*Rise up this morning’ Smiled with the risin’ sun, Three little birds Singin’ sweet songs Of melodies pure and true. Singin’: Don’t worry ‘bout a thing, ‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright* Bob Marley and The Wailers were featured in this morning’s wake-up call. It softened the cool, grey weather—which was actually welcome after yesterday’s scorching day hauling gear back and forth under the sun.
Before even having breakfast, participants were invited to a meditation workshop led by Marie-Ève. Sitting on the sand, everyone took a moment to connect with themselves, with the expedition project, and with the nature that surrounds and shapes us.
After a hearty breakfast of chia pudding, we prepared for a 10-kilometre paddle. Anne-Sophie, our guide, explained the route and the plan for the day. I just want to say: she’s always there for us, constantly working—quietly behind the scenes—taking care of dozens of tasks. She listens, and shares her deep knowledge of nature with passion. She’s a gem. She even brings my dessert straight to my tent in the evening when I’m writing after dinner. We’re spoiled!
This is the longest distance we’ll cover in a single day. There’s a bit of anticipation, but our bodies are getting more and more used to paddling, and everyone has really mastered their canoes and the rhythm of the routine (packing our stuff, loading the canoes, docking, unloading, setting up camp… eat, sleep and repeat).
Let’s go!
This part of the trip is stunning. The twists and turns of the lake are mysterious and amaze us at every bend. We come across several loons, hungry fish, a beaver lodge, and a few birds of prey.
Canoe pairs chat together. There’s also chatter between canoes—we stick close at times, and drift apart at others, but always within sight and earshot.
Jolyanne once again belts out her “wooden cart” song at full volume, and everyone joins in with enthusiasm and energy.
Tobiasz is still wearing his one-piece pajamas.
Caroline, seated in the three-person canoe, makes her way through all the wildlife and flora interpretation materials and interviews everyone with Jimmy’s GoPro.
After lunch, Catherine invites us to raft up the canoes and sink into silent introspection together. Once again, time fades, human silence becomes complete, and we’re left with the sounds of nature. We drift gently, but together. Mylène would later say: “… the elements were in sync with us…”
These moments of nothingness that become everything—they are rare and precious.
The entire group reaches the destination and lands at the same time. Yes, all ten canoes docked simultaneously. Hippo suggested this idea, and we actually pulled it off.
It was a smooth arrival, followed by a well-rehearsed routine: unloading the canoes, storing the gear, setting up the kitchen, pitching tents. Then, the invitation to swim lets everyone stretch out and laugh. A lively frisbee game breaks out—Annie, Jimmy, Mylène, Catherine, Marie-Ève… almost everyone is playing, like fish in the cool water.
Quentin made an unexpected friend out of a leech. These little intruders just won’t stop clinging to us.
Our three English-speaking teammates—Jimmy, Tobiasz, and Manu—are speaking more and more French, and the French speakers who were shy at first are improving their English. Group harmony continues to grow. Participants tell us multiple times a day how pleasantly surprised they are by the group’s vibe and how great it feels to live in this kind of community.
I was searching for the right words to describe this feeling. I thought of the word “lightness”—as in, everything feels light, simple, not complicated. You feel good. People feel like they belong… and then it hit me.
I would sum up this midpoint with a concept taught in outdoor education and leadership: the idea of flow, developed by Czikszentmihalyi. It’s a state that occurs when the level of skill matches the level of challenge. It’s kind of like “being in your zone”—when you’re doing something and completely lose track of time because you’re so immersed in it. You give it your full attention, and let go.
Tonight, as I watched the small groups chatting amongst themselves, I saw happiness, a deep sense of well-being, and above all, people who felt like they were exactly where they were meant to be—enjoying both conversation and the comfort of being immersed in tasks that are now familiar and meaningful, contributing to the group’s safety, comfort, and overall well-being. In short, a shared state of flow. Until tomorrow!
Gabrielle
