When does a dad joke become a dad joke? When it is fully groan… LOL! Welcome back to the Apo-verse for another day of action and thrill, complimented by some truly groan-worthy dad jokes. Read on to hear about the adventures of July 24th, 2023, from Iceland to Alaska, and everywhere in between!

Skip to a Specific Trip: AKMCA, AKMCB, AXA, CCM, CRMC, CS, DEX, ECC1, ECC2, ECC3, GSA, IMC, MCCE, MCJ, NEMC, NWX, PC, PMC, VMA, VMB

Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)

Did Juneau that Alaska has its own capital?

Today our AKMCA squad spent their day on the rocks! After making their way to the Kenai Fjords National Park, they rocked a full day of glacier hiking and ice climbing. They hiked about two miles to reach their climbing spot, got to know the ice, then headed back down the glacier for a well-deserved dinner. Check out these incredible views – what an awesome, unforgettable adventure! 

Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)

I asked my dad how his hike went.

He said it had ups and downs!

Our AKMCB explorers finished off their second backcountry expedition this morning with a sunny hike through the green Alaskan wilderness! Birthday celebrations were in order for Tabby and Henry, including some stylish bday accessories! After their hike, the group headed back into civilization for showers and a post-backcountry treat- showers and a stop at Tommy’s burger stop. Sleep well tonight, AKMCB!

 

 

 

Alps Explorer (AX)

The Alps might be the world’s best mountains – they’re definitely up there.

This resilient group of Alps Explorers braved the elements on a beautiful hike up to Trift today. They had a blast and could not get enough of the beautiful 360-degree mountain views! A hot cocoa stop was just what the doctor ordered for these folks, and it undoubtedly added to their swiss-perience halfway through their hike. They also watched some local goats get herded up the mountain – sounds like an unforgettable day! 

California’s Coastal Mountains (CCM)

What did the wave say to the surfer?
Have a swell time!

Chya, bro! Our CCM surfers shredded the gnar today in Santa Cruz, and in the words of their leader (who happens to be SoCal native): “We had a fun day at the beach! Dropped in and got barreled. Slapping the lip and staying psyched out here in sunny California.” The group took some time to chillax at camp before enjoying a tasty dinner. Have fun in dreamland, CCM!

 

Caribbean Service (CS)

How do you cut the ocean in half? With a sea-saw, of course!

This morning the CS crew began their final day in Puerto Rico working with Ramón in Puerto Rico’s Northeast Ecological Corridor. After learning about the history of the corridor, the group got to work clearing trails. Next up, they headed to San Juan to explore and celebrate! They saw the El Morro forts and walked around Old San Juan where they ate their final dinner and reminisced about all of their incredible memories and experiences from the last twelve days.

 

Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)

How do surfers say hello to each other?

They wave!

This happy CRMC crew has reached the end of their journey together, and although they’ll be sad to leave one another tomorrow, they continue to have a blast tonight while they reminisce about their adventures in Costa Rica! After a lovely surfing lesson today, the group transited back to San Jose (complete with a competitive bus trivia session) for a magical final evening together – and along the way they had to stop for this gorgeous sunset photo op! Their plans this evening include a quinceanera dinner party and lots of celebrating their fabulous last few days together!

 

Europe Coast to Coast 1 (ECC1)

What do you call a Roman with a cold?

Julius Sneezer!

What a glorious day of Italian biking for ECC1! The group sailed (just kidding, they biked) through the Italian countryside, the city of Trento, and the quiet town of Matarello. They capped off the day with a dip in a beautiful Lago near their final destination for the evening. Nothing better than a nice wade after a long day of biking in the Italian sunshine!

 

 

Europe Coast to Coast 2 (ECC2)

What’s the hardest thing about learning to ride a bike?

The road! (This one is a stretch, but hey, c’mon, it’s funny!)

Although a few rain clouds welcomed this group to their first full day of riding in La Bella Italia, they had an enjoyable, mostly downhill journey into tonight’s campground in Bolzano. They didn’t let the gray skies get their spirits down, however, as you might expect from this boisterous bunch! The squad is resting up for their final push to Venice – it’s so hard to believe they’re so close to their final destination already!

 

Europe Coast to Coast 3 (ECC3)

Why do pirates avoid mountain roads? ‘Scurvy.

What do Austria, Switzerland, and Italy all have in common? They all saw the beautiful faces of ECC3 today! Three countries in one day is no small feat, but after many weeks of biking through Europe, these folks are practically professionals. We are so impressed with all of this group’s hard work, and we cannot believe they crossed their last border today! Enjoy Italy, ECC3 – we know you will!

 

Golden State Adventure (GSA)

You can’t run through a campsite. You can only ran… Why?

Because it’s past tents.

What an incredible day in the Golden State! The GSA crew started the day with an awesome hike that brought beautiful views after the fog cleared. After a lunch break, the group stopped to check out a Cypress Tree Tunnel where they saw one of the only Morse code radio stations left in the world – how cool! They wrapped up the day at North Beach with some games and a delightful view of the ocean.

 

 

Iceland Mountains & Coast (IMC)

Did you know that Iceland…

…is only one sea away from Ireland?

Welcome to Iceland, IMC2! We could not be more excited to see that this fabulous crew is assembled and settling in to the land of fire and ice. From sea kayaking to exploring ice caves to taking a dip in the blue lagoon, we can’t wait to see what the next twelve days will bring for these folks!

 

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)

I bought a pen that can write underwater.

It can write other words as well.

There’s nothing like a beautiful day of kayaking to inspire a writer! After some essay brainstorming in the morning, MCCE packed some lunches, grabbed a few paddles, and hopped in kayaks in the Casco Bay. The group didn’t skip a beat in their writing process, and are getting back to work with some peer brainstorming this evening. Sounds like a big day for both the Maine Coast and the College Essay!

 

 

Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)

Why do people swim at saltwater beaches?

Because pepper beaches would make them sneeze.

Happy Water Day from MCJ! The weather could not have been better for a beautiful kayak in Casco Bay. Under the brilliant sun, the group stayed “hydrated” with some good old fashioned splash wars. Everyone pulled their weight in their boats… and then some! After all that aquatic fun, the group enjoyed lunch right on the shore before heading up to Acadia. We can’t wait to hear about your next Maine adventures, MCJ!

 

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)

I can’t think of any kayaking puns… canoe?

Today our DEX squad began their epic water adventure where they’ll be kayaking in the stunning Isle au Haut Bay for the next three days. After breaking down camp early this AM, they headed to the kayaking outfitter to get into their boats & into the ZONE. This crew couldn’t be more excited to splash around and sleep under the stars. The weather is looking fantastic for their H20 escapade – we can’t wait to see these hikers-turned-paddlers excel!

 

 

New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)

Never forget how beautiful the mountains are. You don’t want to take them for granite.

What a beautiful day in the Whites! The NEMC crew hiked to Frankenstein Cliffs and Arethusa Waterfall today. They were greeted with stunning views, and after a sunny hike they cooled off at Emerald Pools. Sounds like a perfect day in New Hampshire to me, and these photos back that up! Sleep tight, NEMC!

 

 

Northwest Explorer (NWX)

I tried to catch some fog…

But I mist.

Our NWX all-stars packed up camp this morning and took a scenic ride to Olympic National Park, where they’ll be hanging out for the next few days and nights. After getting cozy in camp among the tall trees, the crew enjoyed a stunningly green hike in the Olympic National Park. Our Northwest Explorers explored a nice dinner with their stomachs after their first awesome day in the ONP! Sleep tight, NWX!

 

 

Pacific Coast (PC)

Why can’t a bicycle stand up on its own?

Because it’s two-tired!

After a busy day of arrivals and camp introductions yesterday, PC is well and truly on their way down the coast! This morning they had an extensive safety briefing and completed a test ride, then this excited group embarked on the trip’s first day of riding by cruising down the Oregon coast. First step down, many more adventures to go! Great job, PC!

 

Pyrenees Mountains and Coast (PMC)

All this sight-seeing has my dogs Barca-ing!

PMC enjoyed their final day together – how could it be, already?! The crew commemorated their special time in the Pyrenees with some iconic sight-seeing in Barcelona, including the Sagrada Familia. Wowie! Our PMC rockstars had a ball at their final dinner, complete with tasty comida, stellar views, and memory-sharing from their last two weeks together. We’re proud of ya, PMC!

 

 

Vermont to Montreal A (VMA)

Why is maple syrup always so sad? Because it’s sappy.

VMA absolutely crushed those final miles today! The group took a well deserved lunch break at Tim Hortons (very Canadian, eh?), and arrived at their final destination: Montreal! The group is ecstatic with the thought of sleeping in real beds and using full size towels at their hostel tonight – what a treat! It is hard to believe this crew has reached their last day of riding, but a huge congrats to this team for making it all the way to Montreal. Pat yourself on the back VMA, you did it!

Vermont to Montreal B (VMB)

What’s another name for a sleeping bag?

A nap sack!

Watch out Montreal, here comes VMB! This speedy crew breezed along their final day of riding and cruised right into their hostel accommodations in the vibrant, bustling city of Montreal. They are absolutely loving life tonight, basking in their endeavors, and they cannot wait to get out and explore this fabulous city tomorrow! We know this happy group will have an absolute blast with their final few days together, and we’ll be so sad when they say goodbye in a few days… but for now, it’s time to celebrate and enjoy!