What a beautiful way to wake up... Catherine’s soft voice is the sound that lifts us from the arms of Morpheus. Accompanied by her ukulele, she sings Bernard Adamus’s Acapulco to wake us up from a refreshing sleep.
On this last day of the expedition, the mood on the boat is cheerful. We cleared the breakfast table in the company of Serge Gainsbourg and his obscure album Aux armes, etc., a little known but sublime reggae opus. Several Summerside residents came to say goodbye before we left. It seems that our presence was reported on social media. One even suggested that we were as popular as their lobster festival, which was in full swing.
We are leaving Prince Edward Island to cross the Abegweit Passage to our final destination, Shediac, New Brunswick. Initially we sailed in 20-knot south-westerly winds, but for the second part of the crossing we had to sail and motor. In fact, the winds are not pushing us in the right direction. While some are open to the idea of not returning to port and continuing the experience for a few more days (as I write these lines, I can just hear Camille saying that the boat is a bit like her second home…), others are content and can’t wait to see their loved ones again to tell them all about our adventures.
One of the best showers in the universe awaited us at Shediac Harbour… at least for the first half of the group, who enjoyed the hot water… How nice to get rid of our sailor smell! We also went into town for our last dinner together. What better way to celebrate this epic cruise than at a seafood restaurant? (On a personal note, I’d say this meal was missing a glass or two of Pinot Gris, but, well, the Foundation’s expeditions are obviously dry…). Benoît Cormier, a former participant from Shediac, joined us for dinner. In less than two minutes, he’s one of us.
Back at the boat, the atmosphere is decidedly festive. Locals are diving off the pier near the Roter Sand. Benoît, who knows this local custom well, persuades our young people to join in. Tomas, Justen, and Alex N dared to jump into the water after hesitating for a long time because of the jellyfish swimming nearby. Dozens of spectators, locals, and tourists alike, watch the scene, laughing, shouting, applauding and cheering.
Dusk brings our young people back on board. We indulge in a movie night, taking advantage of the projector and big screen on board. As the credits roll, it’s clear that our journey is coming to an end as we hear the conversations taking place.
But is it really an end? Yes, let’s not kid ourselves: our expedition is indeed coming to an end. But I believe this is more a new beginning. We’re setting sail for new chapters in our respective lives, now equipped with new strengths and relieved of certain burdens.
Come on group, let’s cast off, everyone in their own boat this time. And good luck to you all! Thank you for the energy that you give us. Thank you for the lessons in courage and resilience. Thank you for all the laughter, all the moments of complicity. I’m going to miss you all.
Translated by Lorraine Gagnon