23 amazing days have already gone by this summer… how in the world did that happen?! Today was another fantastic day for an adventure, with groups crushing the hills of the Black Forrest in Germany, kayaking on BOTH coasts of the USA, celebrating and exploring in their final destinations, hiking in the back country, and so, so much more. It makes us so happy to see everyone thriving and adventuring out there! We hope your level of stoke is as high as ours as we check in and see what each group was up to today… without further ado, here is the best of Day 23!
Skip to a Specific Trip: CI, NEMC, CRM, CS, MCCE, MCP, DEXA, DEXB, VMA, VMB, CRLC, CRMC, CMCA, CMCB, AKMCA, AKMCB, NWX, PC, AXA, AXB, ECCA, ECCB, PMC
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
Today our CI crew slept in a little and biked down to the ferry in P-town (that’s Provincetown, of course!) after packing up their bikes for the last time together. After the ferry dropped them off in Boston, they got checked in at their Hostel before spending the afternoon exploring the historic city of Boston. They ended the evening with a celebratory dinner (at a cool restaurant, not on a camp stove)! What a fantastic way to end their 10 days together. Congrats all, on a great trip, and lasting memories!!
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
Today, NEMC went sea kayaking on Orr’s Island (ooooh)! They had oodles of fun looking at hermit crabs and doing hermit crab races (aaaaahh!). Mother Nature was kind enough to grant them a beautiful morning for kayaking – can’t ask for much more than that! They then headed down to Portland to celebrate their trip and newfound friendships over a final dinner together. Cheers to you, NEMC’ers, and congrats on concluding your wonderful Maine adventure!
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
CRM wrapped up another beautiful night at Glacier Basin Campground with some hot seat and whipped cream shenanigans! (Can you catch a flying dollop in your mouth? They sure can!) This morning they packed up and headed to Sprague Lake and Upper Beaver Meadows to do some trash cleanup. They were in the highest of spirits, as everyone was eager to give back to the park that has given them so much over the last week! The group are headed into Boulder for a final dinner together and a preemptive birthday celebration for a few of their crew!
Caribbean Service (CS)
CS crushed many an awesome wave today at the famous Domes Beach after an early morning! After enjoying some fun in the sun, the group headed to a local beach for some swimming in the crystal clear waters before capping off the day with some well-earned ice cream. What another amazing day in paradise!
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
Today was the final morning for our MCCE folks. They woke up bright and early to say their goodbyes and begin their journeys home, filled with fond memories of the friends they made, the warm and beautiful Maine summer weather, and with some rockstar college essays hot off the presses! Take care, MCCE’ers and best of luck with the rest of the college application process!
Maine Coast Photo (MCP)
Today was also the last day for our MCP crew. After such a wonderful day yesterday showing off their pictures and celebrating their impressive accomplishments, MCP said goodbye (for now!) before they traveled their separate ways and headed home.
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)
Today, DEXA hiked not one, but TWO mountains! They conquered Parkman mountain before deciding, you know what? We’ve still got plenty of energy in these thighs… let’s hike another! So they marched right up Gilmore mountain for even more incredible views of Acadia NP! To finish off an already epic day, they went for a dip in Echo Lake, then settled down for a tasty and nutritious dinner and an early bedtime. “Why so early?” you might ask? Because they’ll be up and hiking before dawn for a sunrise hike! We can’t WAIT for those juicy sunrise pics tomorrow!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)
Our DEXB crew spent their cloudless day in the best way possible – sea kayaking off the coast of Maine! The group paddled through some of the many islands that are scattered across the state, and are even camping on one tonight. Off the water, they spent the rest of the day playing frisbee, cooking a fabulous dinner, and enjoying a homemade cake for dessert.
Vermont to Montreal A (VMA)
VMA started their day with a safety ride at the scenic Lake Bomoseen this morning. After crushing some big hills before the sun got too hot, they stopped for a grocery stop and a picnic lunch. The ride was a beautiful one, as they passed through one of Vermont’s fabled covered bridges, and they even saw some horses! After getting into camp, they did a swim test and splashed around in the lake before settling in for dinner!
Vermont to Montreal B (VMB)
Our VMB’ers are off to an awesome start! This morning the group completed a bicycle safety ride at Lake St. Catherine and did the first day of riding to Lake Bomoseen! They left the miles in the dust! Your friendly neighborhood blog writer also received reports of “so, so many delicious clementines,” which begs the question… is there such a thing as too many clementines? Congrats on crushing an awesome first day of riding VMB, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for tomorrow!
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
CRMC rested hard yesterday so that they could hit the trail running today for their 10km challenge hike, and boy, was it a good one today! During today’s adventure, the group saw all kinds of different animals and made countless friends along the way (of all species)! They had near-perfect weather and terrific views throughout the hike… sounds like these trekkers are in for a well-deserved relaxing evening full of games and laughs!
California Mountains & Coast (CMC)
CMC spent another beautiful day in Point Reyes! The group went on a hike to the beach, where they had a blast hanging out by the water, swimming, and enjoying each other’s wonderful company. They utilized this day to also prepare for their upcoming backcountry trip, which included grocery shopping and packing their packs. We can’t wait to see how their first venture into the backcountry goes!
Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)
What a day for our AKMCA crew! Today, they hiked Lazy Mountain, although, from reports, it was a wonderful challenge despite the name. Along the trail, they saw loads of beautiful wildflowers. Back at camp, they played a rousing game of frisbee before making dinner and settling in for the night.
Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)
Another day of kayaking for this awesome group! These now-professional kayakers are off the water and ready to share tales of their adventures with anyone who will listen. Next up, they will be preparing for their next adventure – a guided glacier tour!
Northwest Explorer (NWX)
It was the last full day together for our crew in Washington! After three weeks spent exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest, the group celebrated their accomplishments and reflected on their memories as they explored Seattle. They will enjoy their final dinner together tonight before heading their separate ways tomorrow morning.
Pacific Coast (PC)
It’s Day 19 for PC1, meaning it is their last full day together before everyone says their goodbyes tomorrow. They celebrated their hard-earned accomplishments while exploring San Francisco on a bright and sunny California day! This group of bikers is enjoying their final dinner tonight in town before returning to their hostel for an evening of reminiscing on an incredible trip.
Alps Explorer A (AXA)
Our AXA folks said their heartfelt goodbyes this morning before heading to the airport and flying home! I’m sure they are all still processing the amazing experiences they shared together over this 3-week adventure!
Alps Explorer B (AXB)
AXB also bid good old Lake Geneva goodbye for the final time on their trip! Fortunately, they’ll never forget the stunning beauty of the Alps, or the incredible memories made!
Europe Coast to Coast A (ECCA)
It was an early wake up for the ECCA gang as they tackled the stunning yet challenging Black Forest in southwestern Germany. According to trip leader Zach, the group was eating hills for breakfast AND lunch – way to go, team! Before arriving in camp, they rode past a German street festival where they made the great choice to dismount from their trusty steeds and experience some wonderful German culture!
Europe Coast to Coast B (ECCB)
Today ECCB had a well deserved rest day in Schiltach, Germany! The crew got the opportunity to explore the beautiful town and its beautiful, quintessential architecture. These pictures really paint a picture of what they were up to today! (See what I did there!?)
Pyrenees Mountains and Coast (PMC)
The PMC squad spent the day hiking on the coast in Port de la Selva! Reports from Spain are that the weather has been rather warm but that everyone is feeling great! The group enjoyed some incredible views of the Mediterranean before taking a dip in the cool refreshing water. Count us jealous, PMCers, and keep living the good life!
Tune in tomorrow to see what awaits our awesome adventurers on a fresh new day!