After a well-deserved sleep, it was an early wake-up call for the group followed by breakfast and preparations for the expedition.
While all participants were eager to put on their snowshoes, Mother Nature made sure we all knew who was the boss. The wet snow made traction impossible and required much pushing and dragging to unload the trailer, a new towing vehicle… in short, we departed a few hours later than anticipated.
Once everyone was properly registered at the welcome station of Sentiers des Caps, we were finally on our way. The fifteen members of the group, full of enthusiasm, then undertook to cover the 4.2 kilometres to Refuge La Faille.
The youth travelled the distance at a steady pace. Their ability and strength surprised the more seasoned travellers. With the temperature nearing zero degrees, there was more sweat than frostbite. Once at destination, there was enough energy left for a historic snowball fight.
Then came the serious part: fire wood, water for cooking, water bottles and dishes, cooking the meal, etc. Each member of the team was assigned precise tasks required for the smooth operation of the expedition.
The instructors gave advice and instructions to initiate the youth to outdoor living.
It was a wonderful day of initiation that went smoothly. Tomorrow, it will be a more demanding day, as we will travel twice as far, 8.6 kilometres.