Stay True Collective’s First Hike – Rain, Laughter, and Mud at Pink Lake

Stay True Collective’s First Hike – Rain, Laughter, and Mud at Pink Lake

When we planned our first Stay True Collective hike, we imagined fresh air, forest trails, and great company. What we didn’t plan for? The rain. But honestly… it made the day even better.

On a drizzly morning in Gatineau, our crew — me (Ricardo), Ben, Eve, my sister Saica, Jonathan, and Melissa set out for Pink Lake. The trail was alive with deep greens and the sound of raindrops hitting the leaves. The air was cool, the ground was damp, and within the first few minutes, we were all laughing (and gasping) about how quickly we were out of breath.

The hike was filled with small moments that became instant classics. At one point, I found what I thought was the perfect walking stick a sturdy-looking tree branch — but it broke the second I pounded it into the ground. My sister started a running joke about Jonathan being a ghost (don’t ask, you had to be there), and by the end, Ben somehow ended up with mud completely covering his shoe.

Despite the rain or maybe because of it the whole hike felt alive. We slowed down to take in the views, shared laughs that echoed through the trees, and enjoyed the rare feeling of being disconnected from everything except the trail and each other.

It wasn’t about conquering the hike or getting the perfect Instagram shot. It was about being there in the rain, in nature, with friends who make you forget about time. Pink Lake gave us the perfect backdrop, but it was the people who made it unforgettable.

Here’s to many more adventures with the Stay True Collective rain or shine.