Day 7 since leaving home, 4th day of the expedition. Somewhere on a lake, in the La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve, between Outaouais and Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
Once upon a time, 12 people chose to push their limits, to live an adventure by connecting with nature, to have fun, to meet others with similar life experiences. Your lovers, your brothers, your sisters, your dad or your mom, friends, strangers—each one more fascinating than the next. Thank you for being here and following them.
This morning, we woke up happy that the heavy rain from last night had stopped. While we packed up sleeping bags, sleeping mats, and let our tent roofs dry, breakfast—prepared by Jimmy and Quentin—was ready: hash brown potatoes, bacon bites, eggs, and other delicious toppings. Enough to give us the strength to tackle the biggest day of the trip: 10 km plus three portages.
Packing up the campsite was done in no time! We’re well-rehearsed now, and we set off with energy and enthusiasm. It’s beautiful to see the ten canoes gliding across the lake. We call ourselves the “human pack,” like they say in English: a wolf pack.
Speaking of wolves, we came across some beautiful wildlife: a family of loons that Marie-Ève and Tobiasz watched for a while—long enough to see the father loon feed the baby loon by placing a fish in its beak! Toads under our tents in the morning. An eagle flying over us, curious. As we hugged the shoreline, Lysianne looked for turtles—it’s said there are many in the area.
Oh! I have to tell you: Catherine found a leech. Again! In her canoe! We still don’t know how it ended up there…
We completed the first portage in a flash—because we’ve become pros—then, after another 800 meters on the water, we landed for lunch. Kitchen setup in record time, and we enjoyed a hearty pasta salad.
Catherine and Marie-Michelle then invited participants to gather around the fire for a long-awaited discussion. It was time for them to share their experiences with cancer. It happened in a safe cocoon: only Marie-Michelle, Catherine, and Marie-Ève, the psychosocial worker, were there with them.
It will be up to them whether or not they want to share with you the words and feelings that came up.
After launching back out with a liberating group shout, we paddled the next kilometer in silence, allowing everyone to process what they had just experienced.
The second portage was 50 meters, bypassing a moderate but sporty rapid. To avoid unloading all our gear for those 50 meters, the guides ran the small rapids. Jessica took the time to explain how this particularly technical descent worked, since two rocks were hidden just below the surface—posing a significant risk of capsizing for those less experienced. We learned and better understood the dangers we might face.
The last portage of 170 meters was done with joy, though we were all starting to feel the fatigue after nearly 10 km and the emotional discussion over lunch. Those who had set the goal of carrying a canoe for the first time were thrilled to accomplish it. I remember Annie’s smile once the canoe was resting on her shoulders. Manu carried his with ease, and Judith did it with exemplary rhythm.
Back on the water, we paddled one last short 150 meters to reach our campsite for the night. Once again, a beautiful spot where we could enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Mathieu and Judith made shepherd’s pie while the group swam, read, relaxed, refined their camp skills and personal gear management. The evening was spent around the fire, pulling tarot cards, doing a bit of yoga, and more little adventures before we finally tucked in, warm in our sleeping bags.
There is something powerful in these daily acts that have become almost ritual, in this rhythm that exists outside of time.
This is the work and the magic of the Sur la pointe des pieds Foundation: giving people affected by cancer the chance to experience something transformative with others—people for whom and with whom it is meaningful to share. We are far from comfort zones, routines, and normalcy. This expedition grows richer, and enriches us, day by day.
I say it a little more each day, how, as a deeply involved observer, I see the bonds growing stronger and the community taking shape. I see people who now truly know each other. Invitations flying around to visit each other later. Inside jokes that will stay with them for a long time, fits of laughter impossible to forget, soon-to-be stories they’ll tell again and again. I see stars. In their eyes, but also deep within each of them, like a new constellation taking form in the sky—already shining bright.
Gabrielle
