SAY YES TO CANYONINGBy Bridget-Ann/Photography by Pamela A. Campbell
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Beaupre, Quebec: Canyoning at Mont-Saint-Anne? Why not, I speak French and I enjoy visiting Quebec, and it all sounded so innocent to me when I first heard the word. If only I'd known it was going to be an assignment that bordered on adventure, albeit one that develops into a fun trip, and one I count amongst my most memorable experiences!
Marc Tremblay is our guide, six-foot plus, a man who obviously thrives on outdoor adventure. Marc has been descending Jean-Larose Falls in Beaupre, Quebec, for 20 years as a 'caver' and now as a 'canyonist' - a convert of the popular activity he enjoyed on his many visits to France. |
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It all borders on participants being in good physical condition and as a past karate brown belt holder, I guess I am confident enough to join Marc's team as a 'canyonist' for the trip.
Marc informs our group of eight that for the next three or four hours we will be rappelling down several vertical drops varying from 12 to over 40 meters, one at a time, and then swimming across a water pool of 15 meters at the base of each waterfall. The fun starts with everyone suiting up - I put on a wet suit over my bathing suit, booties over my shoes (light hikers are recommended) and a jacket for extra protection from the cold water, plus a helmet and harness. Christiane, Andre, Laurier, Shawn-Patrick, Michael, Karl, Pam and myself are a sight to behold as we trek across the pathway to get to Jean-Larose Falls. Next we climb the stairs leading to the top of the Falls, a sure test of endurance if you can envisage the group negotiating 15 flights of stairs.
My four male teenage trip mates are the adventurous type and they make fun of every exercise we carry out, buoying my spirits and my determination to fulfill my dream of cascading down the waterfalls like a trooper if not a pro.
I relax and immediately think of Marc's initial instructions and decide to move slowly and carefully, placing one foot on the ledge after the other. The key words "one foot after the other" become my salvation and I manage to keep my cool. The rest of the group are already at the bottom drying off on the rocks watching me make my descent, shouting encouragement, finally erupting into a tumultuous cheer when I slip into the water. By the way, this is a great opportunity to shoot some pictures with a waterproof, sports camera - after all the breathtaking scenery is just too good to miss.
The final drop, at 41 meters, is the mighty one, this is the one to conquer. The great outdoors and the spectacular views of the falls and the canyonists is a photographer's delight from the observation stairs and platforms. The descent was amazing, exhilarating and fulfilling. I can only tell you it's an experience I might never forget! How about you?
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Describing the elements of the activity isn't quite enough to grasp the essence of canyoning. It is meant to be something that should be experienced first hand, even if there are a few surprises in between.
Marc patiently shows us the ropes and after threading and unthreading my harness about a thousand times (okay it was more than a few times) I finally figure it out and we head towards our first 12-meter vertical drop. Up to now I can feel the excitement building, but It's when I'm actually sitting in my harness and looking down at what appears to be an abyss, that I feel the tension rising throughout my entire body. Conscious of my palpitating heart and my adrenaline flowing, I quickly realize it looks easier than it really is.
By the time I am half way down the second waterfall I am beginning to feel the pressure as this is now a 19-meter drop. All of a sudden panic sets in and it begins to show. I lose my footing against the canyon wall and I bounce around trying not to crash into the rock face, while figuring out my next move. I actually entertain thoughts of a quick descent or smashing my face, but only for a fleeting moment..... my one desire is to have fun and excitement and a bit of adventure.
Laurier, Shawn-Patrick, Michael and Karl are typical teenagers who find jumping off the rocky ledges too irresistible. One by one, they leap fearlessly down, arms crossed against their chests, into a deep pool of cold water at the foot of the waterfall. I succumb to yet another challenge, even though it was honestly a bit scary. I take the plunge, pulling my knees close to my body, before finally landing with a huge splash as my posterior hit the water.