Catherine read her book of love notes into the wee hours of the morning, a sign that many had responded to the call to give back a little of all that she has given. This outpouring of love and gratitude is the best example of what the Foundation has to offer.
This morning, to wake us up, Eve-Marie and Catherine the real version, of Chats Sauvages on their ukuleles. It’s all about love and freedom. The duos of young people emerged from their tents chatting, laughing, and continuing the conversations of the night before. Kaylee, always an early riser, was in charge of the fire. She happily put on all the logs she cut last night.
Today was more of a portage day rather than a coasting day. A portage is when you can’t get across the water or don’t want to because the rapids are too strong. The first one was 165 metres. Though that’s not a lot, it was our first one. We had to put into practice what we learned this morning with Jessica and Hyppolyte. Basically, we had to turn the boat over with our partner, without getting our feet or hands tangled up, and then make a star, lifting the canoe over our heads. Then one of them had to balance it and, with a lot of effort and shoulder pain, walk with it. I didn’t try it so I can’t say, but I saw them. Most of the adventurers wanted to try it and they did it all very efficiently. Jessica congratulated us again. The barrels also needed to be carried, sometimes one person carried two, one on the shoulders, the other over the top with bags in hand. It took a few trips back and forth along the root-strewn path, but all went well.
The second portage was a little shorter but required a different technique. You have to carry the canoes like a suitcase. So, we got together and passed them around. It was a very efficient conveyor belt. We had to cross a pretty steep area. The canoe had to be brought up and then relaunched in a new lake. Everyone participated and was very well organized. Our logistics team, Jessica, Jérémie and Hippolyte supervised us very well. Once again, congratulations were in order, and everything ran smoothly and efficiently.
We disembarked in a beautiful lake. We were alone, it was wonderful. We heard songs being sung from canoe to canoe. Mario was singing a reworked version of À la claire fontaine, which French voyageurs used to sing when they discovered the vastness of Quebec. In my canoe, it’s Paul, inspired by Mario, who started singing Dean Martin’s On the Street Where You Live. It was a lovely atmosphere but very hot. Jessica reminded us to drink a lot, to wet our hats every time, and to apply sunscreen regularly.
At noon, we’re almost forced to swim, and we do so with our life jackets on to keep them cool. We looked like a small school of seals floating in the middle of the lake, which was quite funny.
In my canoe with Paul and Charles, I learned a lot about finance, which they both study. Now I know how I should have planned my retirement! I also learned that Everest is covered in human excrement, but we’re very proud that we won’t be leaving any in the Parc de la Vérendrye. I learned that they had both sang opera when they were young, which was the reason for all the singing on the lake this afternoon. The most interesting thing I learned was about Charles’ project, a long-term dream of his. A non-profit organization to help oncology patients eat healthy. It’s a project he’s already started, and he’s going to work on it slowly to get it right and make it work.
The third portage was quite long and required a lot of effort from everyone. You can feel the enthusiasm and the energy. Everyone went back and forth to see if there’s anything left to carry. Nobody was complaining, everyone was smiling.
We were getting closer to our bivouac for the night. It was so beautiful that we arrived almost too fast. We landed in a lovely cove with a beautiful beach at the end. We be spending the night here. There’s another cedar forest with lots of little spots. Everyone found a spot and settled in.
The ever-quick logistics team flipped two canoes over to make two tables and set up the small kitchen. It’s as pretty as it can be. As soon as we arrived, Marylou, our sweet nurse, got to work washing the lunch dishes, while Hippolyte, assisted by Romane, started the fire. Jhelisa and Michael started chopping the vegetables for the chicken pad thai. A chicken with woody flavours, Hippolyte’s way, and campfire bananas for dessert. A new discovery for me, and it’s pretty good! A revitalized Vincent chopped wood to feed the fire; handling the axe did him a world of good. He has earned a rest this evening as the pink moon shines over the lake, its reflection barely moving as the lake is very calm on our beautiful sandy beach.
There was a game around the fire tonight, and I could hear the campers saying things as if they had water in their mouths. I don’t know what kind of game it was, but I could hear the laughter and it really helped me have a nice evening.
Fabienne Macé
On the Tip of the Toes Foundation Blogger and volunteer photographer
Translated by Lorraine Gagnon
In pictures
