The Poisson Blanc Reservoir Magic
We are on the waters of the Poisson Blanc Reservoir. The sun warms our faces, and the wind gently caresses the back of our necks. The reflections in the water create ephemeral stars, and the leaves on the trees fill our ears with a soothing murmur.
It’s been a few hours since we arrived at Camp Air-Eau-Bois and we already feel so far away from the city and its incentives.
Imagine when we will truly be on the expedition!
We must admit that we have not wasted time since we got off the bus that brought us here.
As soon as we arrived, it was with great enthusiasm that Catherine, one of our facilitators, showed us around this place she is particularly fond of; she did spent several summers there.
Who will be the adventurers to discover Poisson Blanc?
Then, we began with a quick roundtable so that everyone can introduce themselves and to have a chance to know each other a little more. We were about to experience great moments together, might as well start building links right now!
It should be noted here that introductions were in both languages and that some were a little more comfortable than others.
“Hi, my name is Karl. I’m from the Saguenay. I’m logistic team. And that’s tout!” which triggered general laughter.
After everyone had the chance to introduce themselves, we took possession of the precious barrels containing our equipment for the next days and we chose our rooms inside the “inn”: a small building consisting of two parallel wings joined in the centre by a large common room that will serve as a base camp and shelter for the first night on our journey.
Well equipped to sail
Once well settled, Marie-Michelle, our other facilitator, took the time to explain each piece of equipment necessary for our adventure while giving us “clothing advice” to be dressed adequately throughout from the expedition.
Tips that we were able to apply a few minutes later when we changed before going on the lake.
It is therefore appropriately dressed and a little fretful that we set out for the lake. A few minutes later, we were able to see with our own eyes the immensity of the Poisson Blanc and the splendour of this reservoir dotted with islands. It’s really beautiful!
After the distribution of the lifejackets and oars, we courageously set foot in the water to learn the basic techniques for paddling and the various safety rules to follow to make our trip as pleasant as possible.
Now that we were all true “seasoned paddlers,’ we put our strength in common and we raised the rabaska canoes, huge traveller canoes which can carry fifteen people, and put them in the water.
Slowly, we each took our place in our canoes and we went on the lake to practise a little before the big departure.
Becoming used to our canoe and our environment
We quickly realized that it is not easy to be synchronized to move forward, but with a little perseverance we could do it.
A few paddle strokes and a few short breaks later, we stopped at the Poisson Blanc Reservoir and, once the two rabaska canoes side by side, Mario, one of the co-founders of the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation, we did a sensory acclimatization exercise.
During this exercise, Mario encouraged us to become aware of everything that our senses can feel when we are in nature. It was at this point that many of us started to be a lot more attentive to everything around us.
It is therefore in full environmental consciousness that we started on the way back.
Apprehending the adventure
Back on dry land, it was already supper time.
Once our belly full of soup and spaghetti, we went back to the inn to continue planning our trip before the big departure.
We also took advantage of this group moment to recall our first day and to share between us the different motivations which had pushed us to take part in this adventure. This discussion also allowed us to express some of our fears and apprehensions about the challenge that awaits us tomorrow.
Following this sharing period, we can say that two things are clear: the next days will be the perfect opportunity to make new friends and many of us will have to take their courage with both hands to be able to pee in the woods.
To be continued.
In pictures
