Day 49: The Penultimate Page

Not sure about you, but for us, it feels like this summer has just flown by! Suddenly, we find ourselves on the second-to-last day of our summer – the penultimate page of our story, if you will. With seven trips ending today and only two left in the field, we’re feeling very reflective about how great this summer has been. What made it so great, you ask? Well, many things, but it’s mostly the people – and one of those people deserves a very special shoutout today: It’s Director Chad’s birthday today!! Happy birthday, and thank you for everything you do, Chad – we couldn’t have gotten to Day 49 without you.

Skip to a Specific Trip: AKMCA, AKMCBCI, DEXA, DEXBGSA, MCCE, MCJ, NEMC

Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)

After 13 amazing days of adventuring in the Alaskan wilderness and waters, it has come time for our AKMCA trip to say goodbye to the Last Frontier. Once goodbyes, high fives and hugs were exchanged this morning, the crew boarded their flights back home, marking the end of the last AKMCA trip of the summer. Congratulations, AKMC – what a journey!

Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)

That’s a wrap on our final AKMCB trip of the summer! After sharing their favorite memories of ice climbing and island camping over a last breakfast together this morning, the crew hit the airport to catch their flights back home. We’re so proud of you for everything you accomplished, AKMCB!

Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)

What an incredible journey the last ten days have been for our CIers! With many miles of biking and many ferry rides now under their belts, these young cyclists parted ways this morning after one last breakfast together in Boston. This CI crew got the honor of closing out our time on the Cape for this summer, and they sure ended it on a high note!

Golden State Adventure (GSA)

This trip certainly was a golden experience for our GSA group! After a celebratory evening in San Francisco last night, the crew said their goodbyes this morning as they reminisced about their adventure-filled last nine days together. Congratulations on an incredible trip, GSA! We’ll miss you!

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)

While so many other trips say goodbye today, MCCE is still grinding away on their essays! The crew spent this morning putting the finishing touches on their pieces, which they then printed out. Essays in hand, the gang took to Portland, where they spent the afternoon sharing their essays by the water and exploring the city’s cobblestone streets. After an awesome final dinner in town, our MCCEers returned to their home base to prepare for departure day tomorrow. 

Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)

And just like that, it’s over! After a week of unforgettable adventures as a team, our MCJers enjoyed one last breakfast together this morning before hitting the road to return to their families. We’re so proud of this gang for all the awesome things they accomplished this week – from hiking and biking in Acadia to sea kayaking in beautiful Casco Bay! Bravo, MCJ!

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)

Congratulations, DEXA! Days in the backcountry, a summit of Maine’s highest peak, a sea kayaking adventure, and a delicious celebratory dinner have all led DEXA to the end of their journey today. They had one last breakfast together this morning before returning home to their families, officially bringing this summer’s DEXA run to an end.

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)

What a ride, DEXB! Over the last 13 days, this crew crushed every part of their adventure together – from backcountry living to exploring the streets of Portland as they celebrated their trip last night! After enjoying their last meal as a group this morning, the crew parted ways, eager to return home with stories of their endeavors (and maybe to sleep in real beds!). Well done, DEXB – we’re so proud of you!

New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)

Last day, best day, right?! NEMC soaked up every second of their last full day together today, kicking off the morning with a sweet sea kayaking session off of Orr’s Island. After a full morning of paddling, the crew headed south to spend the afternoon exploring Portland. Tonight, the group will dine out in the city for their final dinner to celebrate all their awesome accomplishments over the last eight days. They’ll part ways tomorrow, but tonight, they get to celebrate!