I’m writing these lines while listening to the Spotify playlist we created together on the bus ride back. It’s helping me cope with this strange feeling of coming back down to earth. And it really makes me laugh to remember the moments when these songs were sung (our voices weren’t exactly in tune, but they were truly in harmony).
We woke up one last time to the sound of the ukulele playing Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Our night in the community hall turned out to be gentle, accompanied by the soft hum of snoring engines. It’s an easier morning, because yes, we’re back at base camp, but we have to get organized quickly since we all have a long journey ahead — in every direction across Canada.
The guides cooked us waffles with whipped cream, tons of fresh fruit, granola, bread — a real feast, again. We’re going to miss the coffee brewed over the fire or the camp stove. They set us up at a rustic outdoor table, and everyone ate while chatting. You could feel it, that looming moment of departure. Ten days of communal life creates a tight bond.
Our final group activity is led by Jessica. She suggested we trace the route of our journey on the physical maps we used during the expedition. Seated with markers in hand, the participants retraced each leg of the trip and watched the path we took come to life. I have a feeling that map will end up framed and displayed in a few homes.
First goodbyes. Leaving Pine Grove without the guides, without our doctor, Lysianne. Lysianne was an exemplary doctor. She actively contributed to camp chores, managed everyone’s health, cared for our daily aches and pains, and made sure we didn’t get sunburned (all you can cream). A woman of discipline, a true adventurer who’s traveled everywhere and still marvels — like us — at nature with the eyes of a child.
Our goodbyes to the Désir de découvrir team — Jessica, Hippolyte, and Anne-Sophie, incredible human beings — are heartfelt and warm. They were unbelievably generous and shared not only knowledge but a way of living, a way of being in harmony with ourselves and with nature. These are examples that will stay with us forever. (And Jessica even promised to send us the list of all the meals… hehehe, a super bonus!)
On the coach bus bringing us back, more songs — our classics. We took advantage of those last few hours to complete the collective journal. We added little notes for each other, made lists of songs, meals, inside jokes, and “all you can…” moments (don’t ask — it’s our biggest inside joke from the trip).
Catherine and Marie-Michelle took the time to talk through the challenges of returning home. This was mentioned earlier, but you’ll see: the people coming back from this expedition have created memories, stories, and connections that are unique to this little time-space bubble. It leaves a mark. Coming back from all this experience happens on many levels, in many stages, through a range of emotions. The participants know that the Foundation’s team will still be there for them — listening and offering support.
We arrived in Montreal, where much of the group split up. Laurentians, Eastern Townships, BC, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Toronto… So many places, and each person now has a couch to crash on, anytime. That’s kind of the promise we made to each other. It’s sad — but not really. The Foundation’s history shows how strong the bonds formed during expeditions are. I truly believe this power of connection is long-lasting. That’s what we’re telling ourselves. It softens the break, comforts us somehow.
Later that evening, reunion videos started pouring in. Happy dogs, well-fed cats, loved ones, thrilled to see us again. I’m thinking of Vincent’s lovely partner who came to pick him up right when he arrived in Montreal. A beautiful reunion.
I’d like to wrap this up with two things. First, with a quote Catherine shared from Mario Bilodeau: “… coming back from this expedition, it would be wrong to think that you are losing these 12 people, friends. On the contrary, you’ve just gained the richness of these 12 relationships…” Yes. Bonds that are unbreakable, timeless, unforgettable.
Second, on the drive through Parc des Laurentides, Marie-Michelle shared what she had seen. She saw their childlike selves. In awe. Learning. Open to others. Simple, naive curiosity. Joy. Simplicity. A disconnected life. A better state of being in vast, healthy, natural spaces. The ability to live in the moment. A relationship with animals. Excitement in carrying out repetitive tasks. Helping each other. Singing spontaneously, all the time. Open, big, welcoming hearts. I love the English word genuine. Something real in this experience — and above all, so much light in those eyes that sparkled in the sun, in the rain, under the stars, in the water, eye to eye, hearts connected.
That’s the emotional baggage we’re bringing back to you. And with that, I thank you for following us here. It was a true pleasure to share this with you. Wishing you a warm welcome and a smooth return.
Gabrielle
