Good morning! We are beside a waterfall. The mist is slowly lifting as the sunlight shines through the landscape. I do not think we could ask for a better way to wake up. The nature surrounding us is peaceful, gentle and incredibly powerful all at once. We practise the art of contemplation while taking some time to reflect individually on what this expedition is bringing into our lives.
We slightly changed our itinerary. Today is our final day on the Coulonge River. Mya carries her barrel toward the canoes. Despite the fatigue, she is glowing and fills me with a sense of peace.
I am going to be honest with you. Writing during this expedition has been very difficult for me. Not because I do not have the time, but because this group is so incredible that I want to be with them all the time. It seems that whenever I start writing, something happens that I do not want to miss. I am sharing this because I believe it says so much about the beauty of the experience we are living. The bonds connecting us are growing stronger every day. I can see it, I can feel it and I can also observe how each person is experiencing it. For me, it means wanting to enjoy every moment with them, here, deep in the woods.
It is Catherine’s birthday. To celebrate, she is having chips for breakfast. Yes, chips and coffee. The dream! She is REALLY happy!
Before leaving, we have one final river swimming session. The young participants have become very skilled and are feeling increasingly comfortable in whitewater. Their abilities are growing every day. It is impressive
Back on the water, we begin with a Class I rapid. It is our last one of the expedition. We only have a short distance to paddle, and it goes by quickly. I hear laughter coming from several canoes, while others are feeling more introspective.
A few minutes later, we reach our final portage. It is a short 100 metre portage connecting the river to Jim Lake, where we are headed. There are lovely red flowers and a small waterfall. Marshall, Ambila, Holley and Mya carry a canoe on their own for the first time.
During our lunch break, we swim in the Coulonge one last time. Holley pulls out the water gun and shows no mercy. She is determined to soak us all.
Here we are. We have reached Jim Lake. The atmosphere is completely different. There are hundreds of water lilies, with beautiful pink and white flowers in bloom. We spend a few quiet moments observing the plants and wildlife around us. We even see turtles!
Tonight, we are sleeping on OUR island. The one we named ourselves: Tip of the Toes Island. Nicolas prepared the site for us. We take our time settling in and putting up our tents one last time.
As you may have noticed, there have been many last times today. The expedition is nearing its end. Still, there are many beautiful moments left to share, and it is important to remember that.
The invitation is to do whatever we need to do so that we leave without regrets.
Some of the young participants head out in solo canoes with Jessica. Loïs goes canoeing with Nico to learn how to fly fish. They even catch a beautiful walleye and release it back into the water. Julien tends to the fire, which he absolutely loves, while Catherine cooks the chanterelles we gathered this morning. Steven, Anne Sophie and I prepare macaroni and cheese. Sophie and Annik take care of the dishes.
The sun is setting. The view is magical. From their canoes, some quietly watch the day come to an end. Tonight, we will gather for our sharing circle and have a small celebration for Cath’s birthday. A delicious Betty Crocker chocolate chunk cake is waiting for us. I have to go. It looks so good!
See you tomorrow!
Geneviève
Présented by
