The second day promised to be as busy as the first. Up around 6:30 AM, the group rapidly congregated to the motel bar for a continental breakfast.
Then, still in the bar, those who did not have a driver’s permit got their snowmobiles training. This short training session allowed those who are at least 16 years old to get their snowmobile permit, required to drive those winter vehicles. Collectively, every one listened to the wise advice of our friendly monitor who strained to be heard over the din of the regulars who seemed to use the bar as their social club.
After the initiation, we quickly emptied the rooms, loaded the bus, took a few minutes to answer the questions from the Radio-Canada team and away we go! Three hundred and fifty kilometres to go for Mistissini.
But there is always a downside to rushing: we had to stop 30 minutes at a small service station to wait for one of our guides to join us for the rest of the expedition. To compound things, we left Jean-Charles behind! Nevertheless, the rest of the trip was without mishap and we arrived at the Mistissini Lodge around 4: 30 PM (a little worse for wear). The trilingual signs (English/French/Cree) on the reservation remind us we’re far away and that our adventure is soon to begin.
Card games and the distribution of the expedition material (overcoats, muffs, boots, etc.) passed the time before the evening meal where a round of information sharing accompanied the dessert.
Slowly but surely, connexions are made, and the group gels together. Tomorrow, we jump on our metallic horses.