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Weather gods are definitely on our side … We woke up looking at soggy tents. In fact, the clouds had spilled a few drops during the night. However, opening the doors of the soaked tents provided a glimpse on… a surprise! The sky was slowly clearing up, the gray making way to 50 shades of blue, once again.
The camp is teeming with activity this morning. Alexy goes to harvest wood (lots of wood!!), Jody starts the fire, Guillaume reads the rapids, Marianne studies the map of the river since she will have to present it to the other participants, Andrée-Anne prepares the day’s stretching session. There is also Catherine and Morgan who have opened a hairdressing salon; Marjorie will be their first client.
We launch and leave with regret the Targie Rapids campsite which, aside from being superb, was basically bug free. At least, compared to the previous evenings … We row along the banks on a few meanders and then reach the first section of the Staircase Canyon. We know too well that it will not be possible to descend the difficult second portion of those rapids, but we wonder if we could attempt the descent of the first section…
We attach the canoes to trees and then walk on the shore to better evaluate the challenge before us … We analyze … evaluate … consult … And … we think that yes, it is possible! In order to reach an absolute level of certainty as to our decision, we send a canoe to test it, with one of our guides and myself on board.
Unfortunately, the test will not be conclusive … We certainly went down the rapids without a hitch, but we had to work hard and rely on relatively advanced mastery of canoe techniques. We agree that despite appearances, it will not be possible for participants to tackle those rapids. The level of the river is relatively high and a current too strong pushes us towards the second section of the rapids. A possible pilot error could prove too costly. The participants are obviously a bit disappointed, but they understand.
This procedure has taken time… Lots of it. We therefore take the wise decision to spend the night between the first and the second section of the Staricase Canyon; The second portage will wait until tomorrow! We enjoy our early arrival at camp – another beautiful beach! – to prepare a calzone bar – with fresh pasta made on the spot! – and a chocolate pudding.
In the evening, we conduct a discussion circle. We are near the midpoint of our journey and it is important to take the pulse of participants. What we hear allows us to confirm once more that the therapeutic adventure bears its fruit … “I learned to be happy again”. “I am finally taking advantage of life”. “I feel understood, surrounded by people who have lived the same thing as me”. “I can be myself.” “I realize that I am capable of doing things that I did not think possible.”
In the meantime, the clouds have rolled in and a cold rain falls on us. Could it be the end of our days under the sun? To be continued…
J-Charles Fortin, Blogger and Photographer for On the Tip of the Toes Foundation
The Noire River Expedition is presented by the Fondation Bon départ de Canadian Tire du Québec
In pictures
