The Unforgettable Journey by Jacki Jenkins

From Widnes to Folkestone is where it all started,
In Folkestone, we met, and the Alpine convoy departed.
From Calais to Troyes, Dom, John, and Jacki rested,
Then embarked on the journey, in which we were fully invested.

Through France’s straight roads, we travelled with persistence,
To the grand hills of the Alps—I was in awe of their existence.
Winding and twisting, the steep road lay ahead,
To Col du Lautaret—upwards and upwards the sat nav led.

We stopped and we kayaked, our first destination in sight,
Meeting comrades and friends—it felt so right.
Two days of fun, of learning and play,
Some even rolled up from the water that day.

The final campsite approached; the end of our ride,
I’d grown used to the roads, no longer nervous inside.
The picturesque landscape was a feast for the eye,
With eagles, marmots, and glaciers that touched the sky.

We reached our goal—what a beautiful sight!
Turquoise rivers flowed and sparkled with light.
We pitched our tents and slept under stars so bright.

The mornings were crisp, with the sun climbing slow,
While mist danced on rivers in a gentle glow.
Hot drinks in hand, with laughter and song,
We knew in our hearts that we truly belonged.

We paddled through rapids, thrilling and wide,
Working as teams, with the river as a guide.
Our shouts and our cheers echoed under the trees,
In a rhythm that matched the rush of the breeze.

Evenings brought stories around the fire’s glow,
Of capsized boats and triumphs in flow.
Bonds were formed in the mountain air—
Moments like those are incredibly rare.

The final descent came quietly and slow,
Reluctant to leave, yet ready to grow.
With memories packed and friendships tight,
We turned toward home with hearts alight.

Though the journey now rests in memories and song,
Its lessons and laughter will stay with me long.
For more than the rivers, the roads, or the view—
It’s the bond that we shared that made it all true.