What better way to start the day than with an excellent breakfast of pancakes, fresh fruit, sausages, maple syrup and yogurt? Thanks to Johanne for this excellent meal.
This Sunday morning, we take the time to learn how to place all our equipment in our barrels before setting off on our adventure. We go through the list of essential equipment for our stay in the woods before getting ready for our official departure.
Soon enough, we’re ready to head off. The canoe teams are assembled by our captains, Julien and Catherine. We cast off and the adventure begins. Captain Julien’s crew is rather playful and energetic, whereas captain Catherine’s crew is more musival. Anoushka’s voice guides us through the waves. Everyone agrees that it’s magical: her voice is magnificent.
We paddle for a good 6 km before arriving at our lunch site, Resto chez Serge, where we’re eagerly awaited. On the menu, a succulent vegetable soup, chips with salsa, and a sandwich or “sorcière de sable” (sand witch)—thanks for the translation, Charles-Antoine 😉. (If you haven’t figured it out yet, Serge, Charles-Antoine and Karl are our expedition logisticians.) Our lunch break provides us with ample opportunity to rest, fish, chat, and even, for the braver ones, swim.
We then continue on our way for 4 km. We partake in a moment of mindfulness along the way, experiencing nature with each of our senses while keeping our eyes closed. With the wind blowing softly in our faces, we breathe, listen and feel. We pick up the paddles again to continue along another 6 km—pride is the order of the day.
After settling in, a three-course dinner awaits us. Readers, I hope you’ve eaten, because if not, this’ll send you salivating: broccoli soup, macaroni and cheese with a topping of our choice (bacon, smoked tofu or chicken) and, to top things off, a brownie covered in warm chocolate sauce. Absolutely delicious!
We gather around the fire and talk about the day and our energy levels. Catherine then teaches us the Foundation’s traditional expedition song. It’s another magical moment . . . The harmony in the group can be heard in everyone’s singing; it’s beautiful, it’s sweet, it’s warm-hearted.
We end the evening with a few games that make even the most stoic of us laugh.
See you tomorrow for a second day on the water!
Laurence Yelle, Volunteer photographer-blogger for the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation
Translated by Anna Tomczyk