The sun was shining when we got underway on this Saturday, July 9. Our group was just about complete, Patrick Sauvé, from Drummondville, had caught up with us early in the morning. We left for Ottawa where we picked up Fareed Ali and Ashley Blackstrom who were waiting for us. Much to our pleasure, we noticed the group was bonding fast, very fast indeed, and that new friendships were blossoming. Not surprising, as our participants are very loquacious and cheerful!
Our itinerary was first punctuated by some scheduled stops, for lunch, to fill-up, or simply to stretch our legs. But there was also an unscheduled 90-minute pause to change one of the trailer tires, which had punctured unbeknownst to us – we are grateful to the driver of a blue Ford Winsdstar who brought it to our attention as he passed us. Yes, a full 90 minutes to change a tire, without tools, and with a jack we borrowed from a passer-by, as ours was not suited to this particular task. Now, that is the way to start an adventure!
So, after 12 hours of travelling over the roads of Quebec and Ontario, we finally arrived at beautiful Killbear Park – I had forgotten how healthy the trees are in that part of the country! Good company, chocolate brownies, air conditioning, and videos made this a successful day.
As we entered the park, a sign reminded us that we were not alone on this territory: beware of the bears in Killbear Park! This warning was confirmed a few kilometres later when we met a plump female who ignored us and pursued her foraging in a garbage container looking for some delicacy to eat. We will sleep safely tonight as the park rangers told us that the site we chose for the night was rather infested with wash-bears!!!
Tomorrow, Sunday, is kayak practice day. Our group can’t wait to dip the oars in the water. As Martine St-Clair (nearly) sang in 1984: “There’s excitement in the aiiiiiir, toniiiiiight!”