The air smells of French Cafe at La Courtepointe refuge this morning. Croissants, cheese, yogurt, jamsand fruits will provide plenty of energy for our first hike.
We must tell you, dear readers, that they feed us an international diet. In addition to French cafe, Maxime lFuego and Michel have served us Italian, Mexican, and Swiss food over a twenty-four period! What should we expect for the rest of the week?
Totally contented, the participants are briefed by Catherine and the expedition equipment is distributed around.First observation: travelling light should not be taken literally!Because our cooks make sure the gigantic bag of stuff is moved from one refuge to the next, we’re spared the backaches and can freely enjoy the experience! We prepare our baggage in a cheerfulshambles.
After a quiche and a soup, the group is off on its first trek to Lac des Pères, a 3-km loop that allows up to become familiar with the equipment, the clothes, and walking outdoors.What an environment! Mountains and boreal forest under a deep blue sky! One can taste the silence, not to mention the warm rays of the sun.
As we return to the park’s reception center, we take the Fantôme Express[Ghost Express] to the back of the mountain, our place to eat and rest for the next two days.A bus mounted on snow tracks will take us ten kilometres away in forty-five minutes on a bumpy and hilly track. The participants take this opportunity to doze off. Once safely arrived, we are greeted by a huge log cabin overlooking the lake where we can just relax in front of the fireplace, with fajitas and chocolate fondue. A group discussion, a little hesitant but very enjoyable and respectful is followed by a game of loup-garou, to end this day full of discoveries and emotions.