Day 44: Cities, Surfing, and Service

By Michael Kravitz & Gracie Wright

Even though there are only TWO (yes, I said it – TWO!) more days of adventures this summer, it doesn’t mean the fun has stopped. From sea kayaking, to summiting Mt. Katadhin, to exploring cities far and wide, the good times just keep on rolling!

Maine Coast Junior (MCJ3): After pedaling around beautiful Eagle Lake in Acadia NP yesterday, these MCJ3ers lit out for mid-coast Maine, picked up some paddles, and got right into the ocean! A morning of sea kayaking was timed perfectly right before the afternoon rain sauntered in. A movie was the perfect supplement for their evening activities, pass the popcorn, please!

MCJ3

New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC3): These Good Samaritans put in the hours at the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program in Brunswick, ME this morning. After packing and preparing food, they indulged in some yummy lunch themselves. Despite the afternoon showers, they still managed to keep themselves busy and dry with a round of bowling! NEMC3 NEMC3 NEMC3 NEMC3 NEMC3 NEMC3

Caribbean Service Adventure (CSA3): After two weeks of service and adventuring all over the island of Puerto Rico, our last CSA trip is wrapping up its last full day together this evening in San Juan. The group got the opportunity to explore the colonial streets of the capital today, taking in the many sights and sounds of this bustling city. The crew will finish today with a big dinner under the palm trees to celebrate their accomplishments and the work they’ve done! Buen trabajo!

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Maine’s Downeast Explorer A (DEX3): Our tenacious DEXsters took on Mount Katahdin today, the highest mountain in all of Maine and one of the largest on the Eastern Seaboard. The group was up and on the mountain very early this morning, giving themselves plenty of time to complete the hike and soak in the beautiful views (and dodge the . Tonight they will remain in Baxter before heading to Freeport tomorrow where they will enjoy a final dinner to celebrate all of their successes.

 

Costa Rica Language & Service (CRLS3): This morning our CLRS crew enjoyed a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park that included sightings of sloths, super cool birds, lizards, three kinds of monkeys, and lots of other cool tico critters. The gang was beaching it this afternoon – nothing like a cool Pacific breeze to soothe tired toes after a long walk through the park. Zip-lining over the rain-forest tomorrow!

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Coast to Quebec A (CQ2A): Our CQA group enjoyed their final day today as they walked around the beautiful city of Quebec. With french flair throughout the city, it feels as if our group has biked right into Europe. Tonight they will enjoy a delicious final dinner before heading back home to the states tomorrow.

CQA

Coast to Quebec B (CQ2B): Can’t rain on these CQ2Bers’ parade! Exploring the city of Quebec may have been a bit rainy but a bit of afternoon retail-therapy made for a great indoor activity. They are testing their French along – with some fine Canadian cuisine (mmmm, poutine….!) – before settling in for a last night together. Tomorrow is the big “Au Revoir!” as they cross back into states back home.

CQ2B

California Mountains & Coast A (CMC3A): After spending the morning riding the waves in Santa Cruz, the CMCA crew toweled off and headed into town for this afternoon’s community service project. The gang loved the surfing and enjoyed the meaningful work they completed this afternoon. Tomorrow: San Francisco for an afternoon of exploration and a celebratory final dinner.  CMC3A

California Mountains & Coast B (CMC3B): These CMC3Bers took a hiatus from hiking and also hit the waves for a round of surfing this morning! After testing their balance in Santa Cruz, these surfer junkies hopped in a van and made their way north to Half Moon Bay. They’re beyond excited to spend time in San Francisco tomorrow after putting in morning community service hours on the coast. CMC3B

Montana Service Adventure (MSA2): After putting a wrap on their 400+ miles of biking and 20+ hours of service, our MSA-ers took today to explore beautiful, funky Whitefish. After perusing the shops and taking in the views, the Freddy and Anna’s crew of humans, a horse, and a zebra is going to enjoy a well-deserved dinner out on the town. Hasta la huego, amigos!

MSA2
Soo… Mom & Dad – we’ve made a couple of changes in Montana…

Northwest Explorer (NWX2): These NWXers got the full tour of the Emerald City today! Seattle’s best were right at their fingertips, how could they not spend the day walking around Pike Place Market, gazing at the Space Needle in awe, or shop around its bustling streets? Tonight is going to be one last great meal together and a long round of “Final A’s and P’s.”

NWX2

Pacific Coast A (PC2A): After battling it out in the kitchen last night, these iron chefs woke up ready for a little taste of the city life. Exploring San Francisco’s steep streets made them happy that they didn’t have bikes in tow – besides, they wouldn’t fit on the cable cars anyways! The City by the Bay treated them well, and they celebrated their final night together with a delectable Frisco dinner. PC2A PC2A PC2A PC2A PC2A

Pacific Coast B (PC2B): These PC2Bers fit in some arm work today as they took to Union Street for some shopping, emerging with bags in tow. After strolling the streets of San Fran, they came together for a last Apo-dinner, eating and sharing lots of good food and trip stories. They’ll be saying goodbye to the Golden State (and one another, cue tearful hugs) tomorrow!

PC2B
The crookedest street!

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Scottish Highlands Explorer (SHX2): Edinburgh offered a host of adventures for these SHX2ers today as they explored the medieval capital – and the city put on a lovely plaid- and brogue- filled show for their last full day together. Laced with castles and street markets galore, there was never a dull moment in this Scottish city for these highlanders. They had a grand final dinner altogether, only wiping away a few wee tears as they reflected upon their Scottish ventures.

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Alps Explorer (AX2): The beauty of Geneva increased exponentially after the hearty amount of service seen from these AX2ers today. Picking up trash never felt (and looked!) so good. They rewarded themselves with an evening of exploring Geneva further before final dinner. Last A’s and P’s in the Alps for this crew before parting ways tomorrow. AX2
America Coast to Coast 2 (ACC2): Morning pancakes fueled these coastal cruisers adequately for their San Diego Exploration Second Edition today. Pacific Beach was the first stop, where they relaxed with the rustling sea breeze and waves. They then made their way toward a bike shop (they just can’t keep themselves away from the wheels!), indulged in some manis and pedis (yup – for real!), and went for a dip, because why not? It’s their last night together before they all fly home – crazy to think that they were just flying across the country on bikes a few days ago. ACC2 ACC2 ACC2