Today definitely was not common or of little value. In a rare occurrence, many of our trips spent time on the water today, whether surfing, kayaking (there was lots of kayaking), or just spending some time at the beach. These days are often welcome changes for our hikers, bikers, and general land dwellers and usually add a lot of value and variety. Scroll on to see the smiling faces for yourself!
Skip to a Specific Trip: CS, DEXA, DEXB, VLCA, VLCB, CRLC, CMC, AKMCA, AKMCB, NWXA, NWXB, NWXC, PC, ACC1, ACC2
Caribbean Service (CS)
The CS squad lent their helping hands to the village of Esperanza today, cleaning up the beach in front of the town. The day concluded with a rousing Salsa lesson with their instructor, Steven. Hard to believe this crew only has one more full day left on Vieques before returning to the main island of Puerto Rico!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)
The sun was shining bright on our DEXA’ers today as they arrived at Orr’s Island and started their sea kayaking adventure. They’ll be spending the next few nights kayaking the beautiful Casco Bay and island camping under the stars.
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)
Loyal readers will know that Jack and Kaia’s group was going to attempt to summit Mt. Katahdin today. Alas, despite their best efforts, the weather thwarted them from reaching Katahdin’s summit. They did make it to the treeline though, which in itself is an accomplishment (Katahdin is a big mountain). We’ve heard from Jack and Kaia that they’re snuggly tucked into camp for the evening. They’ll be headed back towards Brunswick tomorrow for some much anticipated hot showers and a final celebratory dinner.
Vermont & Lake Champlain A (VLCA)
VLCA had a beautiful 31 mile ride today as they made their way towards Swanton, VT. They traded green rolling hills for lakeside vistas and, per reports, are continuing to gain confidence and speed on the bikes! Tonight also happens to be the northernmost point of their ride in Vermont – just one more thing to celebrate!
Vermont & Lake Champlain B (VLCB)
Ellie, Hannah, and Co. woke up refreshed after their rest day and got an early start because they were so excited to get to camp and do laundry. We’ve also included one of many photos they sent us that resulted from a photoshoot at camp last night.
Costa Rica Language & Community (CRLC)
Transit day! Our CRLC’ers hopped in their shuttle today and boogied their way halfway across the country. They now find themselves nestled near Manuel Antonio National Park, ready to see some wildlife, beautiful beaches, and go ziplining!
California Mountains & Coast (CMC)
Nate and Lila’s bunch traded their hiking boots for wetsuits and surfboards today and they look like they couldn’t be happier about it. Nate says their surf lesson today was “radical” and the highlight of multiple kids trips.
Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)
At long last, we have pictures of AKMCA from their kayaking adventure! They saw sea otters, sea lions, puffins, a humpback whale, seals, and a bunch of other cool wildlife. But who’s counting?!
Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)
Meg and Zach reported that they had a quieter day today, mostly spending time around camp and catching up on some rest after a bigger day yesterday.
Northwest Explorer (NWXA)
NWXA had a windy morning that kept them off the water for the first half of the day, but it certainly didn’t dampen their spirits! They had a cozy morning on their beach campsite before heading out for an afternoon paddle once the waters were more tame. Paddle on, NWXA!
Northwest Explorer (NWXB)
NWXB donned their wetsuits (not pictured) to hit the Sauk River for a whitewater rafting adventure today! After a successful morning on the whitewater, the crew got themselves prepped for their transit over to Olympic National Park tomorrow. Also seen below is a picture from the last day of their 3-day, 2-night backcountry hike – this crew hikes, paddles, rafts – they do it all!
Northwest Explorer (NWXC)
Clio and Connor’s got some quality time in the ‘yaks today, as they hit the waters around the San Juan Islands. Look at this crew hanging on to each other’s kayaks to create a “kayak raft.” They’re such kayak pros!
Pacific Coast (PC)
Our PC crew has continued to make good time and make the most of their views. They rolled into camp at a very respectable time today, perhaps motivated by the knowledge that mail and packages were waiting for them! Tomorrow brings a respite from the bikes as they take a tour of the northern California coast in kayaks with local guides.
PC sent us two group photos today!
America Coast to Coast 1 (ACC1)
Our ACC1 group has become well acquainted with some of the rolling hills of Alabama, but they’ve taken them by storm! They’ve also, apparently, become acquainted with the cows of Alabama. Keep cruisin’, ACC1!
America Coast to Coast 2 (ACC2)
The last time I’ve seen a group this happy to do laundry was, well, the last time we had a group biking nearly 80 miles a day! ACC2 had a great day of rest in LaGrange, Georgia today to get their legs ready to rock for their upcoming seven-day pull westward.
