With only fifteen trips in the field, it’s been a quiet(er) day here in Brunswick. Let’s see what these crazy kiddos have been up to!
Skip to a Specific Trip: CRMA, CRMB, CS, MCCE, DEXA, DEXB, VMA, VMB, CRLS, CRMC, NWXA, NWXB, PCA, PCB, PMC, AXA, AXB, ECC, ACC1, ACC2
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains A (CRMA) & Colorado’s Rocky Mountains B (CRMB)
Rachel & Teddy (CRMA) and Stella & Parker (CRMB) each welcomed a dozen students from around the country (and abroad) today as they convened in Denver, Colorado to start their 10-day adventure. After a smooth arrival day at the airport, both groups loaded up the van, cruised over 11,000’ mountain passes, and arrived at their destination for the next two nights on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Caribbean Service (CS)
With their service work complete, our CS superstars said tearful goodbyes to each other and the Isla Del Encanto this morning. ‘Til next time, beautiful Puerto Rico!
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
They’ve arrived! Time has come again for some crafty writers to convene and make some magic. With a smooth trip start tucked in their back pockets, our MCCE friends are getting ready to wrap up their first evening on the Maine coast and prepare for a big day tomorrow. Hope the twinkly fireflies don’t keep them up at night!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA) & Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)
Over the last two weeks these daring Downeasters have done it all – they’ve explored Acadia National Park, lived off the grid along the Appalachian trail, and sea kayaked the glorious Maine Coast. With new friends and memories tucked in their packs, they said their fond farewells this morning!
Vermont to Montréal A (VMA) & Vermont to Montréal B (VMB)
Miles biked, borders crossed, lakes kayaked, ice cream devoured — these Vermonsters have accomplished an enormous amount together on their adventures from Vermont to Montreal. We’re so proud of them and wish them safe travels home with strong legs and happy memories a-plenty!
Costa Rica Language & Service (CRLS)
Arrival day for Mark & Eliza’s crew! Planes, trains, and automobiles (well, really just planes and automobiles) brought them to the small town of Turrialba where they’ll be based for the first portion of their trip. The real fun begins tomorrow when the language classes get underway and their service starts!
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
Surf’s up, amigos! On their last full day in Costa Rica, our valiant CRMCers shredded some gnarly waves (surf lingo for “had a great time surfing”) out on Playa Uvita. Then it was off to Alajuela where they’ll sample some Costa Rican cuisine at their final dinner out on the town before prepping for tomorrow’s flights.
Now I, personally, am a huge fan of the face paint sunscreen method. Major kudos to you, my friend.
Northwest Explorer (NWXA)
One more night in the beautiful backwoods for these backpackers. Amidst wildflower-strewn fields and snowy peaks, this team has been trekking and learning about living minimally in the North Cascades. We can’t wait to hear, and see, more from them tomorrow when they emerge from this excellent adventure!
Northwest Explorer (NWXB)
Into the woods we go! We heard that NWXB had a hyped up dance party in their van this morning before heading toward their trailhead. Today, this tenacious team hikes into their first campsite of their five-night backcountry portion. After their two-night backcountry warm-up in the Cascades, they’re ready for this five-night adventure along the majestic backdrop of Olympic National Park. Adventure on!
Pacific Coast (PCA)
Today, the PC Alpha crew transitioned from forest to sea. They had a monster 60-mile day, which included conquering one of the biggest hills of the entire trip: Ol’ Legget Hill (actually just Legget Hill). Leggett Hill climbs over 1,000 feet over four miles before dropping almost 2,000 feet over the next 11 miles. As if that weren’t quite enough elevation change for the day, they then tacked on Rockport Hill (700 feet of climbing over two miles) before heading aaaaaalll the way back down to the Pacific. Phewf! All that climbing deserves a rest day tomorrow.
Pacific Coast (PCB)
While PCA made a break from the Redwoods to the coast, Jack & Grace’s PC Bravo team is right on their heels. After a cool 50-miler today (a half-century, if you will), they have their sights on the coast tomorrow. The only thing that stands in their way: Leggett Hill! But hey, if you ask us, we’d tell you that they’re more than prepared for a four mile climb. No service on the tail end of their ride so no photos today, but we’ll get you photographic proof of their big ride tomorrow!
Pyrenees Mountains & Coast (PMC)
Exploration day! PMC set out to explore the amazing city of Barcelona today on their final full day together. They checked out the city’s architectural wonders before heading out to a final dinner on the town. Tomorrow they say “hasta luego” to their new friends and their Spanish adventures.
Alps Explorer (AXA)
Leaving the comfort of their adorable mountain rifugio, the J&J gang (Jared and Jeanne, that is) headed down into the valley, Val Veny, and into the Italian mountain town of Courmayeur. After struggling to send the majority of their photos from yesterday, behold the full effect of their jealousy-inducing journey.
Alps Explorer (AXB)
Legs fresh after their rest day yesterday, the Alps Bravo Team enjoyed some positively stunning views en route to their third and final night in a mountain rifugio. Tomorrow they’ll bid addio to Italy as they cross back into their starting country, Switzerland, tomorrow. Bon voyage!
Europe Coast to Coast (ECC)
ECC had a bonus Paris day today! Before catching an afternoon train out to rural France where they’ll continue riding tomorrow, these explorers found themselves with a lovely view of the Eiffel Tower! Back on the bike tomorrow to continue the trek to Venice.
America Coast to Coast (ACC1)
What’s that, you say? ACC1 has made it to ANOTHER state?! What a crew! ACC1 crossed into Arkansas today, making quick work of their 83-mile day! This crew loves riding, but they’re still excited for tomorrow’s 50-mile day and the rest day that follows.
America Coast to Coast (ACC2)
Arguably one of the hardest-to-pronounce towns that ACC goes through, ACC2 rolled into Kosciusko, Mississippi today in high spirits. A 93-mile day in the books!
