First steps

At last, the journey begins! Over the past 24 hours, like snow accumulates to form a well-rounded ball, the last members of the group have joined the logistics team drop by drop. We picked up Maranatha along the way, Danielle and Michelle arrived safely from Manitoba and Ontario last night, Andréanne, Nadia and Vanessa joined us at the hotel from the Montreal region, and then it was Kaitlyn who finally rounded off the group at lunchtime, joining us at the St-Hubert on Malonney boulevard in Gatineau, where a meal was graciously offered to the whole group.

At last, we’re all together!

Yes, it’s an all-woman expedition… with the exception of Mario, who replaced Marie-Michelle on the fly, and our three sous-chefs, without a chef: Karl, Louis and Charles.

With Maranatha introducing the group and its members, we slowly get to know each other. Despite the fact that we meet for the first time, tongues are soon wagging. The shared experience of illness helps us feel confident and understood… But the chats don’t stop there. We soon learn that Danielle is planning to write a book about her experience; she feels the need to share a story adapted to people of her age, and to deliver an optimistic message. Michelle shares the difficulties of receiving treatment far from home and also mentions how much she loves her two-year-old Golden Retriever. In other words, the discussions are lively, alternating between the challenges of the disease and the little everyday things that make life worth living. Even though we hardly know each other, the connection is quickly established.

The road to Camp Air Eau Bois is winding, long and, let’s face it, sporty! So it’s good to finally arrive in nature. Trees have gradually replaced the concrete of the city! Fresh air at last! Already, a soft light filters through tree leaves to illuminate our faces.

As we get off the bus, Catherine, carrying a balloon with various questions written on it, resumes the official introductions in the presence of the entire team. We learn that Catherine’s favorite karaoke song is Tina Turner’s The Best, with a vocal sample as a bonus. Mario shares that he identifies with a wild horse, and Nadia movingly speaks of how much her introduction to the drums, and her teacher who highlights her potential, has meant to her.

After the introductions, we move on to more practical content. Our three sous-chefs are waiting for us with a beautiful pyramid of watertight barrels containing all our equipment. Catherine takes time to present it before everyone swaps their city outfit for shorts, swimsuits and flotation vests. It’s time to learn to paddle, swim and discover the lake!

A glassy lake and the soft end-of-day light await us. The air is good! We finally get a glimpse of the Poisson Blanc reservoir, a magnificent, large body of water praised by many. Mario teaches us the rudiments of paddling and we get acquainted with our boats for the next few days: two large rabaskas that will hold the whole team. After a few clumsy paddle strokes, we feel our muscles loosen and our ease flow in.

Once on the water, bathed in the light and warmth of the setting sun, Mario evokes the healing power of nature, and how it awakens our senses rather than provoking them, as a downtown bubbling with life would. We take the time to feel the water on our hands and enjoy the beautiful light that illuminates the tall pines clinging to the rocks.

The day draws to a end and we feel the fatigue setting in. Despite this, there’s still one important step before the big departure: Mario and Catherine bring us together one last time. Before getting down to business, Catherine hands out Clarins products to each participant, some of whom are eager to try them out. Thank you, Clarins!

Time now to agree on the expedition’s objectives and desirable behaviors, and to invite each other to share why they wanted to take part to this adventure. Connecting with people of the same age who are going through a similar situation is a motivation shared by many participants. Getting away from the routine, being someone other than a mother or a patient for a few days, and not having to prepare everything were among the other reasons mentioned by participants. The atmosphere is good, humorous, inclusive, respectful, sensitive and open. The adventure ahead looks promising and the night’s sleep welcome…

Lorie Ouellet, On the Tip of the Toes Foundation Blogger and volunteer photographer

Translated by Nicolas Sbarrato