This morning, every body woke up to the theme song of On the Tip of the Toes Foundation sung by Michel and Catherine. A harsh wake-up, it is still early and that card game went on and on, last night. Today, the sun is shining and illuminating the countryside all around us. We had a quick breakfast, as we must leave soon to be on time at our meeting point with the parents. I bet they can’t wait to see us!
This morning, David is taking over as captain of the rabaska to take us back to our starting point, the beach at Air Eau Bois Camp. The last few paddle strokes bring this unforgettable weekend to an end. It is now time to sort out the expedition material and load it on the truck before a very welcome hot shower.
We have a last meal in the cafeteria before heading home. I thought our young paddlers would be exhausted, but they were full of energy on the way to Gatineau. Blaring music and fits of laughter bring us to our first meeting point. Time to say goodbye to Mehdi and Anthony who must leave us first. As the end nears, each minute is precious as our young friends laugh and share all the way to Montreal. Time to go: David, Jonathan, Sébastien and Gabrielle say their last goodbyes swearing to meet again, perhaps during one of the On The Tip of the Toes longer expeditions.
Everyone heads back home with a whole lot of memories and new heart-warming new friendships. Thank you to our unbelievable support team: Linda Hershon and Christiane Friedrichi, our nurses, Mario Bilodeau and Virginie Gargano, our cooks, baggage handlers, and safety people. Thanks also to the Air Eau Bois Camp and its Great Totem who treated us like royalty and provided the best weather of the whole month of October!
Take heart and travel safely, my friends!