A day full of rockageous actions!

Because I was short on time yesterday, I began writing earlier today. We’ve had some problems with the Internet, and that’s why we couldn’t send the yesterday’s pictures … which we haven’t done yet.

However, it is not a major problem and this does not prevent anyone here from having the experience as planned.

The alarm clock went off at 6:15 a.m. Yesterday, we were informed on how to prepare for today. In fact, we didn’t need much, because the Yamnuska guides were going to provide us with all the equipment we needed to climb. However, they were very clear about the need keep well hydrated and protect ourselves from the sun. The weather forecast said it would be very hot: 31 °C. The Foundation team had prepared for it. They gave everyone a Foundation bottle and a sunscreen tube. We all chose our favourite stickers to identify our identical bottles…

We set out on our journey at 8:10 a.m. We had to make a stop at the Yamnuska offices to get appropriate shoes. It wasn’t easy, because those shoes have to be very tight without causing any injuries. Everyone seemed to have made the right choice; they are the type of shoes that you take off once you have come down the rocky wall…

After a little training on how to adjust the helmet and harness, how to knot the rope to the harness, and the 4 steps to secure your partner, the first brave ones began to climb. Rock climbing was a first experience for everyone. It is very difficult, at first, to trust the footwear’s traction, the hard-to-reach rocks and also the person who makes sure that you stay alive. Despite the fact that guides are very confident about the safety of their sport, there are still concerns, especially when it’s time to go down. However, no one hesitated. No one showed fear. Everyone was ready for this challenge. Obviously, these young people have experienced courage before.

In yesterday’s story, I talked about the three areas that participants have to deal with. It is obvious that today’s activity had its full meaning, as it would enable everyone to prove to themselves just how courageous they are. Without them knowing, a trap was set for them: the surpassing-oneself trap. The organizers knew exactly what they were doing.

The activity was very demanding. For many of us, climbing these rocky walls would have been too difficult. But for these young people, it was an ideal platform for building self-esteem. You would have liked to see the pride in their eyes! Some of them, who were rather discreet yesterday, had stars in their eyes at supper time. I don’t want to name him, but I am thinking of Mika at this moment. It was impressive to see his determination to climb a way he thought inaccessible. Tonight, during a discussion on this trip’s objectives, he showed us that this day (activity zone) gave him access to the human zone. Exceeding oneself made him feel much better with the group. Does that sound like one of the Foundation’s goals, Mario?

On another note, improvised activities took place. Marie-Ève initiated a lunch meditation and a pre-supper yoga. Once more, it was for many a first experience in the field. This shows the group’s openness to new experiences.

The day ended in emotion when everyone expressed their reasons for participating in the expedition. However, the activity was not sad; it allowed further access into the human zone. At the very end, Jessy shared, “In life, you don’t choose the kind of problem you encounter. However, as for mathematics, you can develop pleasure in solving them.” The week is well under way…

Nicolas Tremblay, Blogger and Photographer for the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation