Well, hello there! Welcome to the latest (and greatest? We’ll let you decide…) edition of the blog. Whether you’ve stumbled upon this by happenstance, or have been refreshing the page for the last hour in hopes the post would be live, there’s something for you below – as long as you like one of three things: adventure, fun, and smiling kids. Without further ado, check out the 26 trips movin’ and groovin’ all over the world!
Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, NEMC, CRMA, CRMB, CS, MCCE, MCP, DEXA, DEXB, VMA, VMB, CRLS, CRMC, CMCA, CMCB, AKMC, NWXA, NWXB, PCA, PCB, SH, AX, PMC, ECC1, ECC2, ACC
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
Jesse and Ellie’s intrepid young adventurers made the most of a gorgeous day in Maine by exploring Acadia National Park’s famed carriage roads. Open only to foot, hoof, and bike traffic, Acadia’s carriage roads wind through coastal forests, around jewel-like ponds, and over gentle hills. Hard to believe that today marks the halfway point for this lucky bunch!
New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMC)
Peak alert! NEMC “bagged” the monster 5,712’ Mount Jefferson today, which means they hiked their way up to the third tallest mountain in all of New Hampshire. All in a day’s work! And the payoff for their challenging hike was some panoramic views of the White Mountains – lucky for us, we reap the benefits as well since they were nice enough to take pictures.
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains A (CRMA)
Doing their best Alex Honnold impression, Eddie & Jordan’s crew spent the day rock climbing in beautiful Rocky Mountains National Park. Fortunately for our group, and unlike Alex Honnold a la Free Solo, our team used ropes, harnesses, and helmets for their climbing. Rumor has it that they might have gotten the chance to traverse between two cliff faces, too…
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains B (CRMB)
It was an adrenaline-filled day for the CRMBravo team as Cassidy & Jonathon captained (along with our rafting guides, that is) the ships (rafts) down the whitewater rapids of the Poudre River outside of Fort Collins, CO. It was a well-deserved break from hiking for these folks, but they’re excited to get back on trail tomorrow!
Caribbean Service (CS)
CS said goodbye to the dear island of Vieques today, their home for the past six nights (and home to many a beautiful beach)! After a kayak tour of the bioluminescent bay last night, they hopped on a ferry this morning and headed for San Juan, where they’ll have their final celebratory dinner tonight before flying out tomorrow morning.
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
Our MCCE team is right in the thick of their essay process. After a couple of group sessions with their writing instructor, Colin, the group headed out for an afternoon swim to clear any writers block from the morning. Always good to keep the balance of work and play!
Maine Coast Photo (MCP)
We love it when leaders supply their own write-up! This straight from Anna and Walter: “Today we went to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay to take pictures! After that we had lunch and a delightful swim at Barrett’s Park. The last photo is from yesterday evening on the docks in Boothbay Harbor.” To that we say, “What artistry!”
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)
If all went according to plan, DEXA summited Mount Katahdin today! Mount Katahdin, for those readers not in the know, is Maine’s highest point and also the northern terminus of the famed Appalachian Trail. Let’s hope they find a spot of service to send pictures of their eventful day!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)
Meanwhile, our other Maine’s Downeast Explorer trip found themselves enjoying the island life, a la, one a morning in Maine. After a morning spent gathering beach trash for collection, Cole and Malcolm’s group spent their afternoon on the water. Nice work beautifying the Maine coastline, team!
Vermont to Montréal A (VMA)
As they say, vive la Montreal! Well, close enough – and at least the language is right. Zach & Camille’s Vermonsters celebrated their two weeks of stellar bike touring by exploring historic Montreal together today. Was poutine consumed, you ask? To which one replies, are there mosquitoes in Maine in the summertime?
Vermont to Montréal B (VMB)
It was a beautiful day in Montreal to celebrate all of VMB’s accomplishments over the last few weeks together. The scents of fresh pastries, the flower-lined, cobblestone-paved streets, and the overheard, “Puis-je avoir un peu plus de fromage s’il vous plaît?” If we didn’t know any better, we’d think Elliot & Grace’s squad was in Europe!
Costa Rica Language & Service (CRLS)
Hard to believe that this crew only has one more full day in Turrialba before heading west! This morning, they improved their Spanish skills in their morning classes and then hit the town to explore. Tonight? Salsa dancing lessons are on the docket!
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
Caño Island, here they come! This crew took a boat ride out to the Caño Island, a biological reserve off the western coast of Costa Rica, where they took a snorkel tour. Turtles, rays, and fish, oh my! Looks like a great day to be out on the water with friends!
California Mountains & Coast (CMCA)
After a morning spent volunteering with the Half Moon Bay State Park Rangers, Nils & Nicole spent the afternoon and evening exploring the great city of San Francisco – the 13th most populated city in the country and home to the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and, most importantly, Ghirardelli Square, where they give away free chocolate. Rumor has it that they explored Fisherman’s Wharf and celebrated the accomplishments of the last two weeks with a tasty dinner downtown!
California Mountains & Coast (CMCB)
Cowabunga! The CMCB team got us some photos from yesterday afternoon’s surf session, and we’re totally stoked. The best surfer in the water is the one having the most fun and it looks like all smiles from CMCB! Today they traded in their surf boards and did a morning service project with the Half Moon Bay State Park Rangers before spending the rest of the day exploring San Francisco. We can hardly believe that tomorrow marks the end of this storied adventure!
Alaska Mountains & Coast (AKMC)
First of all, the ice climbing pictures are in, and they are, unsurprisingly, epic. After exploring Exit Glacier yesterday, Garth & Olivia’s team kicked off their last full day together by volunteering with the US Forest Service Rangers and the Kenai Watershed. Afterwards, they made their way back to where it all began two weeks ago, in Anchorage, for one final, celebratory dinner together!
Northwest Explorer (NWXA)
Another day in paradise! …or Olympic National Park — same thing, right? Liam and Emma’s crew spent the day prepping for their backcountry section (which starts tomorrow!) and going for one final “tune-up” day hike in the national park before hiking with their full packs in the Olympic backcountry tomorrow. Adventure awaits!
Northwest Explorer (NWXB)
Jake & Morgan’s lucky bunch got to raft today! They met their guides mid-morning after a leisurely breakfast. They won’t have wrapped their adventure until after we go to press, so here’s a photo from their day hike yesterday. We’ll have to hope for some happy-smiles, post-rafting photos on the morrow!
Pacific Coast (PCA)
Not only did Daryl & Domi’s PC Alpha team conquer the Seven Devils today, but they also managed a phenomenal rainbow color-coordinated picture. I’m not sure which is more impressive… but probably the seven big hills that they crushed this morning en route to a successful 20-mile day and early arrival into camp! What can’t they do?!
Pacific Coast (PCB)
Can you say watch tan lines? It’s only Day Three, but PC Bravo has been getting their fill of vitamin A (while appropriately applying sunscreen, of course). Today, they hammered through just over 30 miles of coastal Oregon riding en route to a nice, early arrival into camp – a perfect day for it, too, because tonight’s campground has one of the best beaches of the trip.
Scottish Highlands (SH)
After emerging from the Highlands yesterday, this group of bonnie friends is enjoying their final day together exploring the historic streets of Edinburgh. A bonus stop on their tour today? A thrift store for some fancy eyewear!
Alps Explorer (AX)
Another day, another stunning, blue bird, mountain vista-filled day for our favorite Alps Explorers. Today, they climbed out of Trient and up to the charming mountain town of Trift. We would write more, but honestly, the pictures below show more than we could ever write…
Pyrenees Mountains & Coast (PMC)
It may almost be time to say “adios” to Spain, but this crew gave it one last hurrah as they explored the streets of Barcelona in style! They head home tomorrow with new friends, new stories, and new trails explored. Congrats PMC!
Europe Coast to Coast 1 (ECC1)
Europe Coast to Coast 2 (ECC2)
There’s nothing quite as rewarding after a day with some good, sturdy hill riding than jumping into an inviting-looking lake when the riding is done… and ECC2 did just that today! Amazing to think that they’re only two days of riding away from the end of their bicycle tour.
America Coast to Coast (ACC)
Our captivating cross country cyclers have wheeled into the penultimate rest day of their trip! They’ll be happy to leave the heat and cacti outside for the day tomorrow and rest their legs. After tomorrow they’ll have just under 2 weeks left together, the Rocky Mountains to cross, and just 2 more states until they reach the Pacific. Time flies when you’re biking across the country!
