter.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what type of equipment and how you
will ensure that people know how to use it:
Backpacking equipment--backpack, sleeping bag
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what type of experience? Also describe
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 2 of 5
Mountains in the Mediterrean: Corsica Hut to Hut
Andrea Deaton/Kevin Perry
Does the trip require special
skills on the part of the
participant?
Pre-trip activities
Do you plan to get your group
together before the trip for an
activity or social event?
Conservation, education and
recreation
How will this major excursion
meet the mission of the AMC?
www.outdoors.org/about/
mission.cfm
August 15-30, 2008
how you will ensure that the participant has this experience?
Recent backpacking experience and strenuous hiking (ie White Mountain huts)
experience required. Since we will be spending time with each other for many days on
teh trail, we will expect good expedition behavior from our participants as well.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what you will do:
We will plan at least one pre-trip backpack with the participants probably in May 2008.
Leader will travel to the Northeast for this pre-trip. We will offer a second probably in
June or early July.
Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is America's oldest conservation and
recreation organization. We encourage people to enjoy and appreciate the natural world
because we believe that successful conservation depends on this experience. We fulfill
our mission through the three interconnecting pillars of the AMC: conservation,
education, and recreation. Through our immersion in the island of Corsica, we will meet
the local people and share in their local customs and gastronomy. We will enjoy the
granite crags and beauty of this area.
TOUR OPERATOR AND GUIDE SERVICE INFORMATION
Will this trip require a tour
operator or guide service
during part, or the entire
trip?
Name of tour operator/guide
service
Tour operator website
Safety record
Please provide information
about their safety record.
Insurance
Do they have liability
insurance?
Emergency response
Please describe the outfitters’
response plan in the case of an
emergency.
Yes
No
Please describe their services. If you are using a tour operator for the entire trip,
please describe why you will be using them rather than doing this trip on your own:
We are working with an outfitter, Tour Aventure, based in Corsica, who will be able to
confirm our hut and refuge reservations. You cannot make reservations in the regular
huts on the GR20 and as such, there is usually a wild race each morning to get to the next
hut. This will enable our group to not have to carry tents, and our 3 meals will be
provided on the trek. They will also be a local contact for assistance if we need it and
provide transportation to and from the trails. They will transport our luggage to the
various stops on the trip. During our final days in Calvi we will also take a half-day
tourist boat cruise on the Mediterrean to Scandola.
Tour Aventure, based in Ajaccio, Corsica
We plan to use Colombo Line Cruises in Calvi for the boat cruise to Scandola
http://www.tour-aventure.com/gb/
http://colombo-line.com/
According to my contact there they have an outstanding safety record.
Liability? Yes
No
Maximum amt: $ they have not told us
this info
Yes
No
Are they willing to list AMC as an
additional insured?
We will be hiking self-guided without anyone from the outfitter. In the situation of an
emergency, the leaders would manage the situation and use the assistance of the fastest
and best scenario for the group that might include the local people and shepherds or other
hikers in the mountains. We will get to the closest village to seek assistance and also
contact the outfitter to seek their assistance if needed.
RISK ASSESSMENT
Please assess the risks and hazards of your trip. Carefully consider each area of risk and how it may affect your trip.
Devise a plan to prevent each hazard and to respond to it if it becomes necessary. Please be very specific for each section
if applicable.
Trail conditions, river crossings, weather, wildlife (bears, snakes, etc.)
Climate/terrain
Potential hazards
There are some difficult, rocky sections on the trail, most notably the Cirque de la
Solitude on day 6. We will be hiking at altitudes up to 7300 ft.
There is no water along the trail between Onda and Petra Piana.
Revised 7/15/2016
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 3 of 5
Mountains in the Mediterrean: Corsica Hut to Hut
Andrea Deaton/Kevin Perry
Response
Foreign Country
Potential hazards
Response
Transportation
Potential hazards
Response
Participants
Potential hazards
Response
Other
Potential hazards
Response
August 15-30, 2008
Typical climate conditions for Corsica in August are sunny with highs in the 80's.
Sunburn and heat exhaustion are possible, but easily protected against.
The only mention of wildlife dangers on the official park website is the danger of wild
pigs eating one's food and gear.
Set a sensible pace, allow enough time to hike safely to each day's destination. Make sure
participants aren't carrying too much weight. Carry enough water. Watch for early signs
of sunburn, heat exhaustion, altitude sickness in all participants, and deal with any issues
promptly.
Political concerns, crime, language translation, terrorism
French and Italian are the main languages in Corsica.
National Front for the Liberation of Corsica (FLNC) regarded as terrorist org. by French
gov't.
Kevin knows some French. Being that Corsica is a popular international tourist
destination, we expect most people will know some English.
FLNC is relatively inactive currently, also they typically do not target people, only
infrastructure, esp. French gov't institutions.
Road conditions, drivers, insurance
Small, winding country roads, aggressive drivers.
Outfitter will be providing all ground transportation. They are familiar with conditions,
and will be responsible for ensuring safe transportation.
Level of fitness, screening concerns, experience with equipment or activity
This is a rather strenuous backpack, so participant fitness could be an issue. Nine days
of close proximity on the trail will require that everyone in the group get along with one
another.
We will screen heavily, limit the number of people on the trip if necessary, and will do a
pre-trip weekend backpack with all participants to make sure they are in acceptable
physical and mental condition. Leaders are willing to take a smaller group in order to
make sure that we have qualified participants.
Conditions unique to this type of trip
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Please describe your plans for dealing with emergencies. Use as much detail as possible, and list any special
communications equipment you may need to ensure the safety of your participants. DO NOT LEAVE THIS SECTION
BLANK
We will contact the AMC staff and Major Excursions Chair per the emergency
Emergency communication
Phone contacts, language,
communications model.
documentation, distance from
emergency services
The leaders will be carrying a well-stocked first aid kit. If possible, we hope to borrow a
Emergency equipment
What sort of emergency first
satellite phone from AMC for the trip. Expect that the refuge's will all have at least radio
aid or communication
contact with civilization.
equipment (satellite phone,
two-way radios) do you plan
to use, if any?
Satellite phone contact with outfitter and emergency services to arrange transportation as
Evacuation
Please describe your plan for
needed. Typically the nearest place to seek assistance will be at one of the many staffed
evacuation from the
refuge's along the trail. There are good road access points for emergency vehicles at
backcountry location if
Vizzavona, Guagno, Grotelle, Col de Verghio, Bocca Rezza and Calenzana. This is a
applicable?
popular route, so there should be many other hikers along the trail who could lend
assistance as needed.
Hospitals with emergency services:
Medical care
Please describe the medical
care available in the area(s)
Ajaccio Hospital, 27 Ave de l'Imperatrice Eugenie
Revised 7/15/2016
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 4 of 5
Mountains in the Mediterrean: Corsica Hut to Hut
Andrea Deaton/Kevin Perry
where you will be traveling
and list names and telephone
numbers for these facilities.
August 15-30, 2008
phone (04-95-29-90-90)
Calvi: Emergency Medical Center, Route de Stade @ Route de Santore
phone (04-95-65-11-12)
Corte: Santos Manfredi Hospital, Allee de 9 Septembre
phone (04-95-45-05-00)
COST AND BUDGET DETAILS
Deposits
What deposits will be required
by airlines, hotels, tour
operators, etc., and when?
Refunds
What is the latest date you can
cancel and still receive a full
refund?
Participant deposit
What are the initial deposit
and your schedule of
payments?
Cancellation policy
What will your cancellation
policy be for the participants?
Minimum numbers
Will you still run the trip if you
do not get the minimum
number?
30% of 8 people by February ($3600). The final payment by June 1. If we do not have
the total number of participants that we have reserved for, they will apply the deposit
amount to the remaining trip fees to the number of participants we do have.
If we cancel the entire trip with more than 30 day notice (we will determine whether our
trip is going by late May, so this is enough time), the cancellation fee is 55 EU or about
$78.
We expect $1000 deposit with application. $1000 by May 1 and the final payment by
June 1.
A cancellation fee of $50 will be charged. If a replacement is found there will be no
additional fees charged the cancelling participant will be refunded their money paid to
date minus the cancellation fee. If a replacement is not found and it impacts the cost of
the trip for the others, additional fees will be charged. If they cancel and there is no
replacement and it is after July 15, additional cancellation fees will be incurred from the
outfitter.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe conditions:
We will run the trip with a minimum of 5 participants (and 2 leaders). We will not run it
if we do not receive 5 participants.
Reference web links:
MEC Home Page:
Forms:
Deadlines:
Club House:
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/application/
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/listings
amcexcursions@outdoors.org
E-Mail Addresses:
Club House:
MEC Chair:
amcexcursions@outdoors.org
mecchair@amcboston.org
Revised 7/15/2016
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 5 of 5