GR20 and HRP

"And I'm a type 1 diabetic and in my experience I need quite a lot of sugar at some point."

Have you considered carrying a big bag full of glucose tablets? They go from your mouth to your stomach to your blood stream pretty fast.

–B.G.–

Sure. But I might have to carry quite a lot of them if I'm away from home for more then a month. Sugar is used here with the meaning of something sweet. I admit I'm a bit lost when it comes to specialised terms for foods or ingredients. I know them in German though ;)

How much snow is on the tops will vary from year to year. It is not predictable.

Start at Hendaye in the west: that will give any snow the best chance of melting before you get there.

I carry a Steve Evans carbon fibre/titanium ice axe. Very light, and has worked very well (like last year). Or you could try a 'Potty Trowel' axe: carbon fibre and aluminium.

Shops – not so many on the HRP. More on the GR10. Sweets – very popular with kids, so very likely!

Cheers

"How much snow is on the tops will vary from year to year. It is not predictable."

I know. And I was rather hoping to find out a) how much of the route is actually snow prone and b) if taking a lower route without missing the best part can be done.

"I carry a Steve Evans carbon fibre/titanium ice axe."

I saw the MYOG article here and they do look sweet. And a bit pricey for something I usually don't need. Sadly. I aso read your potty trowel review and it was the first thing I tried to find. But ULA doesn't build them any longer apparently.

Jan,

You may have already left!

I hope to these both this summer as well!

I started a thread a week or so ago in regard to the Pyrenean Traverse that has generated some useful info, IMO. There is a post there by another member who also has Type 1 DM, I think. http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=77858

Look forward to watching this thread.

Thanks.

PS. As for the gear, I will also take CAMP Corsa 60cm and Katoohla Microspikes…depending on reports. I would like to do some of the classic peaks and for these I think there is a good possibility that slightly sturdier footwear and appropriate strap on crampons might be preferable. I would like to find a way to have the gear when I need it and not carry it when I don't…without just giving away too much stuff! Those are my initial feelings. Anyway, I don't think it is worth getting all excited about specific gear. There are options and no, I don't think using an alternative routing here and there will detract from the spirit of the traverse! HRP is a "concept" not a strict routing…isn't that what Joosten says?