Wide World of Apogee, Greetings! Chad here. I know – two nights in a row. Sorry about that. Sam should be back tomorrow…. In any case, I think that the title of this afternoon’s ouevre about says it – if there is a theme today, it’s the bright smiles you’ll see along with several shots of what our bike groups look like from behind. Let’s see, shall we?
CI: Our Capers left the cable-knit sweaters of Nantucket and traded them for the kitsch shops of the Cape proper. As I type, they are sitting out the tail end of a thunderstorm and preparing dinner under their campground’s shelter. The good news is that they have a gorgeous forecast for the rest of their trip with cooler temps and significantly decreased humidity. The picture demonstrates not only today’s theme, but also their flawless group-left-hand-turn technique. Well done, Drew and Shannon. Well done.
VM: It’s a new trip out there in Vermont – Julie and Pat’s newly assembled dynamos are happily ensconced in southern Vermont and looking forward to setting out tomorrow. Here’s a candid of the group during their last van ride for two weeks on their way over the hills to the Green Mountain State.
DEX: One of my favorite blog shots is the “Awkward Name Games” shot – a perennial favoriate, I’m sure, for all of our long-time blog readers. Here’s a perfect example of the genre at today’s Downeast Explorer trip start. CC and Jack just checked a few minutes ago from their seaside hideaway in Camden. It’s a short day hike tomorrow and then on to several days of gorgeous sea-kayaking.
CSA: The awkward name games are but a happy memory for our CSA-ers. Maddie and Mason’s crew are exploring the cobblestoned streets of old San Juan as I write and about to enjoy their last dinner together before flights tomorrow. Tonight, though, it’s teary goodbyes and good mofongo!
PCA: Here’s a last couple of late arriving shots from McKayla and Micah’s PC group who are all on their way home across the country tonight. I include the first not for its timeliness, but because it fits in with today’s theme.
PCB: And here’s a late arriving picture of Hannah and Shem’s group sometime during a long last night at the hostel in SF. Below that is an airport shot of both PC groups taking over a good portion of the United terminal at SFO early this morning.
MSA: Another amazing set of individuals bid each other a fond Montanan farewell this morning. Addie and Josh sent in this shot of their crew all gussied up before their big dinner out last night.
TSA: Our Tuscans just checked in with some shots of their Roman explorations over the last day. Laura writes that they had an amazing day in the Eternal City – their day included the Colliseum, the Pantheon, Vatican, shopping, gelato (of course), final dinner with some delicious pasta, then an amazing dessert experience at a separate restaurant. And she even added that they had time for some reflection… It’s been a great trip and, almost unbelievably, tomorrow means a last “ciao” and a long flight.
ACC1: Our westward-most group of ACCers enjoyed super smooth sailing into Throckmorton, TX today. Here are a couple of shots of the ACC post-ride nap – a riding day staple!
ACC2: And bringing up the rear (pun mostly intended) of our backside theme is our ACC1 crew riding into tomorrow’s eagerly anticipated rest day. They had a decent headwind blowing today – but that’s just going to mean they appreciate the rest day more, right?