September 22, 2017

Proud, confident and above all glad to share what he knows, Anthony will be giving the canoe lesson this morning! Meanwhile, our logistics squad prepares the boats and ensures that nothing is left behind. Everything is ready for the big departure. There was excitement in the air; everyone was waiting impatiently for that moment.

We divide into teams. Today, it is the young participants will be captains. Felix, Tamara and Anthony direct the voyageur canoes. They do it like pros! I must admit that the navigation conditions are perfect. The reservoir is calm, the water is clear; the air is good, and the sun uplifting. I am surprised every time to see how beautiful the region is. I talk with the participants. We are unanimous; it really is the ideal place for our expedition.

We paddle a few kilometres discussing our lives, singing or practising our paddle strokes. Our challenge is to learn to row together to move forward as quickly as possible; but, it’s hot and all we think about is swimming.

Our favourite moment of the day is, without a doubt, the lunch break. Swimming, diving from a rocky cape, jumping competitions, playing Frisbee, meditating, discussing … and even fishing, for Aiden. Everyone does what they like, and slowly, we are lost in the rhythm naturally settling among us. Trust emerges from within the group, exchanges are rich and the moments are unique.

We eat a few pizza pockets, carrot salad and scones and later, we leave the shore to pursue our journey.

After 8 km on the magnificent Poisson Blanc reservoir, we beach. We are spending the night here, at Pointe Dallaire. The forest is majestic. We are surrounded by pines and hemlocks of over 200 years old. It’s impressive! Charles, the director of camp Air-Eau-Bois talks to us about it passionately. We then divide the tasks, we set up our camp. Tonight, this will be our habitat. Anna, Tristan, David and a few others team up to set the dome up. Setting up a tent for 12 people is not an easy thing! Everyone helps out before ending the day playing ultimate Frisbee on the sand.

It was truly a perfect day. Without pitfalls, filled with magical moments, breathtaking landscapes and laughter. The sun has now giving way to a starry sky. The fire crackles. Nature sings. Everyone agrees that we are wonderfully feeling good. Time flies. We take advantage of every moment.

Geneviève Locas

Photographer/Blogger for the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation