This past weekend, Connected in Motion experienced another first – The very first event dedicated to our community of 5.5ers (friends, family members, loved ones of anyone with T1!) The three-day backcountry canoe trip, which took place in Algonquin Park, Ontario, invited 5.5ers out to meet other 5.5ers. We even invite them to bring their Type 1s along!
We had a fabulous mix of individuals out, enjoying the waters and beautiful weather – friends, family members, partners, siblings, co-workers. After spending Thursday night meeting the crew of 10 and relaxing at Tea Lake Campground, we hit the waters bright and early from Canoe Lake Access Point. Taking advantage of the early morning calm on the often-choppy Canoe Lake, the group headed north, sharing stories and getting to know one another. We prepped for our first portage between Canoe Lake and Joe Lake, dubbed ‘Yonge Street’ because of the absurd amount of portaging traffic frequenting the area on weekends and breezed through it. After treating a low or two, we set off, destined for a night on Tom Thomson Lake.
Throughout the rest of the trip we had the chance to swim in pristine lakes, test out our nerves with some cliff jumping, hike amongst the ruins of an abandoned resort site, relax in the sun, roast marshmallows over the fire and enjoy some phenomenal stargazing. The weekend was full of laughs, new experiences, great food and new friends.
A huge Thank You goes out to Erin Randall for pushing the CIM community to expand, grow and become more inclusive of those who love and support people with Type 1 every day!
A heartfelt Thank You, as well, goes out to each and every individual who paddled, tented, cooked, swam, jumped, hiked, portaged, laughed and learned with us this weekend. Without each and every one of you, the First Annual (that’s right!) 5.5er Canoe Trip would not have been the success that it was!
