After a rainier day yesterday, the sun finally came out and graced all of our trips today! From challenge day hikes in the sunshine to bridge crossings and trip ends, there was no shortage of things to celebrate in the Apo-verse today – so sit back, relax, and read on to see what all our trips were up to on this bright and beautiful day!

Skip to a Specific Trip: AKMCA, AKMCB, AX, CI, CRMC, CS, DEXA, DEXB, GSA, MCCE, MCJ, NEMC, NWX, PC, PMC, VMA, VMB

Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)

Welcome back to dry land, AKMCA! Today, our crew of Alaskan adventurers paddled their way back across Resurrection Bay today to Seward after an evening of epic kayak camping. After their morning on the water, the group spent their afternoon in Seward restocking their supplies and getting settled into camp. Tomorrow, they’ll experience one of the true highlights of the trip: glacier hiking and ice climbing! When this blog was published, we didn’t have photos yet, but check back by tomorrow morning and there will be one waiting! 

Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)

Our AKMCB group had a full day of true backcountry living today! After hiking in and beginning the Williwaw Lakes Loop yesterday, the crew continued their adventure today with a full day of backpacking through the natural beauty of Alaska’s Chugach State Park. They’ll set up camp and get a good night’s sleep tonight before hiking back to civilization tomorrow to resupply, shower, and prepare for their last full day as a group.

Alps Explorer (AX)

And just like that, it’s AX’s last full day together! After the incredible accomplishment of finishing the Tour du Mont Blanc yesterday, the crew celebrated their success today with a jam-packed day in Geneva. They began the day by giving back to the land that has been their home for the last three weeks with a clean-up of the Geneva Botanical Gardens, followed by some waterfront hangout time. Rumor has it that there was some delicious gelato to be had for dessert! Congrats on an amazing trip, AX – we knew you could do it!

Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)

Our CIers are keeping those wheels turning! After staying dry yesterday, this crew of talented cyclists jumped at the opportunity to spend a day in the sunshine today. They cruised through their 14-mile ride down the Cape today, stopping briefly for a sojourn at a laundromat on their way to their next campground. Tomorrow, they’ll keep those pedals moving all the way to Provincetown, their final destination on Cape Cod!

Caribbean Service (CS)

And so, this summer’s tales of adventures and excursions in beautiful Puerto Rico have come to an end. After 12 amazing days of service, sun and surf, our CS crew officially parted ways this morning with many hugs and high-fives. Their flights back home mark the official end of CS for this summer – until next time, PR!

Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)

It was a bittersweet day for our CRMC today as they parted ways after 12 awesome days of living the pura vida together. After one final breakfast as a group this morning, the crew hit the airport for hugs and heartfelt goodbyes. Once all of our CRMCers were in the air, it was officially time for us to say goodbye to the lovely land of Costa Rica for the summer. See you next year!

Golden State Adventure (GSA)

What a day to be on GSA! After getting their legs warmed up throughout the week, this golden crew conquered their challenge hike in Big Sur today. Their efforts were rewarded with some truly spectacular views of the coast before they returned to their campsite to rest and prepare to pack up camp tomorrow. Tomorrow morning, they’ll hop in their trusty van and make their way toward Santa Cruz to catch some of California’s famous waves during their surfing lesson!

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)

It was a beautiful day on the Maine coast today, and our MCCE crew certainly made the most of it! This morning, they got to work on their essays in the great outdoors during another workshop with Elise – this one at the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center (AOEC). The gang is flying through their essays – everyone printed out first drafts today! After a morning of writing, editing and brainstorming, the crew spent the afternoon doing community service with AOEC, where they weeded paths for their adaptive accessible camping area. Tonight, they’ll cool down with a picnic dinner on the beach!

Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)

It’s bike day for MCJ! The skies cleared in Acadia National Park today, just in time for these young adventurers to get some bike touring in. The crew spent the morning pedaling along Acadia’s charming carriage roads, completing the Eagle Lake loop like biking pros (do I see some future ECC participants?!?). After their morning on the bikes, the gang hit the town for an afternoon of exploring Bar Harbor. Tomorrow, they’ll wake up early to squeeze in one more hike in Acadia before heading back down the coast.

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)

And they’re off(shore)! After conquering Maine’s tallest mountain just a few days ago, our fearless DEXA crew embarked on a different kind of adventure today: a three-day sea kayaking excursion out of Stonington! After paddling their way into the gorgeous waters of Isle au Haut Bay this morning, the crew did some good ol’ fashioned island hopping before setting up camp for the evening. Tomorrow, they’ll continue their seafaring expedition with some community service out on the islands!

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)

Welcome back from the backcountry, DEXB! After three awesome days hiking on the Appalachian Trail, our trusty DEXB team has emerged victorious. Once they made their way back to their van today, the crew set their sights on Baxter State Park, their next temporary home. In preparation for their big day tomorrow, the group restocked their supplies, did laundry, took showers, and headed to bed early tonight. What exactly makes tomorrow such a big day, you might ask? DEXB will be hiking Mount Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak! Our group unfortunately went from one spot to the next with no service! We can’t wait to see those Katahdin attempt photos! 

New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)

Today was NEMC’s last day of hiking, and they absolutely crushed it! After getting acquainted with New Hampshire’s White Mountains over the last few days, the crew was ready to take on today’s challenge hike of Mount Chocorua. The ten-mile hike was a breeze for these seasoned hikers, who were rewarded with some of the best views the Whites have to offer at the summit. Reports from the field say there’s pizza in the works for dinner… But shhhh, it’s a surprise for these incredible students who totally earned it today!

Northwest Explorer (NWX)

Land ho! Our seafaring NWX crew returned to the mainland today after their three-day sea kayaking excursion around the San Juan Islands. Before paddling back, however, the team stuck around on Cypress Island for a morning of community service. After they helped to identify different plant species out on the island, the crew paddled to shore and hopped in their trusty van, which brought them over to Washington’s majestic Saltwater State Park. Tomorrow, they’ll trade the seaside for the city as they explore Seattle in celebration of all their amazing accomplishments!

Pacific Coast (PC)

THEY DID IT!!! The Golden Gate Bridge welcomed our unstoppable PC crew to San Francisco today, offering an unforgettable ride over the bay and marking the end goal for this all-star group of cyclists. After crushing the last 37 miles of their trip like nobody’s business, the gang was thrilled to reach San Francisco, the city they’ve been dreaming of for three weeks. Tomorrow, the group will explore the city and have one final dinner together out on the town to celebrate their remarkable accomplishment. 

Pyrenees Mountains and Coast (PMC)

What a picture-perfect last full day for PMC! After arriving in Barcelona this morning, this crew of accomplished hikers spent the day exploring the wonders of the city, from a delicious paella lunch to famous architectural landmarks (cathedrals, arches and two houses designed by Gaudi included!). For their final dinner together, the group had a lovely sunset picnic on the rooftop of their hostel, complete with gelato for dessert. Congratulations on an amazing trip, PMC – you deserve to celebrate!

Vermont to Montreal A (VMA)

In the words of leader Alex, “another W of a day” for VMA! The crew celebrated yesterday’s arrival in Montreal with a thorough exploration of the city today, including lunch on McGill University’s campus (perhaps inspiring some future MCCE participation?!). After spending the day wending their way through the city and basking in the glow of their accomplishments, the crew hit the town this evening for a last dinner as a team before departure day tomorrow.

Vermont to Montreal B (VMB)

VMB couldn’t have asked for a more ideal last full day together! The crew set out to explore Montreal this morning, and reports from the field say they absolutely succeeded in that endeavor. The group visited the Notre Dame Basilica, explored Old Montreal, wandered down Rue St. Catherine, and took some pretty great photos along the way (as evidenced below)! Tonight, the group will enjoy their final together together out on the town before preparing to part ways tomorrow.