The Ladies Storm Corsica

This year, 2 female Olmsted scholars and 4 wives of scholars headed to Corsica, France for the annual “ladies” trip. It was SO much fun! This will definitely go on the list as one of my favorite trips! Corsica was so beautiful and the dynamic between the six ladies was fantastic. So much laughing and sharing and eating and drinking!!

The first day we headed north from Ajaccio (how do you pronounce it?!) to Piana for some hiking and views of Les Calanche (how do you pronounce it?!). It took quite a while to get there because we kept pulling over to gawk at the amazing views.

fence

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We finally found our trailhead and set off!

trail marker

hiking

les chalenches

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There were also a few spontaneous stops along the hike, because…well…sometimes you just feel the need to strike a pose!

yogaOur lunch stop was also amazing! The food AND the view!

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The next day we headed south to Sartène to go horseback riding!! I really didn’t know what to expect here, and whatever I did expect would have gone right out the window anyways, because every part of this morning was a surprise!

Usually when a horseback ride is suitable for beginners, it means that you show up and everything is ready and set and all you have to do is get on the horse and ride. Not here! Everyone had to catch their own horse, groom him/her, tack up, and then do it all in reverse when finished.

Two of the six mounts.

Two of the six mounts.

Hard at work!

Hard at work!

Old horseshoe on the side of a stone barn in Corsica. So quintessential (it makes me want to gag!).

Old horseshoe on the side of a stone barn in Corsica. So quintessential (it makes me want to gag!).

After a short lesson, we headed out!

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“Don’t worry about the cows, they are friendly.”

“Don’t worry about the cows, they are friendly.”

This is how Olmsted ladies roll!

This is how Olmsted ladies roll!

Everyone was still smiling and walking when the ride was over! Success!

A job well done.

A job well done.

A HUGE thank you to Megan A. for being the fearless planner, Maureen for her tireless and patient translating, Arlene for spontaneous yoga fun, Megan F. for laughing at my jokes, even though they are seldomly funny, and Marilyn for being clever with the (embarrassing) details of any story I shared…and to everyone for being good sports on horseback!!

When is the Corsica reunion trip?!

When is the Corsica reunion trip?!