CALVI 102 [AJACCIO], 102 miles south-west from Calvi.
[ Porto to the Ponte Francardo.]
50 miles north-east. [Map, p. 20].
This important forest road traverses the region of the highest mountains and of the greatest forests, passes through Albertacce, and by the other villages of the Canton of Calacuccia, and then proceeds to Francardo by the defile of the Golo.
[Porto to Evisa], 13¾ m., by an excellent carriage road wending through most picturesque mountain scenery. The road, after following the course of the Porto, crosses the stream Onda, ascends the ravine of the Cario, which it crosses 3 m. from Porto under the Capo Polmonaccia, 5627 ft. It now winds its way round little valleys into the narrow gorge of the Porto between dark red cliffs crowned with pinnacles. Nine m. from Porto is the ramification of the mule-path to [Chidazzo], and ½ m. farther the ramification to Marignano. The road, after passing the chapelle S. Cyprien, enters [Evisa], pop. 1000; Inn: *H. Carrara; 2770 ft., on a high promontory projecting in the centre of a mountain-girt basin from the central range between two deep gulfs hollowed out to a depth of 2000 ft. Behind it rise pine forests to a broad mountain crest, the pass of the Niolo.
Evisa is admirably situated for excursions. A difficult winding path leads in 2½ hours down to the great walls of the dark granite ravine called the [Spelunca], at the confluence of the Aïtone with the Porto. Rambles and drives into the [forest of Aïtone], from which unfortunately the old stately pines have disappeared.
[Evisa to Albertacce], 18 m. E. The road traverses the forest of Aïtone with its vigorous beeches and young pines (Pinus laricio), whose stems are clear of branches from 80 to 100 ft. It is watered by the Porto and numerous brawling streams; which rush down steep ravines covered with moss and ferns. In the forest, 3 m. from Evisa, by this road, is the [Maison forestière d’Aïtone], where those provided with introductions, see [p. 41], will find pleasant headquarters for grand excursions and fishing and botanical expeditions. 1¼ m. farther is the [house of the road menders (Cantonniers) of Tagnone]; where lodging can also be had.
The road having made several detours to get round the heads of ravines, ascends the [Col de Vergio] 4803 ft. on the great mountain chain separating the valley of the Golo from the valley of the Porto. About 230 ft. above the Col on the Cricche ridge, a little to the W., is an admirable view of [Mt. Tafonato], 7687 ft., almost due N., with a strange natural tunnel through the summit. From [Mt. Cuculla], 6733 ft., nearly 1¾ hours W. from the Col is a still better view of Tafonato, and besides a sight of Mt. Cinto, the valley of the Golo and the mountain range of Monte Rotondo. A little beyond the summit of the Col is the [Maison de Cantonniers de Castellaccio], whence there is a good view of the [forest of Valdoniello], 11,483 acres, containing besides many large pines very fine specimens of beeches, birches and alders. The felling of the trees in this forest commenced in 1863.
After arriving at the [Maison forestière de Sciattarina] 10½ m. from
Evisa, the road passes by some of the finest trees, and descends into the valley of the [Golo]; which has its source in a ravine between Mts. Tafonato and Paglia-Orba.