A day full of twists and turns awaits us. We’re ready for anything, because it’s an adventure, and the staff has several solutions for us, depending on our energy, our expectations, and the conditions. So, we set off with confidence today.
Adventure and the art of adaptation
This morning, the program changed. A few extra hours of sleep, much appreciated by late risers like Vincent and me. It’s too windy for the planned route, so we’ll spend an extra night here. The pace is relaxed, as we slowly eat our grilled cheese with apples and caramelized onions. A little later, the plans change. We set out for a short 4.5 km crossing, so that we don’t overdo it in the next few days. Adventure wouldn’t be adventure if everything went according to plan! Catherine points out that the concept of an adventure is that you know when you’re leaving, but not when you’ll get there. And Kylie jokes, “It’s a bit like cancer then! That’s how we humorously treat illness these days, as an adventure… and we thumb our noses at it!
Hippo versus Aeolus
The headwind is strong, the lake rocked by waves. Fortunately, the guides have taught us the techniques adapted to these conditions, the position to take in case of pitching, how to bail, the communication signals if there’s a problem and the instructions if we capsize. We’re making good progress, but our arms are feeling the strain. When the gusts become too strong, our canoe almost started to move backwards, despite our best efforts. Hippolyte notices this and advises us not to exert ourselves, but simply to paddle faster. With a good rhythm, we finally managed to move forward without exhausting ourselves, and the canoe suddenly seemed lighter. This tip is passed on to the other “beginners”, who all become more efficient.
Hippo and fluid dynamics
As we round an island, the wind blows us off course, as if it had suddenly changed direction there. Hippolyte offers a science lesson and takes the time to explain the phenomenon of how the wind, after colliding with the island, goes around it and finally meets itself on the other side, causing a change in direction. Hippo sure knows a lot of clever stuff!
Bread bags for paddlers
The water is warm and so is the wind. But Lysianne, Marylou and Jessica make sure that we don’t get cold, especially our hands. Those of us who want to, tie little bread bags to the cuffs of our paddling jackets to keep our hands dry. It’s very chic and super effective!
Picnic in the bush
The beach we’d planned to use for lunch is exposed to the wind, so Jessica decided to stop us on a wild, forested island where we’d be sheltered. It’s so wild that we have to clear a passage and improvise our way around! Soon, the guides are organized, and the warm orzo salad is in the bowls. And suddenly, music… it’s Cath, who has pulled a ukulele out of her waterproof bag! With the songbook open on the pine needles, the mood brightens. The sun even makes an appearance; “Hey, hi Galarneau!” Cath said, and only she knows why! Mario gets right into the songs, followed closely by Kylie. And Rania takes over on the ukulele. A nice repertoire of classics comfort everyone.
A heartwarming return
Two days ago, Kayla had to leave us for treatment of a health condition. The good news is that all is well, and she is ready to return to the adventure. She and Eve Marie, who accompanied her, found two good Samaritans, Line and Michel, who had come to fish in the reserve, and who readily agreed to take them by motorboat to our next camp, with the canoe strapped to the stern.
In the afternoon, as we approach in our wind-swept canoes, it’s time to sing the Foundation hymn we’ve been practicing for some time to welcome their return. It’s so good to see Kayla’s big smile again, and the bubbly Eve Marie.
A lovely evening
From our beautiful campsite, dotted with tall pines, we look out over the lake, which is calm at the end of the day. Michael, Kylie and Coralie, accompanied by Marylou and Mario, return empty-handed from their fishing trip; it was just too windy.
There’s a large circle around the fire and the flames flicker high in the gap between the trees. The team in charge is busy stoking the fire. From my computer, where I’m telling you about our adventures, I can see Romane breaking branches between two trunks in front of me, her headlamp waving in all directions. Suddenly, she falls to the ground; the stubborn branch has just snapped. Romane is unstoppable! Rania’s got her hands full too, says Jesse, who comes over to make sure I’ve got everything I need. The fire is magnificent, reddening faces and warming hearts.
It’s a beautiful evening, and I can hear the singing from afar, Mario sharing anecdotes and Kaylee telling her tongue-in-cheek jokes with both hands waving. I can’t wait to join them tonight, so I’ll leave you to imagine how much fun it is for all of us to be here together!
Fabienne Macé, On the Tip of the Toes Foundation Blogger and volunteer photographer
Translated by Lorraine Gagnon
In pictures
