Coyote pass

It is with excitement and a tad of anticipation that we started the day. Still this morning, the snow was slowly falling. We were beginning to doubt on the feasibility of such a big day with such a significant snowfall.

The day before, André had told us about the coyote pass, the more technical part of the expedition, warning us of the particularities of such a big day. One had to be well prepared; well rested, dry and ready for every eventuality.

Great downhills … and greater up hills, all in particular tortuous paths. It was a particularly difficult part for dogs running through deep powdered snow as well as for participants who were walking behind the sled, and sometimes even pushing to help.

This technique pass was essentially on the first 5 kilometres of a 32 km day. However, it was less difficult than we thought, everything went pretty well. Well …perhaps we were a little out ofbreath after the climbs, but it was well worth the view of the mountains of the Hautes-Gorges Park.

We stopped in a forest of pine trees heavily charged with snow for lunch. We made a fire and enjoyed the beautiful scenery by eating quietly through the happy chaos of dogs, which after a few minutes break, only wanted to run again!

The adventure, to be called as such, must allow self-transcendence at a point during the expedition. For some, it is the comfort level, for others it is the unknown, and for many of us today, it was the physical effort. However, it was with a smile that participants arrived at Geai Bleu refuge, located on a headland stunningly overlooking the Malbaie River.

It’s the last night of the expedition. Tomorrow at the same time, we will be clean and warm in an inn, back in civilization. We therefore try to enjoy the last moments in the little cocoon that became our group. Supper was extraordinarily tasty, with a little extra “smoked”aroma as it had been cooked on the wood fire.

After enjoying the meal, a highly motivated group of young braves got dressed again to attend the last sharing circle around the fire. A wonderful experience, which once again, confirms that nature is darned good medicine, that and the fantastic friendships! Thankyou for the Day !!

Isabelle Robinson, Blogger and Photographer for On the Tip of the Toes Foundation.