The Musicians Leave, but the Music Remains

To the sound of Catherine and Marie-Michelle’s music, the camp came alive once again this morning — but this time, it was at dawn, before the first rays of sunlight appeared.

From the very first exchanges, we could feel the essence of the words carefully chosen by the expedition members to describe their journey with Sur la pointe des pieds. Mixed with the scents of pine, hemlock, and hop-hornbeam were the deep meanings behind their words: Pride, Recovery, Spirituality, Peace, Grandiose, Grateful, Dream, Carefree, Sun, Fade in, Privilege, Challenging, Warmth, Liberating, Accomplishment, Renewal, and Scattered. All together, these words form the soundtrack of everything that was created throughout this expedition.

And as if the sky itself wanted to mark the end of this journey, the sunrise revealed all its splendor, bathing the point in an extraordinary light.

Shortly after breakfast, we took our places once more in the rabaskas for the final paddle strokes across the reservoir. Each movement felt slower, more mindful, more grounded — as if everything was finding its meaning upon nearing solid ground. As if the participants were leaving behind everything no longer needed to keep moving forward. As if, through this challenge met, the desire to continue lighter had emerged.

What followed was the well-deserved shower time and the packing of bags. Then came the diploma ceremony, where each participant truly grasped the magnitude of what they had accomplished here. A moment filled with pride and emotion — marking not only the end of an adventure, but also the beginning of something greater, which each one now carries within.

To end on a more personal note, as the expedition’s blogger and photographer, I feel deeply privileged to have shared all these moments with you. You now hold a very special place in my heart, and the echo of your laughter, your smiles, your resilience, your strength, your wisdom, and your liveliness will keep resonating within me.

Gabriel, Alexandre, Amber, Sofia, Maria, Azra, Rosemarie, and Gracia — keep shining as you do, and remember: the musicians leave the stage, but the music they created together keeps on playing…

With all my affection, I wish you the most beautiful continuation of your journey.

Julie De Serres