An out-of-control dog pack howls us awake this morning as if to remind us we’re far from home. Each one of us would rather stay put in our sleeping bags than confront the cold of winter this morning. Nevertheless, it is good to see everyone around the table enjoying a hot coco. The team is now in expedition mode. We’re all in the same boat. Far from our loved ones, from our homey comfort, facing the cold, most of us are struggling to adapt. We’re in this together, facing the challenges of nature and adventure. Our teenagers for their part are united by their battles against illness. They share the closeness of those who understand and respect each other. We’re already a close group.
In an expedition, there is a mandatory schedule. We are run by daylight. We must factor in many tasks such as the meals, packing, taking care of the dogs, harness them and carefully hook them to the sleds, dress properly and ensure everyone is OK, manage our personal effects and make sure we’re not too cold or too warm… In short, an expedition is a giant headache, but let me tell you that it is well worth it.
The day starts with a bang. The dogs are well rested and full of energy. As we are crossing a lake, they can run as hard as they please and burn all that energy. At times, we mistakenly believe they resent pulling all that weight, but it is not the case. These dogs are real machines and when they stop, they keep asking for more. We are quite happy, and our cruising speed is good. The tracks in the forest are a little more technical but all we have to do is reduce our speed. Our teens are enjoying themselves and guide their sleds like pros. Karolane laughs all the time and Simon, her team-mate, seems to be a born adventurer. Mélanie teams up with the attractive Mathieu who behaves like a real gentleman. He takes care of her every need. Courtney is my team-mate. What a girl! She is courageous and a fighter. It is a real pleasure to talk with her and share our dogsledding adventures. These memories will last for years. Scott is with Nicolas, the team physician. Nicolas is full of fun and quite guileless. He is quite funny and takes every opportunity to practice his French. Then, there is Danika and Mickaël. They struggle a little as they shift from one language to the other. Mickaël carves beautiful turns on his sled. A real musher, he is. As for Danika, she talks a lot about her family and how important it is in her life. She is a happy girl. And the rest of the team is aboard the other sleds. Héléna sports rosy cheeks. Her laughter and charm have seduced the group. Jeff is the team clown, but when the need arises, he can be dead serious. He looks after each of the teenagers with great care.
After a hard day’s work in the trails and turns of all sorts, after crossing God knows how many lakes ever so beautiful, we finally arrive at our camp. Surprise! There are no huts and no camps here, only Arctic tents. This will be the ultimate test for our friends. Despite the heat in the tents to cut out the humidity, this is quite the challenge, at minus 15 degrees or less. Time to show courage and resistance. After we set out our luggage and makeshift beds, we congregate around a campfire to relive our day. Lights out, we dive into our huge sleeping bags. Our toques anchored solidly on our heads, we’re headed for dreamland deep into the Canadian cold. Good night, dear team-mates, you are wonderful. Without any hesitation or nervousness, eyes close and snores invade the night.