Today is moving day. Leaving the comforts of Pavillon Antoine-Dubuc, we head for the Vallée des fantômes[Ghost Valley] on snowshoes.Moving means packing (once more). Our baggage will be transported by snowmobile to the next refuge.
After a de luxe Continental Breakfast (Catherine coined the phrase), with a special mention for the Eggs au Gratin prepared by Maxime, and for the fruit bread, we are ready to go.Outside, the heavy snow is piling up. Mario waxes poetic: “Maple sugar snow”. I opted to leave before the group, just so I can catch their smile, and eager to see that mysterious valley. After a two-hour climb we reach our refuge for the next 48 hours. Elisa and Michael are making the ham and Brie sandwiches, as we warm up with a chicken broth (or, as Mario says, water with stuff in it). We spend the rest of the afternoon setting up the tent, the outdoor kitchen and a snow shelter for tomorrow, but we spend most of our time rescuing Elliot who got trapped in a three-meter hole, which the others found quite amusing as they watched from the comfort of their sitting position in the snow. As I write this, Angelica, Maxime and Brandon are busy preparing our collective meal, this one with a French and Indian touch (onion soup and Indian butter chicken), and for dessert, much to Brandon’s pleasure, Brownies.
Update: Brandon’s pleasure was short lived, as the Brownies will be on tomorrow’s menu!
Emotional moment: During the first day, Catherine gave two packets to the participants, one high (reserved for a moment of intense joy) and one low (to crank up the group). One condition: opening the packs must be a unanimous decision. Today, the group chose to open the low packet, as the participants were sad that some of them couldn’t reach the refuge on snowshoes, as they were too tired. The solidarity and support of this group is both touching and inspiring. I consider myself privileged to be able to share with you the fortitude of the participants and the Foundation.