This morning, adventurers had the pleasure of realizing that their traditional alarm clock / cell phone ringer had turned into a sweet song performed by the duo of the day at the guitar and ukulele. This sweet awakening set the tone for the day. It is in a thick fog that navigation will be done today. After a delicious breakfast served by "Mom", the caterer of the Base de plein air Air Eau Bois, it was more than time to get into second gear to finalize the preparation of the expedition.
This morning, adventurers had the pleasure of realizing that their traditional alarm clock / cell phone ringer had turned into a sweet song performed by the duo of the day at the guitar and ukulele. This sweet awakening set the tone for the day. It is in a thick fog that navigation will be done today. After a delicious breakfast served by “Mom”, the caterer of the Base de plein air Air Eau Bois, it was more than time to get into second gear to finalize the preparation of the expedition.
It is with great attention that everyone listens to Catherine and Marc-André’s wise advice on how to well pack one’s expedition material so it stays dry. This fall, “day kits” and “night kits” are in fashion, kits in layers with various colors, each with different properties.
Once preparation is complete, it is with enthusiasm and satisfaction that both Voyageur canoe teams form and give their first paddle strokes in a very light drizzle. The White Fish Reservoir is mythical, quiet, and friendly. The thick fog gives an extra challenge to those trying out navigation. Finding yourself on this great reservoir dotted with islands and islets is not easy, but they succeed. In the first portion of the day, Elyse is interested in the helmsman’s position in the Voyageur canoe. By lunchtime, she perfectly mastered the techniques.
After a few songs, riddles, snacks and more paddle strokes, the group arrives without too much trouble to the Ile à l’Aigle, the site where our logisticians Antoine and Pascal were waiting with a hearty lunch. “Wow! This really is luxury camping “several participants say at the sight of the tarpaulins already set up to protect us from the fine rain. Steaming soup, a comforting fire camp, not to mention the waste sorting system (garbage, recycling and compost) that particularly pleased Joëlle. Once satiated, the group takes on the second section of the journey that will take them to the camp site located on Parc régional du Poisson blanc territory. Others intend to learn how to direct the Voyageur canoe: Joelle and Morgan, while others are really comfortable in the end position to give rhythm to the paddlers’ pacing: Marc-André L.
During a brief stop on the beach to relieve bladder and take a break, a surge of sympathy and solidarity seizes the group members while Zoe stumbles out of the Voyageur canoe and falls into the water. In less than two seconds, everyone offers their help, their shirt, their hat, their socks, and within minutes, she finds her smile with dry clothes.
By reaching the shore of the camp site, everyone is busy installing the large dome that will provide shelter to the majority of the group for the night. With a little experience, Sophie and Ludovic undertake to guide the group to set this camping palace. This is not an easy task, but once at work, everyone is proud to install his mattress and equipment for the night. Within seconds, this space becomes a warm gathering place where it is good to tell stories. Before dinner, some more courageous (or proud) than others will go for a dip in the lake, among them: Joëlle, Elyse, Ludovic, and Marc-André G. Bruno.
Tonight it is around a large table that the “tribe” gathers to share a delicious hot meal cooked with lots of little attentions from our two cooks, the logisticians. The laughter and stories allow to see that everyone is happy and comfortable among their new expedition companions. The group settles in the warm tent for the night, hoping for a little more sun. Tomorrow is full of promise, new challenges, and of surprises.