Hi there! Welcome to our adventure! We’re pleased to note that you decided to join us through this blog or on Facebook! We will use these platforms to allow you to follow the adventures of our participants in this sea kayak expedition of the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation. As you probably are already aware, we will spend the coming days in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, sailing through the Mingan Islands.
Technology permitting (one never knows, particularly with a low speed satellite connexion, a portable computer, and power packs hauled in a kayak!), we will update this blog and Facebook on a daily basis. This will be our logbook to which we will add photos of the day.
New this summer: You’ll be able to track us in quasi real time. We have entered into a partnership with In Reach who supplied us with a satellite transmission beacon. This will allow you to track us as we navigate the waters. So, go to our Twitter account on a daily basis to see our daily route.
Without further ado, here we go.
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Montreal was beautiful and welcoming to greet our young friends: a blue sky, a soft breeze, the thermo at 27 degrees. One by one, they came in. First was Madison from Dieppe (N-B), Sean from Calgary (AB) and Allegra from Winnipeg (MAN) who came in by air from both ends of the country. Then came the Quebec contingent: Jacob from St. Hélène, Émile from Blainville, Lunou from Gatineau, Jeffrey from Martinville, Francis from Val d’Or, David from Laval, Charles-Henri from Frelishburg, Layla from St. Lazare, and Ali from Montreal. Sure, there were tears streaming down the tears of parents as they dropped off their kids, but there were smiles lighting off the faces of our young friends.
After the usual introductions, we’re on our way to Madison’s Grill a stone’s throw away from the Bell Center, home of the Montreal Canadiens where in record time we were treated to generous servings of ribs, burgers, or chicken breasts with a delicious tiramisu to crown it all.
To aid digestion, we walk towards a park where we spend some 90 minutes getting better acquainted. This followed by a game of Cowbowds (Francis was le winner – ask the youngsters to explain de rules, it will be much simpler…) and we asked the youngsters what rules they would like to see in place during this voyage. Their suggestions are centered on respect; respect for their individual capacities, respect for nature, respect for the equipment, and self-respect.
We also share on their reasons to embark on such a voyage. The answers vary but are all very pertinent: take a break from their daily routine, a willingness to push back their limitations, a desire to try something different, a desire to meet new people; many wish to see animals. These guys seem to have a wonderful and deep soul, it augurs well for this therapeutic adventure voyage.
After the sharing, we slowly walk back to the hotel. No time to waste, rumour has it the rooster will crow at 4:15 AM on this Sunday morning. Ouch!