After 38 km on a gravel road and a helicopter flight of about ten minutes, that’s it, the adventure begins for real. Now is the time to build a new comfort zone.
As we take off, the excitement begins. From the sky, we see the great boreal forest dotted with millions of black spruces. In the distance, the helicopter pilot shows us a mother moose and calf in a peat bog. We can then see the Magpie River and its many rapids flowing into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 65 km downstream.
That is the whole territory we are about to cover in the coming days. Unknown territory, full of surprises and challenges, but also a territory that we will get to know better.
To do so, we must first re-create a new comfort zone in the wilderness. Everyone is busy setting up tents, kitchen and toilets. The goal: eat well and sleep comfortably warm tonight. Then, everyone enjoys the lake either to go swimming, kayaking or rowing stand-up paddle while others bask in the sun in the raft boats. Despite some apprehension, everyone takes advantage of the situation. And even if we are very far from civilization, it’s almost like a Club Med!
In addition to being in a new environment, everyone must find a new comfort zone with a group of people we did not know a few days ago. “All this does not happen in one day, but we have already begun to grow together,” said Mario Bilodeau, a co-founder of the Foundation during a group session. “We’re really lucky to be here together in such a fabulous environment as it is in nature that miracles happen. And I see a miracle unfolding as I see the stars in your eyes. This return to the sources also allows for a spiritual and sensory awareness by taking time to pay attention to our five senses,” added Mario.
Although there have been several firsts on this trip, it is tomorrow the rafting begins, during which all will have to create their new comfort zone. “When we reach our comfort zone with the others, the environment and activities, nothing else will ever stop you,” says Mario.