Highs and Peaks … in Emotions!

The day began slowly on this Wednesday morning, as the departure was only scheduled for 9:30 a.m. We had time for breakfast, to carry down our luggage, to talk and even to play Frisbee. Although we have the time, the excitement is at its peak; excitement because we look forward to the next 6 days and for fear of not being physically and mentally ready to overcome the challenge. At any rate, objectively, everyone is very happy. I must admit that the team and comforting spirit that present in the group from the beginning is a great help in alleviating the worries.

After stopping at Yamnuska, our local partner’s offices in the Rocky Mountains, and dropping off everything we won’t need, we travelled about 50 kilometres to get to the boarding point. When we arrived, the helicopters were already flying back and forth to the Assiniboine Park station. We got the boarding information and we got into the waiting queue. Many were nervous, perhaps thinking they had transportation sickness. Finally, the view of the rocky walls, lakes and snow-covered peaks completely inhibited bad sensations. Everyone was speechless by the amplitude of the scenery. It was only 10 minutes long, but enough to thrill us completely.

Then Olivier gave us instructions in case we run into a major predator like coyote, cougars, black bears and grizzly bears. It was reassuring to see that there were several alternatives. We were also given a bottle of cayenne pepper. It began to rain as we were walking on the 1.8 km road to our base camp for the next four nights. Not just rain, but hail. It didn’t stop us from getting there. When we arrived at our camp, we set up the tents, installed a canvas for the dining room, and collected water to filter it. Teams have been trained to prepare meals and wash dishes. To avoid attracting unwanted wildlife, we must place all food and everything with a smell in large closed metal boxes. We also have to put all the waste we produce there and bring it back to the shelter when we leave the camp.

Tomorrow we’re planning a 10-kilometre hike, the shortest of the six. Now we are getting ready to sleep in our tents for the first time. Ah, I forgot! Our evening was unforgettable, among other things, because it was the first time for mostly everyone that they had to deal with so many mosquitoes. Despite that, as I finish writing hear intense laughter, so much so that Mario can’t even place a word in to end the discussion.

Here is a reflection from Aurélie, a young participant who came forward to share her impressions. Other young people may give it a try in the coming days. I end my text with Aurélie:

“It all started with a group of strangers who, each of them in their part of Canada, decided to embark on an equally exciting and destabilizing adventure. So I fly in from Alberta for 10 days of hiking in the beautiful Rockies. Only a few hours after the first meeting with all the participants, an unusual connection takes place. With cancer bringing us all to life, it seems natural that conversations and laughter go so well.

But although the disease has caused different consequences for all, what I’m seeing now is only a group of adults with acquired maturity and a thirst for an insatiable life. Humans that are coming together to build a project with unconditional acceptance and a surprising dose of happiness, smiles and love. A group of survivors who have experienced too many ‘blows in the face’ and bad news.

Despite this or because of it, they have an imposing strength and they all have powerful minds and authentic personalities. I have been here with them for only four days and I already feel a new light in me, once extinguished. Driven by magnificent natural surroundings, awareness and even acceptance of our respective conditions set a path. I consider myself the luckiest of the unlucky, because without this disease, I couldn’t be here and I couldn’t feel this ‘letting go’ state of mind. Despite the innumerable difficulties cancer has brought me and certainly will continue to bring, I firmly believe that nothing happens for nothing and this kind of privilege is proof of that. — Aurélie O.”

Nicolas Tremblay, Blogger and Photographer for the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation