As I mentioned yesterday, Thursday night was forecast to be colder than usual, and there was no source of heat other than our bodies in the tents. As a result, a few participants got cold during the night. Winter camping is a challenge in itself when you’re not used to it. Just as during the day, the participants have to manage their layers of clothing and make sure they’re not cold before they get into their sleeping bags. Sleeping bags are designed to keep you warm, not to warm you up.
Shortly after waking up, we are invited to toast our breakfast on the fire, before taking down camp. Each participant packs their gear into their pack for the last time, and the teams who slept there are invited to dismantle their tents.
We return the site to the way we found it when we arrived, and then we leave. We retrace the path we took yesterday to get there. We cross the forest path, then drop our bags at the trail entrance to Moose Mountain, which we’re about to climb.
The goal is to get to the summit where an incredible view awaits us. We get there in a jiffy. We take a minute to stop for a final moment of silence together. We could have easily stayed for several minutes. Before setting off again, we take a few group photos. More memories to treasure. We make our way back down and collect our bags for the rest of the trek to the Voyageur Quest lodge where we spent the first few days.
The participants are already dreaming of the sauna and hot shower that await them back at the lodge. We break for lunch at the same site as yesterday. As we settle in, snow begins to fall from the sky. It looks like little Styrofoam balls. A reminder that it’s still winter.
We hit the road again for the last leg of our expedition. The participants are like horses heading back to the stables: excited, fast and hasty. Before heading in, we all stop so that the group can reassemble, and we can all arrive at the same time.
What an achievement! We all have so much to be proud of. We’ve done it! Three nights of winter camping, several kilometres of hiking, hundreds of metres of climbing, a ton of laughter, several moments of silence, several discussion circles where we listened to and respected one another, and as one small family later, we’ve made it!
Before taking advantage of the base camp facilities, the participants must return the equipment loaned by the Foundation. Sorting out what belongs to them and what belongs to the Foundation is a final little challenge for all! A blessing in disguise, because afterwards they’ll be free to enjoy the evening. They head off to the sauna before their much-needed and well-deserved showers. They then naturally gather in the lounge to talk everything and nothing, laughing abundantly. Teasing has been part of the trip from the start. They’ve racked up a ton of inside jokes that have become part of our everyday vernacular.
The appetizer for tonight’s meal is served at the lounge table, and the participants dive in like vultures. It’s as if they haven’t eaten for the whole expedition. We’re served melted Brie cheese with apricot tapenade and crackers. The main meal and dessert are equally delicious. The participants then make their way to the lake to admire the sunset. They huddle in together, inseparable.
The end is near and I think they’re starting to realize it. They’re making the most of every little moment they have left together. It’s beautiful and touching to see how far they’ve come together. The buds have opened to make way for the most beautiful flowers.
This is where I leave you for tonight, see you tomorrow!
Laurence Yelle, Volunteer photographer-blogger for the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation
Translated by Anna Tomczyk
In pictures
