Even with a rather short distance to go today, we unanimously decided to spend another night on Quarry Island. After the last two days of crossing, a moment of rest, of relaxation and of drying out is welcome. Prevailing winds force us to stay on Quarry Island. A perfect day for Loup-Garou!
Everybody seems happy. This was a slow moving day. While some took advantage of the sun and a small cascade to freshen up, some flew kites, while others made necklaces. Before lunch, Marie-Josée lead a short yoga session, to everyone’s pleasure. What a beautiful picture as they do the moves, in full concentration, on the porch facing the sea. I would even say it’s magical. As you can see, it was a very busy day even without going a long distance.
To close the day, Héléna and Jeff suggest we spend the evening around a campfire talking about the experience we’re living: how we got here, what we liked until now, and what are our wishes for the coming days… This is a private moment for our group. It is one of the high points of the expedition and we will go to sleep having found this particular thing we came looking for. This is a great group and the team spirit is strong. I have often said this was paradise and today I would like to introduce the sixteen angels who inhabit it for the moment.
There is a cheerful trio of girls. Anne-So, as her friends know her, is rather mischievous and quiet. She listens intently and from time to time she makes brief comments. Her laughter is contagious, her smile radiant! Sara is spontaneous and rather naïve. Her attitude often reminds us that it is important to live in the present. Alex-Ann is the unifier and dynamic element. She often launches the singing by raising her paddle.
Now the boys: Paul, our resident comedian and Loup-Garou host, has an overactive imagination. Brendan has a good sense of humour. He is rather sensitive and open to others. He likes to talk to everybody, guys or girls. Nathan is a little shy but he is always ready to paddle, to laugh and have fun. He is opening up. Finally, Julien is our artist. He loves to draw and will end up an architect or comic strip designer!
The Agaguk Guides: Éric and Jacynthe are on the sea with us while Rino stays in the background to make sure we are safe. They are pros, cooks and interpreters of nature and each of them contributes to the tone of our expedition while allowing us to sail with our mind at rest. The Medics: Kim, Christine and Marie-Josée watch over our physical and social health and are full-fledged members of our group.
Team ‘On the Tip of the Toes’: My colleagues Héléna and Jeff. I’m so proud of them. They are simply beautiful to watch. I am impressed by their professionalism. It is a privilege both to work with them at the office and to be with them in this expedition.
And then, there is little old me hoping to properly convey to you the atmosphere of this wonderful adventure. Henceforth, we are a solid group: the Mingan 2008 Tip of the Toes Foundation group. This experience and these encounters will be with us for the rest of our lives.
We’re all in the same boat, even if it’s a sea kayak
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