Today we climb a hill on skis through fresh snow. Once at the top, we take the time to realize how happy we are to be out in nature. The day ends with a musical evening gathering.
Evenings of old
Like every morning, it is Catherine and her ukulele who gently wake us up. Today’s song? A version of Gens du pays specially adapted for Kiran’s birthday, who is celebrating his 28th today! (I will keep the birthday cake surprise for tomorrow’s blog.) Simon’s house is full of instruments, from guitar to banjo to various percussion. And that works out perfectly, because the group is also rich in musicians and singers. The evening entertainment is therefore guaranteed thanks to two thick songbooks that Catherine always carries with her.
Last night, between two songs sung together, Mario told us the story of the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation, founded in 1996 with oncologist Sylvain Baruchel during an inaugural expedition in the Monts Groulx. When Mario tells a story, there are many epic digressions and rich anecdotes, and the audience, twenty people gathered in Simon’s living room, remains captivated.
Climbing through fresh snow
And this morning, once again, it is Mario whom we follow as he opens the trail through the fresh snow with long strides on his ski hoks. As you already know, the catastrophic storm that had been forecast did not happen. We could probably have stayed in the forest, but outdoor expeditions do not adapt well to “probablys.” Better safe than sorry. In exchange for our caution, we were rewarded with 30 cm of perfect snow and wonderfully mild temperatures.
Once again, it is our guide, the tireless Simon, who has given us one of our most beautiful days by granting us access to the forest on his vast property. Still wearing our ski hoks, we begin an hour long zigzag climb through a thick birch forest. We must take turns leading to open the trail for the long line of skiers behind. The whole strategy is to avoid sweating so that our clothes stay dry. It is therefore important to measure our pace, take enough breaks, remove layers of clothing, or open the ventilation in our jackets.
A nature bath
Once at the top, everyone settles into the snow, some stretched out on a ground mat, others leaning against a tree. Mario and Marie Michèle lead us in a mindfulness activity in the heart of the forest. First, we take deep breaths, then we focus on one sense at a time. Sound comes first, like the snow falling, notes Sierra. Then comes sight. “We pay attention to what moves, like the wind in the branches,” suggests Camille. Next comes smell, the most powerful trigger of memories, according to Mario. The scent of fir trees “immediately brought me back to a summer camp from my childhood,” says Annie Rose with delight. “It is important to focus on the small details as well,” concludes Mario.
Then each of us must recall a natural place that holds special meaning. We travel across Canada in our memories, from an urban park in Sherbrooke to the forests west of Vancouver, passing through Northern Ontario and Île d’Orléans. “I feel like a tiny little thing in this vastness,” admits Catherine. The final word, however, belongs to Isabelle, our expedition doctor: “I prescribe a daily nature bath for all of you!”
Valérian
Presented by
In pictures
