So, we rose early (around 7:30 AM), packed and sorted our bags, loaded the bus and stopped at Tim Horton’s for a take-out breakfast. Eating on the road saves a lot of time.

As Marie-Neige, Stéphanie and Andréanne will return to Chicoutimi by car, it’s farewell time already. Heartfelt accolades confirm the strong relationships that were created in record time. For sure, we will miss our new friends, but the thought of them and our time together will bring a smile to our faces.

It is with a heavy heart that the rest of the group heads on to Montreal. Tiredness limits the conversations and it’s comforting to rest on a friend’s shoulder for the remaining time together. The organizers warn our young friends that it’s normal for them to feel lonely and sad over the next few days. It’s called the post-expedition syndrome. It’s hard to loose contact with so many dear friends. But, things will get better… and there’s Skype and Facebook, those wonderful tools.

At Montreal airport, many families are eagerly waiting for their children. Our adventurers are torn between the sadness of separation and the joy of being reunited with their families. Farewells follow naturally. One by one, the participants must leave. The harsh reality sets in: the euphoria of arrival is always followed by the sadness of separation.

There are hugs and kisses, a few tears, promises to keep in touch and to get together again. Our planet is not that large, after all.

Even with teary eyes and scorched hearts, those youths return home with a new tool in their arsenal. Through this experience they discovered their incredible inner strength. In hard times, they will know where to go to find the energy to go forward.

Goodbye dear friends. May the winds be at your back and may we meet again soon!

Gil Theriault, blogger

To see more pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pointedespieds/sets/72157629509412897/show/

Well protected in our prospector’s tents, with a blanket of fir branches as floor insulation, warmed by raging wood stoves, we had nothing to fear from the humidity, all this rain changed the snow to slush on the waterways. Not good for snowmobiling
Maureen, Georges’ sister, led us in the voyageur’s prayer, before we left. Our main objective today was to reach Georges’ main house in Troilus, which we did without major problems.

Yet, as the lakes were too difficult to travel on, the organizers had to consider other options. Finally, as the “Route du Nord” was closed to traffic because of the heavy precipitation, our convoy used it to travel to Stanley’s place (Stanley is our other native guide). This required we beat our travel distance record (more than 100 km), but the level surface of the road allowed us to get there in reasonable time.

In the meantime, Ian left the group for a short visit at the Chibougamau hospital, to increase his chances of completing the trip with us on his snowmobile.

After we got to our host’s place, we settled in in full comfort with the girls in one cabin and the boys in another. After chopping enough wood for the night, freshening up and a game of cards, it was suppertime. What a feast: vegetable soup, moose meat, beaver meat, turkey and lake trout… not to mention the unique Cree welcome. What better way to boost our energy before another day of adventure and discovery on their wonderful territory!

Gil Thériault, blogger

Traditionally, near the end of each Foundation adventure, the organisers hold an open discussion session to allow the team members to reflect on their experience by choosing a single word to describe it. Each in turn, can then explain why they chose that particular word.

The words “unique”, “unforgettable”, “gratitude”, “beauty” and many others were chosen. Globally, the adventure made a deep impression on each participant. For some, it was discovering a new family away from their own; others were awestruck by the beauty of the North Country, its inhabitants, and the inner beauty of other expedition members. Some participants said this experience made them appreciate what we too often take for granted.

Others observed that they had to push their limits or were given the opportunity to forget their illness, and step away from their daily routine.

No doubt, this was a very positive experience for all.

This is our last day on our snowmobiles. Once again, the sun is shining, but it is bitterly cold on the trail.

After a short examination at the hospital, Ian re-joined the group, but, in order to limit the strain, he travelled from one point to the next in the comfort of one of the organisation’s vehicles. This last leg will not be different, and he willingly boards a SUV after a few kilometres on the snowy trail. The rest of the group goes on to Chibougamau where it’s Folifrets time with hundreds of old snowmobiles. A unique scene.

Then through wonderful recessed valleys, some sections of highway, and beautifully maintained trails, we head for the headquarters of ExpéNord to conclude our adventure around noontime.
While we were a little sad to say goodbye to our spirited mechanical mounts, we were happy to jump in our own clothes and to have a piece of pizza pie for lunch.

After transferring the luggage from the snowmobiles to the bus, we thanked and said goodbye to our guides before heading for Roberval. On the way, those who still had some energy left chatted away. This trip forged very strong links and the goodbyes will be difficult.

At Motel Castille, we returned our borrowed clothes, took a welcome shower and headed for Mike’s for our Last Supper, as disciples of the therapeutic adventure.

As this is our last evening together, even if we’re overwhelmed by all that outdoor air, strong emotions and thrills, we find it difficult to return to our rooms and discussions drag on into the night.

Gil Thériault, blogger

She must have a direct line to the heavens, for we had a beautiful day: blue skies, warm sun, powdery snow… what more can a snowmobiler ask for?

After awhile on the road, our guides open a 100-meter trail in the dense forest to the power line. All day, we did travel on those open spaces and enjoyed the white and fluffy snow carpet. After a few days or snowmobiling, our youths are now familiar with their machines and fear has given way to pure pleasure.

To fully take advantage of the weather, we had lunch outdoors. With fewer than 50 kilometres to go, we reached our last refuge by mid-afternoon: a wonderful cabin owned by Sépac on the shores of a frozen lake.

Without delay, the luggage is unpacked, the clothes are hung up to dry, and everyone moves on to his or her favourite pastime: cards, chatter, acrobatics… even yoga.

Meat pie and salad is on the dinner menu. Vegetarians go for the quiche after a week of transgression in the land of delicious wild meat.

This is our last evening with our guides and it will be time to reflect on this extraordinary adventure.

More on this, tomorrow.

Gil Thériault, blogger

Today, we travelled some twenty kilometres only to meet with The Walkers. Georges has given this name to a group of some twenty people who walk in the wilderness in self-support for a full month. It’s a kind of mystical journey for natives with difficulties. Let’s say a Cree version of On the Tip of the Toes.

We were greeted as friends at their camp. As a bonus, we met Leslie, Georges’ brother, at the exact location where their father died during a hunting expedition in 2006. An emotional moment, for sure.

Then, we went back to our camp for an afternoon of optional activities: extreme snowmobiling, ice fishing or jewellery workshop. Lots of fun.

After another meal fit for a king, an evening of reflections on our trip: the high points, the low ones, our objectives and our fears.
At one point, Georges and his sister shared their thoughts and emotions with us. Another moment that will remain in our hearts forever… one more in this memorable adventure.

Some moments are recorded to be shared with those who are not here, but others, such as Georges’ song, shall remain a hidden treasure reserved for the participants only. Sometimes, selfishness is warranted.

Gil Thériault, blogger

I wrote it was -20°C… we found out this morning that it was rather -30°C. Jean-Charles, our guide, said that it was the most demanding day of his 15-year career as a snowmobile guide (a combination of duration, difficulty and cold…) and that he was quite proud of the youths. “95% of Quebec snowmobilers would not dare go through with what we faced yesterday. You can be proud of yourselves, as you overcame those difficulties with class”.

Mario Bilodeau, one of the founders of On the Tip of the Toes, said to me one day that when the elements prevented him from climbing a mountain, he was philosophical about it: “I say to myself that the mountain determined that I was not ready yet.”

I was reminded of his comments this morning. Mother Nature demanded a price from us to brave the great white North. We paid it with humility, we overcame the difficulties, and she welcomed us in her midst. She determined that we were ready, that we were worthy. What an honour, what bliss!

End of digression…

We certainly deserved this morning of relaxation. Let’s go back to yesterday: breakfast, drying of our clothes, prepare the luggage… We left around noon, as this was a short 25 km day.

In no time flat, we arrived at Georges’ and his family’s camp. We quickly took possession of our prospector’s tents, our home for the next two days.

Then, we were off to get drinkable water, a session of banik, the wonderful native bread, with Georges’ wife and daughters, and card games with stimulating discussions.

We said a Cree prayer before dinner, and our group of some thirty congregated in the cabin for homemade soup and delicious moose stew.

It is warm this evening (about -6°C), yet there is a smell of summer emanating from the tents and the cabin. Could that warmth irradiate from our hearts?

Gil Thérieault, blogger

Nice weather: rather cold (-12°C), but no wind and a clear blue sky, not a cloud to be seen. And this lasted all day.

After the usual preparation (luggage and last minute instructions), the group started out around 2 PM. Soon, the deep snow claims its first victims, as, despite the experimented guides tracing the way, because of distraction, a false steering move, our convoy must stop to extricate someone from a problem situation. After 50 kilometres of this, the group stopped for a pick-me-up of water, chewy bars, and cheese around a raging fire.

It’s day’s end, and we travel the remaining 40 km in half-light and total darkness. With low visibility, temperature falling below -20°C, a few wrong turns, and lots of recoveries, we reach our long awaited shelter around 10:30 PM.

Everyone retires to nurse aches and bruises and minor frostbites around the warm fireplace, with comforting food.
We will never forget today’s experience. Each of us had to reach deep down and came out a winner. These youths are so aware that adversity makes us stronger.

Gil Thériault, blogger

See more pictures at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pointedespieds/sets/72157629509412897/show/

After the initiation, we quickly emptied the rooms, loaded the bus, took a few minutes to answer the questions from the Radio-Canada team and away we go! Three hundred and fifty kilometres to go for Mistissini.

But there is always a downside to rushing: we had to stop 30 minutes at a small service station to wait for one of our guides to join us for the rest of the expedition. To compound things, we left Jean-Charles behind! Nevertheless, the rest of the trip was without mishap and we arrived at the Mistissini Lodge around 4: 30 PM (a little worse for wear). The trilingual signs (English/French/Cree) on the reservation remind us we’re far away and that our adventure is soon to begin.

Card games and the distribution of the expedition material (overcoats, muffs, boots, etc.) passed the time before the evening meal where a round of information sharing accompanied the dessert.

Slowly but surely, connexions are made, and the group gels together. Tomorrow, we jump on our metallic horses.

Gil Thériault, blogger

See more pictures at :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pointedespieds/sets/72157629509412897/show/

Eleven youths and 7 team members are about to embark in a superb adventure as they will discover a lesser-known part of the country: Northern Quebec. Together we will travel the wide-open snowy spaces while discovering the wild country with our native guides. They will also introduce us to their culture and traditions. All this while riding the Nordic vehicle par excellence: the snowmobile.

This sure will be a total change of scenery, which we will remember for a very long time..
But there are still many kilometers to travel before our winter adventure. The bus left around 2: 30 PM with only a brief stop on the way. We will even eat our evening meal on the road.

First exchanges, chess and card games, reading and even a movie will help pass the time, but few will see the whole movie as we have so much to talk about.

The gang arrived in Roberval around 7 PM. Between unloading the luggage, room attribution, a hockey game for some, and a game of loup-garou for others, the evening did not drag long for tomorrow will be a very busy day.

Gil Thériault, blogger

You can see more pictures at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pointedespieds/

With a Cree guide, the twelve youths will travel more than 600 kilometres on snowmobiles to the mythical Rupert River in Northern Quebec, to rendezvous with caribous. They’ll trade civilization for the nomadic life as they discover new trails each day. Each evening, they will stop in various types of lodgings (inns, camps, prospector’s tents) to enjoy a hearty meal around a wood stove. During the expedition, a Cree family will host them, and they will share in the traditions of this wonderful and rich culture.

The adventurers will experience special moments, strong emotions, and surprises during this wonderful adventure. “These expeditions allow the participants to escape their hospital surroundings to share with other youths victims of cancer who face the same difficulties they do”, says Héléna Longpré, the Foundation’s Operations Manager.

Under the supervision of medical and outdoor experts, the youths come from various Canadian cancer centers, such as the Centre de Santé et de services sociaux de Chicoutimi, Sainte-Justine’s Hospital, the Montreal Children’s Hospital, the IWK Health Center (Maritimes), the CHEO (Ontario), Calgary Health Region (Alberta), and The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto).