As the first rays of sunlight pierced through my bedroom window that morning, I knew it was going to be a promising day. It was a Friday in March, the kind of day where winter seemed to cling desperately to its last breaths, but where spring was timidly beginning to make its way. With a glimmer of excitement in my eyes, I joined my adventure partner in L'Islet, the starting point of our journey in the Appalachian Park. Our destination: the summit of Mount Sugar Loaf. From the first steps on the trail, the reality of the winter climate was evident. The frozen ground and patches of ice made walking cautious, and crampons were necessary. The trail, beautifully maintained, offered breathtaking views.
Lookout points equipped with stairs and walkways in harmony with nature allowed us to savor every moment.When the summit finally revealed itself through the trees, bathed in the golden light of twilight and enveloping the landscape, our wonder was matched only by the beauty of the scenery that stretched before our eyes. At an altitude of 650 meters, the summit of Mont Sugar Loaf offered us a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, a well-deserved reward for our efforts. It was there, at the top of this bare rock, that we decided to take a well-deserved break.To put on dry and warm clothes. Over my LENO merino sweater, my HITI Polartec sweater, then my PAPLUMA down jacket, finally putting on my SCHALE shell to keep warm and protected from the wind. I swapped my ear warmer for my KEPALA merino beanie and put on my BOON shorts under my ESCALON pants to fully enjoy this sunset at the summit.
After sipping a hot drink to savor this moment of pure happiness, we carefully packed our gear, ensuring to leave no trace of our passage behind. At dusk, we began the descent, our headlamps guiding our steps in the darkness. Night fell quickly, and the sky turned into a cloak of twinkling stars. What a feeling of freedom and deep satisfaction when we found the comforting warmth of our chalet. That night, lulled by the crackling of the wood fire and the whisper of the wind in the trees, I closed my eyes, letting my mind wander through the memories of this extraordinary day. Dream or reality, it didn't matter, the adventure was etched into my memory.
Tips for an optimal experience:
- Check the weather conditions.
- Choose the right hike.
- Be prepared: Bring water, food, appropriate clothing for the ascent, and spare clothes to stay dry and warm.
- Always have a first aid kit.
- Respect nature: Stay on the trails, leave no trace of your passage.
Pascale Anctil
