By: Emily Sturtevant
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE):
Astonishingly, our writers are within a day or two of calling it a wrap! After a morning of essay-polishing, they put down the ol’stylus and picked up the paddles to go sea kayaking off the coast of Harpswell – and what a beautiful day for it! This evening they will work with Jaed for the last time before they have a chance to share the fruits of their labors tomorrow.
New England Mountains and Coast (NEMC):
Another beautiful day for hiking in New Hampshire! After a quick trip to the summit this morning, Aaron, Isa, and the gang ventured into North Conway where they were able to do laundry and enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon, they’ve transited over to The Forks, ME, where they have a Thanksgiving dinner on tap before tomorrow’s rafting.
Coast to Quebec A (CQ A):
After their two-week journey along the coast of Maine and through the farmlands of Canada, Kyle and Rosa’s superstars were bidding each other adieu this afternoon. It was a bittersweet ride back to Freeport for goodbye hugs. We hope to see this lovely group of campers again next summer!
Coast to Quebec (CQ B):
Zack and Hannah’s CQers enjoyed their last trip dinner together yesterday and, in order to celebrate, they donned their finest duds. They all enjoyed poutine, the French-Canadian gastronomic specialty before heading today’s long drive back to the States. On tap for tonight – some overdue laundry and a long, hot shower.
Looking good, CQB – reeeeaaalll gooood!
Montana Service Adventure (MSA):
This is it, MSA! Today the group is going up and over the Continental Divide along the breathtaking “Going to the Sun” road. It’s a tough ride – but one of the most beautiful in the world! They’ve got their very last day of community service on tap for tomorrow with a day of white-water rafting on tap for Tuesday.
Northwest Explorer (NWX):
Will, Becca and the gang enjoyed a day of rest in lovely Bellingham, WA after their week in the back country. After sleeping in and enjoying a big breakfast of french toast and bacon, the group ventured into town for laundry, ice cream, and Bikram Yoga (?).
Clinging to civilization??
Pacific Coast A (PC A):
After yesterday’s rest day full of sunshine and milkshakes in Mendocino, the group was more than ready to start their final leg of riding into San Francisco. It was a coastal day of riding for Abby, West and their Magnificent Many as they made their way into their eucalyptus-shaded campground.
Pacific Coast B (PC B):
Happy rest day, PCB! After their long ride up and over the coastal mountains, Mike and Sherry’s Fine Few had the chance to sleep in, eat a pancake breakfast, and explore Mendocino (if you haven’t been, you should…). Tomorrow the group will have their longest day of riding of the trip (66 miles!), but after today’s break they will be more than ready to take it on.
Alps Explorer A (AX A):
Another gorgeous day for Emma and Noah’s crew today! The group enjoyed amazing views – and even hiked with some new trail partners (see below). They hiked right up to their last rifugio, which means warm showers, beds, and a 4-course meal!
Traffic jam!
Alps Explorer B (AX B):
It was the last full day on the trail for Ally and Tim’s group and they walked right back into Switzerland this afternoon. They’ve got a dawn hike planned to finish up the TMB tomorrow morning before hopping on to the train over to the lovely Fiesch valley in the afternoon.
Europe Coast to Coast A (ECC A):
The group had a beautiful day of riding as they rode into Celles-sur-Plaine, high in the lovely Vosges Mountains. We heard from Kirk and Jeanne today – they had made it into camp early in the afternoon and were looking forward to spending the rest of the day hanging out at the lovely lake in town. They’ve only got one more day in France before crossing the Rhine into Germany on Tuesday morning.
Europe Coast to Coast B (ECC B):
From Bar-le-Duc to Nancy, with lots and lots in between! Lunch beneath the cathedral and an afternoon stop at a WWI cemetery, Posie and Postyn’s group took in a great deal in terms of culture today. And they also made their way up one of the nastiest little hills on the entire trip!
America Coast to Coast (ACC):
After yesterday’s rest day, the group was ready to get back in the saddles for another big ride (a mere 90+ miles…). Today was the crew’s last full day in Arkansas before crossing over into Texas tomorrow morning. No pictures as of press time, but you can bet we’ll see plenty of Longhorn State shots tomorrow!