Winds and Summits!

The morning tasks are becoming a routine. Everyone execute his or her task and some switches are made to accommodate one another. Before leaving, our nurse Julie and Dr. Simon prepare for the foot-care clinic. Almost every participant takes turns getting the treatment they want. The back of the heel up to the Achilles tendon is the most stressed part. Caring for toes is also in demand.

So we all left for Nub Peak. The departure was scheduled for 9:00 a.m., but we left at 10:00 a.m. This climb will be the longest and steepest of the journey; we will reach 2800 m. The first part was slow, in order to respect everyone’s tempo. With the range in very different rhythms, the slowest person is always the leader. In this way, the group doesn’t stray too far and stays together. After an hour and a half of walking, forest and mosquitoes, we stopped in a small clearing to rest. Mario took a few minutes to explain to us why nature takes so much space in his life. He focused on each of our senses and then asked us what we noticed. Immediately after, Dr. Marie-Ève initiated a period of meditation. In such a fabulous setting, even the most reluctant participated.

Then, it was time for everyone to decide whether to climb the summit or to return to the “Lodge” at a slower pace. To make sure everyone made the right choice, Olivier mentioned that the climb to the summit would take at least four hours, that we would walk very close to the cliff, that there were strong winds waiting for us and that the pitch was 400 metres. Therefore, those who decided to return would no longer have the chance to return to the summit. It is important to specify that, regardless of the choice, the view is always incredible. At that time, the group almost split in two. I was part of the group that would go all the way up. The excursion was indeed difficult, but the enthusiasm, emotion and euphoria that awaited us on way up were memorable. This incredible sense of accomplishment, the breathtaking wind and the view made us glad to be alive.

Although the other group did not have a chance to reach the top, everyone was very satisfied with their day. Several exhilarating discussions livened up the excursion. Unreal and majestic points of view. By Myriam’s face when we met at the camp, it was certainly a great day. Fabulous weather and just enough wind to keep mosquitoes away (thank God)! Myriam even thought it was worth mentioning to us: “It was certainly a beautiful day, because it was the first day I didn’t cry.”

No group discussion tonight. It is nine o’clock and almost everyone is in bed. Tomorrow is an easy day. Moreover, the departure will be later than usual.

Now, this is what Janny said. Another super editor.

“Here, the weather changes so fast; you can be extremely hot one minute and have chills for the next.

It is a bit like our emotions. We move from one to another really quickly, sometimes almost without realizing it. The pride of being able to climb to the top of the mountain, the fear that we won’t be able to do it again the next day. The joy of knowing beautiful people, the sadness of knowing that we are already leaving soon. The feeling of being invincible on the top, and then you realize how powerless you are with nature. Experiencing so many emotions can be as exhausting as walking 15 kilometres, but it’s worth so much; breathtaking landscapes and magical moments with other participants. In short, an unforgettable expedition.”

Nicolas Tremblay, Blogger and Photographer for the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation