I grossly underestimated the difficulty of “Europe’s toughest trek“, the 180km long GR 20.
The second night was my low point, both hamstrings cramped. … I thought I’d need to quit, following two other hikers who decided to limp out due to blisters.
But each day I got stronger, the pack lighter. I ended up doing the tougher ‘half’ of the total route over 6 challenging days.
The last day was a long scramble to the summit of Monte d’Oro.
That was FUN. Perfect weather.
Less fun, from there (7837ft / 2389m) … it’s about 1400m straight down to the narrow gauge railway line at Vizzavona, where I made my escape.
That’s my toughest hike ever, by far.
Rick McCharles 
I hope you were lucky enough to have another hiker in front of dropping his drawers to provide comic relief while your hamstrings were screaming in pain. I highly recommend this method of pain management while hiking!
Any idea why the hamstring problems? Pushing too hard, too little water, getting old? All of the above?
I have a history of cramping after extreme exercise. Not sure why. I did take a lot of salt. And tried to water up.
Seemed to get used to it day by day.
Are you certain it was water you were drinking?
Interesting photo of the cross too….ah memories of the WCT….
Wow! Look great!
Wow! Glad you made it. It was one of my LEAST gruelling hikes, but I guess that’s just me. I like a challenge.