The sun has set on the Poisson-Blanc Reservoir for several hours already. The whole group is sitting around the fire, some are falling asleep, but no one really wants to go to bed, even if the day was particularly physically demanding.
A unique experience that is taking a different meaning for everyone
We have just finished our third return on the day and so much has been said and shared. Nevertheless, we could surely continue like this for hours on.
After having spent such good times in recent days, it’s hard to admit that this experience is coming to an end. To prolong this penultimate day, to postpone the fateful bedtime a few minutes, again and again, seems to be the only possible solution for the inevitable: this beautiful day, like any good thing, must come to an end.
It is true, however, that we should have known that we would have difficulty accepting it.
Yet, nothing was too noticeable early in the day. The awakening, although pleasant since it was the first of the camping trip, was nothing special.
It was only after eating our breakfast burritos, when it was time to start dismantling our camp, that the signs began to appear.
Everything started very subtly in conversations, in the laughter. In the ease we had to have fun and connect between us with so little.
So, we were a little distracted while doing our tasks and we left a little “later” from our site.
The lake adds its touch to our unusual adventure
As if to bring us back a little to order, the lake was going to require some seriousness, with a headwind and ever-present waves.
Luckily, the experience gained during the last two days and our facilitators’ knowledge of the field were there to compensate.
So, we paddled with strength using the islands, including the huge Mysterious Island, to protect ourselves as we could from the wind.
Between the site we had just left and the one to reach for lunch, the happy distractions continued. At times, there was small talk only. At other times, the urge to take “concept” group pictures, balancing under an erratic rock, to immortalize our unique experience.
Fortunately, we had on hand a few tricks to make up for the time we so pleasantly wasted.
It is therefore while singing and pseudo-racing in our canoes that we arrived at the destination despite everything.
Once arrived at the Las Palmas site, lunch was once again delicious, in addition to being another good opportunity to continue getting to know each other and to get closer.
When it was time to leave, the lake reminded us once again with its winds and waves that we still had to remain cautious and focused on the task at hand.
Fortunately, the luck we had since the beginning of the expedition continued and the elements calmed down just as we left the shores of Mysterious Island and that we engage in a section a little more exposed.
After paddling vigorously, a reward, another strong moment, awaited us at Manucri Point.
In harmony On the Tip of the Toes
Indeed, it was on this occasion that Catherine taught us the Foundation’s hymn to life. A tradition created on Elsmere Island in the year 2000, a unifying song without words. At that moment, the harmony prevailing in the group was transposed into our voices creating a sweet melody.
Afterwards, luck remained on our side, despite a rather cloudy sky; it rained for a few minutes only and only once had arrived at our last campsite.
After quickly settling on the site, we had supper without delay. It was already getting dark and all the energy we used today had made us hungry as wolves.
After having once again eaten well, thanks to the cooking skills of the logistics team, we settled around the fire without knowing that we were about to experience something truly magical.
It started with Mario’s presentation on the origins of the name of the Foundation and continued with the emotionally charged return on the day, similar to those mentioned at the beginning of this text.
So much remains to be said. So many stories deserve to be shared.
But as we said earlier, all good things come to an end and this story unfortunately makes no exception.