I don’t care so much with the smell of my armpits. You’re not even here with me to see the sky.
It is while listening to Bernard Adamus’ wise lyrics that our second day begins as our two facilitators wake us up with their sweet voices and their touching ukuleles.
After this pleasant awakening, we head to the cafeteria to fill up with energy with eggs, bacon, potatoes, yogurt and fruits before the grand departure.
Hopes that the magic at the bottom of the barrel happens outdoors…
Once our stomachs full, we return to the cabin to organize our barrels and prepare for the day that seems a little rainy.
It’s not so easy not to forget anything and, in addition, some of us are beginning to get pretty hot by wearing their waterproof clothing indoors.
Nevertheless, the group seems excited about finally leaving on an adventure.
Moreover, knowing that when on expedition the piece of equipment that we need is unfortunately at the bottom of our bag, some of us juggle with the idea of putting their sunglasses deep inside their barrel and hope that the universe will bring sunny skies.
When the adventure begins for real
Once everyone is ready, we head to the beach while quietly realizing what we are about to do.
As Marie-Michelle carefully reminds us, the moment we were all waiting for has now arrived.
This is where it happens!
In a few minutes, we put the canoes in the water, and we let ourselves slide on the lake with more than favourable conditions: finally, it is not raining and a constant wind coming from south is pushing us.
Thanks to this cooperative wind, we quickly arrive at the Île aux Patates for our snack.
Some additional information: this island will also be an opportunity for many to learn the art of peeing in the woods. Likely, this seems to be a success all the way.
After having gobbled up the muffins lovingly prepared by the logistics team and playing “cowboy” for a while, we get back into the voyageur canoes.
Destination: Île à l’Aigle where soups, sandwiches and our first campfire will take place.
After a few hardy paddle strokes, we arrive at this second site to discover the ultramodern system developed by the Foundation for washing hands, and an outhouse described by many of the participants as “amazing”. That’s something!
Feel the effects of nature
There is no doubt that the magic of nature is beginning to happen. In addition to the comfort that the soup and fire provide us with, we are beginning to feel more and more the bonds forming among us.
As Mario says:
Nature has the power to bring out what’s nice and good in people.
Seeing how our group behaves, it’s difficult to disagree.
After good discussions while having our meal and a short game of “electric shocks”, we discover a wild mint plant just before leaving.
How lucky!
This plant is harvested by the members of the logistics team and will be served to us once arrived at our camp as a slightly sweet, hot tea.
But before we can drink this sweet elixir, we still have to get back on our way to reach our destination.
On the way, we pass near the Elephant wall and it is fun to see faces, trunks and bodies of this imposing mammal.
The day is going very well; some of us take advantage of it and continue to build ties by teasing others.
Note here the little friendly war, a kind of clash of generations, opposing the youngest in the group to a clan formed of the slightly older group members that we chose to call “the FADOQ”. Vincent really wants to splash André, an official member of the FADOQ, even proposes to trade his childhood dream of going to Japan for the money needed to replace Simon’s camera, which he would risk of damaging if he decides to take action and splash André.
Vincent’s momentum is slowed down when Marie-Michelle tries to defuse the situation by saying, “take it easy, André! ”
Don’t worry, no camera has been damaged during this episode and, a few laughs later, we arrive at the Lagon Bleu to settle for the night.
Stopping time for an evening of singing and sharing
As she gets out of our voyageur canoes, Catherine has the brilliant idea to propose a massage circle to soothe our aching shoulders.
Afterwards, we set up the large dome under which the participants will spend the night; before, they settle down at the fire tower, a cup of mint tea in their hands.
We are very comfortable.
This moment becomes even more pleasant when Rania takes out her guitar to make us sing.
This is the first time a participant brings her guitar during an expedition of the Foundation and the whole group appreciates it a lot.
What’s in your head, in your head … Zombie, zombie, zombiiiiiiiii…
In addition to the songs, the discussions are under way. It’s even difficult to interrupt them to go have supper.
However, once everyone sits around the table, we are happy to stuff ourselves with broccoli soup and homemade chili.
Once we have had supper, we gathered around the fire for a brief return on the day.
This is the perfect opportunity to talk about our highlights so far.
The group and the support team are unanimous: our adventure is going very well.
Lauryanne particularly appreciates the fact that everyone’s limitations are respected, for example when someone decides to stop paddling for a moment due to fatigue.
Samuel, meanwhile, likes to be able to express himself unfiltered and to share what he has been through, because he knows that other participants will understand that he too has had cancer.
On that, I think that’s tout, as Karl would say, for today, but it’s really promising for tomorrow!
The magic of nature will continue to happen …!
In pictures
