After a good night’s sleep, and a copious breakfast, we were convinced the cold of the morning would soon make place for a weather perfectly suited to our winter activities.The Antoine Dubuc lodge, the luxurious chalet we call home until tomorrow, is impressive with its log structure overlooking the lake, our current playground. A diversified program is planned for today: ice fishing, kite and winter camping. The group sets out to conquer the frozen lake and guided by Mario’s wise advice, starts digging through the thick ice. Elliot even initiates a new form of ice fishing: contemplative fishing in a horizontal position. Unfortunately, no trout for dinner tonight, the fish decide to skirt our lines. Kiting sounded good, but the wind shied away
Blame it on the wind, or the absence of it.
Mario, with Hugo and Alex (our twokiteinstructors), improvise a snow track, a jump, and some powder snow for the benefit of the participants. A brilliant idea that met with successand built the appetite of the group that literally devoured the Maghreb cooking of our Bedouin cooks, Maxime and Michel. After wolfing down the tabbouleh, the hummus and the baklava, the participants join Mario, Maxime and Michel (these two are real Jacks of all trades) to set up the tent for a few brave campers. In a good show of cooperation, the tent is rapidly set up. The one half of the group heads for the lake where a (very) mild breeze will allow them to try their hand at kiting. Later, the rest of the group will take its turn.
Back at the camp, Michael and Elisa cook up a cream of broccoli and chicken pasta alla primavera. In a few minutes, we shall end this full day with a group discussion in the tent, before drifting off to sleep, in the chalet or under the tent.
Blame it on the wind.
It is its fault if such beautiful smiles will inhabit our memory like polaroid of pure joy.
Blame it on the wind and thank you for this day.