It is at 9:00 am this morning that Aminata, Janny, Samuel, Yan, Esteban, Alex and Nicolas, along with a team of volunteers and therapeutic facilitators from the Tip of the Toes Foundation, left Montreal towards the Poisson Blanc Reservoir in Outaouais.
This group of young people is going there to experience a three days and two nights adventure, sailing to the rhythm of their paddles. Two Voyageur canoes will be their mean of transportation. The realization of this adventure is doubtlessly their common goal. However, other objectives motivate their presence at the encounter. Some speak of it as a time to have fun, others to establish a privileged contact with nature, as to break the routine, to live in the moment, or to share a life path that does not seem to be exactly the one that they would have liked. Slowly, normally, a few minutes after the departure, they are already friends.
The distance to safely arrive at our destination was peaceful. Marc-Andre, our driver and expedition co-leader took the opportunity to share his passion for railways with the group. So much so that he stopped at everyone as we came to them. A true enthusiast! It sure kept us entertained.
The welcome at the camp (Air-Eau-Bois) was very warm. The lodge where we will sleep tonight is perfect. We can have a very good-night sleep and take the last shower of the weekend. The lounge is very large and at the same time, perfect for group gatherings. It is precisely here that Catherine, the great manitou of the expedition, gives the basic instructions for the trip to go as smoothly as possible. She talks about safety, clothes, food, anoraks, paddles, light jacket and waterproof bag. In short, she makes sure to reduce concerns that everyone might have and makes us all comfortable… and it works.
This afternoon, we practise basic paddling movements and coordination of our actions in the crafts so that it can glide on the water like a drakkar. To begin, we must carry the Voyageur canoes on shore. Despite difficult displacement for some, all, without hesitation, participate to the launch. Finally, we are in action. The group was eager to take action. This also lowers the anxiety level felt by many, generated by the challenge facing them. As they singing, Esteban and Nicolas propel us offshore. “I’m a little teapot… that’s my handle, here is my spout!” After half an hour of practice, Catherine invites us to take a minute of silence, in order to awaken our senses, especially hearing, to what the forest can offer us. This moment was for many, the highlight of the day… Moreover, we had to face a natural obstacle; transporting our Voyageur canoes over a heap of mud. This challenge was not easy. The young people were very brave and did not hesitate a second to participate in the task. The return to base was happy one. The rain was not enough; Aminata added more by spraying Yan with the water in her canteen. This scene was very funny, especially for Yan.
The day ends with a group discussion where everyone identifies objectives and individual fears. The course of the discussion is smoothly done in utter respect. Listening to one another shows great maturity. Before going to bed, all are having fun playing cards. In the end, Alex is named the Emperor of pickles.