Not knowing the time can sometimes be disorienting. This morning, participants wondered if they were not being wakened up in the middle of the night. Indeed, I must admit that it was rather dark around 6:30 am… Those who had spent the night under the great dome could be awakened by the sweet melody of the guitar, a song by Eric Clapton. Ludovic, Bruno, Elyse and Marie-Pier were tempted by the clear skies and chose to sleep under the stars. Like real Voyageurs, they slept the night on the beach, next to their Voyageur canoes.
The busy day-of-return schedule would force Catherine to keep a tight grip on time to ensure that all goes well. Before breakfast, we had to pack up and dismantle the camp. The end is near and the participants are trying to make the most of every moment. Breakfast is again a wonderful moment filled with laughter and stories, but this morning, there is no time waste at the table. After doing the dishes, the entire group gathered on the beach to experience a new Getaway expedition tradition: the great Voyageur canoe final race which will have the participants involved compete against each other!
Once the whole group well in place, and confident of their strategy, the official start was made. It will be a sprint: 500 metres before the finish line! The race is tight, the 8-participant voyageur canoe doesn’t leave much chance to the 5-participant one who paddles with pride not to be caught up. In each of the large canoes, you can hear chants of encouragement and songs. The competition is friendly, but nobody wants to lose! A bit of confusion on the exact finishing line ensures everyone the victory. At the same time, in both Voyageur canoes we can hear: “Yeah! We won!”
The camp Air Eau Bois beach marks the final point of the expedition. Everyone is happy to have won, but there is also a twinge of heart watching the Poisson blanc Reservoir for one last time. A last-minute silence was observed to allow everyone to soak up the sun rays and calm that prevail after the race.
The morning quickly passes: returning the equipment, cleaning the equipment, and getting a shower. Happy and clean, everyone gathers one last time in the large living room of the inn. Warm and sincere applause are for the volunteer medical team: Julie, Marie-Pierre and Marie-Joëlle. The two logisticians, Pascal and Anthony also receive their share of praises for their careful work and the professionalism with which they supported the expedition. Then finally, Catherine and Marc-André in turn are targets for thanks. In wrapping up this adventure, each participant is given a certificate authenticating their participation in this therapeutic adventure. It is in a celebratory atmosphere that lunch takes place prior to returning home.
The time for farewells arrived and Morgan first leaves the group in Gatineau. On the bus, feeling the end approached, she had written a testimony that she read with great emotion to all her new travelling companions. In Montreal, the rest of the group also says goodbye. While this moment is emotionally charged because of the end of something, it must be remembered that this is also the beginning of another adventure. To quote the wise words of a participant last night around the fire, “This expedition planted a seed in me and it is for me to take care of it and water it. For me it is not the end, it’s a beginning!”