By: Emily Sturtevant
The end of the summer is quickly approaching and it feels as if I have so many questions like “How are these trips just so amazing?” and, “Could these leaders be any more wonderful?” so I looked for some answers. Anyone who is a fan of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy knows that 42 is the answer to, well, everything! Happy blog #42, I hope this answers all of your questions, and more!
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ3):
Another busy day for these kiddos as they wrap up their week. The group spent the morning doing service with the Midcoast Hunger Prevention Program, a local foodbank. Tonight they’ll go to Portland to explore as a group before they enjoy a celebratory final dinner together.
Cape Cod and the Islands (CI3):
Big ride today as CI headed to Provincetown. They spent their afternoon exploring before a short final ride to camp. Tomorrow they’ll hop on the ferry to Boston, where they will get to spend their last couple days together as a group.
New England Mountains and Coast (NEMC3):
After a final morning hike to bid adieu to New Hampshire, NEMC packed up and relocated to Maine’s Western Mountains. They’ll have a relaxing evening in camp and spend tomorrow morning rafting the Dead River.
Vermont to Montreal (VM3):
VM had a relatively easy day of quintessential Canadian farm land (read, flat) riding that allowed them to get into camp early. Perhaps they used their extra time to enjoy the two pools, pond, and water slide that are part of the campground.
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX3):
DEX’s final day in the backcountry started with an easy 3.6 mile hike out this morning. Upon regaining the frontcountry, Erinn and John’s group enjoyed a big lunch and an ice cream treat to celebrate their accomplishment. Next stop, Katahdin! The group will conquer Maine’s tallest peak tomorrow.
Caribbean Service Adventure (CSA3):
Busy day for CSA, with a morning spent helping local kids paint at the elementary school, before turning in their paint buckets and brushes for sunscreen and swimsuits and an afternoon on the beach. They’ll work with Reach for Success again tomorrow, and spend the early evening kayaking a bioluminescent bay.
California Mountains and Coast (CMC3):
Last full day in the backcountry for CMC! They very likely spent the day exploring a number of high-alpine lakes before settling in for one final evening under a crystal clear and star-studded sky. Matt & Midge’s group will hike out of the backcountry tomorrow and celebrate their adventure with lots of yummy food, and by sending blog pictures!
Coast to Quebec A (CQ2A):
They did it! These superstars made it to Quebec City and are relishing in all they have accomplished these past two weeks. Their final ride took them on a bike path along the St. Lawrence River, on a ferry over it, and over a wickedly steep hill guarding the gates of the Old City. After powering through it together, they’ll spend tomorrow exploring Old Quebec.
New friends?
Coast to Quebec B (CQ2B):
Welcome to your final destination CQB! Our all-star bikers not only made it to Quebec, but completed their longest day of biking – 65 miles. After spending their morning riding along the bike path, this group also hopped on a ferry across the St. Lawrence River and into the city. The group is now resting up in the hostel before they take some time to explore the city.
Montana Service Adventure (MSA2):
MSA left the bikes behind for their big day of rafting. They spent the day on the Flathead River, enjoying beautiful weather as they rafted, floated, and swam down it. They’ll bike into Whitefish tomorrow to explore and have a celebratory final dinner together. Bonus: We’ve also included a couple of pictures from their ride up the west side of the Going to the Sun road yesterday.
Northwest Explorer (NWX2):
One more full day on Cypress Island for this crew. They spent the day doing community service on the islands, helping with the upkeep and maintenance of trails. The also had time to paddle around the near by San Juan Islands and revel in the natural beauty that surrounds them.
Pacific Coast A (PC2A):
The excitement is growing as the group gets closer to their destination! After a beautiful, relatively easy ride in the morning, PCA spent some time exploring Point Reyes Station before continuing on to camp under the redwoods one final time. They ride into the city tomorrow, which means the Golden Gate Bridge is in their near future!
Pacific Coast B (PC2B):
Last day of riding before the group gets into San Francisco. Though they had a long 65 mile day, the group completed it with smiles. They’ll get up early tomorrow for the last push to the city, where they will have the chance to explore together and cherish their last couple of days as a group.
Alps Explorer A (AX2A):
Second to last day on the TMB for Emma and Noah’s group! They enjoyed an easy descent today as the hiked into Champex. The group set up camp early and then went back into town to replenish their legs with a refreshing dip in the lake. They’ll complete their circuit of the TMB tomorrow – after many miles (kilometers?) round, bring on the smiles!
Alps Explorer B (AX2B):
AXB visited the phenomenally breath-taking Aletsch Glacier today. Tim and Ally’s crew took a cable care, completed a hike, and even caught a train for their journey today.
America Coast to Coast (ACC):
Last full day together as a group and it’s bittersweet. Mia and Opie’s rockstars enjoyed each other’s company as they explored the city sporting some sweet Apo-swag: T-shirts!Tomorrow the group will hit the airport for flights home – hard to fathom after spending six full weeks together riding the open road.
