Even though not all of our trips are in America today to celebrate the Fourth (hello, Europe and Costa Rica!), every group got to explore the great outdoors through hiking, biking and service. For those who are in the States, it’s a “Party in the U.S.A.”! Let’s see what these party people were up to today…
Skip to a Specific Trip: CI, NEMC, CRM, CS, DEX, VMA, VMB, CRMC, CMCA, CMCB, AKMCA, AKMCB, NWX, PC, AXA, AXB, ECC1, ECC2, PMC
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
It’s into Boston for the CI crew! Unlike past Bostonians, they didn’t dump any tea as they ferried into Boston Harbor (although that does sound fun). For their final night together, they had an outstanding dinner and a chance to explore the city and its many revolutionary sites. Tomorrow is sure to be filled with heartfelt goodbyes and fond recollections of the fantastic adventures they just completed. Congrats on a great trip, CI!
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
It’s certainly a “Party in the U.S.A.” today for NEMC! The group hit the water this morning for some sea kayaking adventures (the new Lewis and Clark, perhaps?) and explored the beautiful rocky coast of Maine and its magical hidden coves. On the shore, one student skipped a stone 10 times in a row! Despite this major feat, it was reported that he “likes sea kayaking even better.” That’s high praise! After their seafaring stint, the group took to their feet in Portland to discover shops, hang out, and enjoy a final dinner together. Rumor has it that the campground they’re staying at tonight might have a fireworks display over the water – sounds like they’re going out with a bang!
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
For spacious skies, for amber waves of grain, for purple mountain majesties… Now that that’s stuck in your head, hear about all the amazing things CRM did today – surely they were the inspiration for the song! Today was rafting day for this group – they went down the Poudre River (class 2 and 3 rapids!) and saw the magic sights of Poudre Canyon, just outside of Fort Collins. On their journey they even saw some HUGE elk along the road. After rafting, the group stopped at Fort Collins for a quick lunch. At night it was back to Rocky Mountain National Park for one last night of camping with sparklers, fireworks and s’mores to wrap up the night! It truly is America The Beautiful!
Caribbean Service (CS)
Today, CS went off to do trail maintenance, picking up trash along the grassy paths. They then engaged their creative juices and painted rocks to leave at the beach that they plan on visiting tomorrow afternoon. After painting and service, the group ventured out on a mini hike to a beautiful lighthouse before heading back to the house for a classic Fourth of July barbeque – yum!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)
Picture this: You’re at the bottom of Mount Katahdin, gazing off into the distance as you see faint dots moving closer and closer to you. You squint, blocking the sun from your eyes with your hand, curious as to what those figures are up ahead. As they come closer, you can make out their strong and confident stance. They have just conquered the highest mountain in Maine. Ah yes, they must be superheroes – Captain America and co, maybe? There’s no way anybody but superheroes could have done that… but wait a minute… these aren’t superheroes, these are mere mortals – these are the students of DEX! After emerging from the backcountry yesterday, this exceptional group kicked into high gear for today. They woke up early, laced up their hiking boots, and started to climb the 5,269 foot elevation of Katahdin. The group conquered the notoriously challenging terrain while enjoying the expansive views of Baxter State Park, before returning to camp for some well-deserved rest. Congratulations, DEX!
No photos from today’s climb, but here are some bonus photos from DEX’s time in the backcountry!
Vermont to Montreal A (VMA)
Today, VMA went sea kayaking on the great Lake Champlain, and had picture perfect weather to complement a wonderful time on the water! They then contributed to the betterment of the great state of Vermont by helping to clean up Burlington. Along the sandy beaches, the group collected trash, making America even more beautiful! They are serving this great, green state while also forming group cohesion and culture – what could be better than that?
Vermont to Montreal B (VMB)
Did you know that the most popular song in the United States in 2021 was “Levitating” by Dua Lipa? This VMB group levitated trash along the Burlington beaches for their service day. The group then picked up some mail and rested up for their big day of kayaking and exploring the city tomorrow. We’re also getting reports of a July 4th cookout for dinner – save me a plate!
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
These CRMCers might not be in the United States to celebrate the Fourth, but they enjoyed an all-American meal of mac n’ cheese while packing up for their trip to Rainforest Adventure Center Expeditions (RACE). Before officially saying goodbye to Casa Mariposa, the owners gave the crew an amazing presentation on how they built the house completely sustainably by using local materials (the walls are insulated with plastic bottles!). The group then hiked over to RACE to begin their three-day adventure in the tropical wonders of Costa Rica. This adventure is made even more spectacular by the trip being disconnected from technology and tuned into their natural surroundings. Because of this, we won’t be getting blog pictures from them in the next few days, but we can’t wait until they can show us where they’ve been!
California Mountains & Coast A (CMCA)
Just like many of our early explorers who scoped out the vast, uncharted territory of U.S. lands, CMCA donned their packs today and departed toward the backcountry of Yosemite National Park. While backpacking, CMCA will take in outstanding views of the Sierra Nevadas (fun fact: John Muir discovered the Sierra Nevadas in 1869)! We received a surprise backcountry transmission from CMCA’s leaders today while they had a glimmer of cell service, so we do have some photos to share from today’s hike! Keep on truckin’, team!
California Mountains & Coast B (CMCB)
CMCB headed into the backcountry this afternoon! They began their hike in Chilnualna Falls, through ancient sequoias and hiked up incredible peaks (hopefully singing “California Dreamin’” the whole way through). To celebrate the Fourth of July, the group traveled with USA flags hanging off their packs. We wish them nothing but clear skies for their upcoming backcountry sections, and hope that they have the most spectacular time on their adventures!
Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)
The last frontier is a vast and formidable place with a wild and rugged history, but today our AKMCA squad cruised out of their backcountry outing on the Wiliwaw Lakes Loop! Today was a day full of beautiful snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, moose, and mountain goat sightings as the crew completed this leg of their journey. Talk about a great Independence Day! Tomorrow, they’ll prep for kayaking and participate in a community service project in Seward.
Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)
What better way to celebrate America’s independence than exploring one of the most beautiful places in the country: Chugach State Park! Here the group completed a splendid hike, taking in sights of the natural wonders that surrounded them. We hope they saw some red, white and blue today, as I have a feeling there won’t be a firework show nearby! Stay posted for some incredible photos coming to us in the next few days.
Northwest Explorer (NWX)
From sea to shining sea, Apogee trips are out exploring the country, and today’s reports from the Pacific Northwest are pretty spectacular! NWX has exited the beautiful Hoh Valley, where they learned lots about purifying water and cooking in the backcountry. They then headed over to Bellingham for some well deserved showers and rest. En route to Bellingham, the crew got to ride on the pride of Washington state, the WSDOT State Ferries! Everyone is extremely excited to have some well deserved rest time after their recent excursions!
Pacific Coast (PC)
Our PC crew rolled into the great state of California today with flags to match (see the photo for proof through the night that their flags are still there!), and they’re looking forward to their day of surfing in Crescent City tomorrow. The state of Oregon must’ve known this crew was moving on, because last night it sent them off with maybe the best sunset (rivaling some of those fantastic firework displays) we’ve ever seen. Just look at that fiery sky!
Alps Explorer A (AXA)
Today, AXA got ready to take off on their quest to conquer the Tour de Mont Blanc with a stop at the iconic pink church in Trient! This group began their epic circumnavigation of Mont Blanc today, and over the next several days, they’ll have the opportunity to soak up incredible views of the French, Swiss, and Italian countryside. While we’re bummed they’re not in the States to celebrate the Fourth with us, it seems like it’s still a party overseas!
Alps Explorer B (AXB)
Check out what these “American Kids” did today! Along their hiking route to Le Brevent, the group got to gaze up, front and center, at the incredible views of Mont Blanc. They then traveled down to the picturesque mountain town of Chamonix. Here, the group explored local shops and stocked up on food. After exploring the breathtaking streets, the group zoomed down to their campground in Les Houches to spend the night under the stars.
Europe Coast to Coast 1 (ECC1)
After crushing some impressive mileage over the past few days, ECC1 is finally getting some well deserved rest in the bright little city of Bruges. The trip celebrated the Fourth with Belgian waffles and a cookout back at the campsite! They spent their day off exploring, gathering more food, getting some fresh laundry, and preparing for their upcoming ride into France!
Europe Coast to Coast 2 (ECC2)
While hardly anyone in Bruges is celebrating American independence other than our ECC trips, these groups will be in France for Bastille Day, which is French independence day! Our ECC trips will have a wonderful opportunity to experience another national independence day other than our own in just ten days. Today, this crew crushed their longest ride of the trip – 118 kilometers (almost 74 miles!) from the Netherlands into Bruges. This tour included yet another epic ferry ride, in addition to the second country of their travels! Next up for ECC2: a rest day where they can explore the wonders of Bruges.
Pyrenees Mountains and Coast (PMC)
Today, our PMCers stretched and prepped as a team (see picture below!) for their hilly hike to Amitges by way of the Cascade Ratera. The group hiked up an elevation gain of 3,644 feet over their 7.5 mile trek. The gang was ready to tackle any challenge coming their way, stating, “Might get some rain, but that won’t stop us!” Sounds like PMC is truly unstoppable, and we can’t wait to see what they conquer tomorrow.
Happy 4th of July to all, and to all a good night! See you back here tomorrow for even more adventures!