Yo, yo, yo! (this is when you answer, “What’s up!”). Today we had some big border crossings: Switzerland to France, Belgium to France, and into California. For many other trips, those big crossings are coming up (Looking at you, VM and CQ)! Remember all those backcountry folks? They’re also pouring out of the woods, and the pictures are coming right behind them. Across the board our groups are soaking up the best of their regions with service, surfing, and all-around smiles.
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
Today was the final morning for MCJ1. The kids were all smiles as they said their goodbyes. Never fear- we’ve got more MCJ trips this summer to look forward to!
Sparklers to celebrate!
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
CI is enjoying more time Cape side with a pleasant ride through Wellfleet. With, of course, plenty of time to soak up those views.
Sandy fun!
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
The Kolorado Kids are continuing to crush the local outdoors scene! Today, they rafted on the Poudre (pronounced, we kid you not, “pooder…”) River. Word is it was “super duper”!
Uh, the boat goes in the water, guys?
Caribbean Service Adventure (CSA)
In Puerto Rico, our group spent the day doing service at the Vieques Wildlife Refuge’s greenhouses. They also had the opportunity to see a baby alligator at the refuge! After service, they headed to gorgeous Red Beach. The same Red Beach Simón Bolívar once stood on (celebrity status)!
Thumbs-up for serviceLearning from an expertThe entire crew did not get the thumbs-up memo
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
Their hard work has sure paid off… look at those essays! To celebrate their efforts, the crew is going out to eat for their final night together. We here in Brunswick are proud of you, MCCE1!
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s COLLEGE ESSAYS!It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s… Jack!!!!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)
The DEXsters have finished their backcountry explorations and are now settling into Baxter State Park. They’re having a great time (sans service, so sans pictures today) and have their eyes on Katahdin! Cross your fingers for good weather!
Vermont to Montréal (VM)
VM was back on the bikes today, and continued up through Vermont. Montréal isn’t far now!
Is the puppy coming to Montreal?I spy Carter!Always with flags, helmets, and sweet views!We love panorama pics – keep ’em coming!
Costa Rica Language & Service (CRLS)
Today’s a travel day down in Costa Rica! They’re heading to their sweet ecolodge, deep in the Costa Rican rainforest. We’re talking bigger plants and more waterfalls, folks! Stay tuned – we’ll get the pictures when they emerge from the jungle on Sunday!
Gang’s all here! Vámonos!
California Mountains & Coast (CMCA)
CMCA is officially in the backcountry and unable to send us pictures. It’s their turn in Yosemite- what a lucky bunch!
California Mountains & Coast (CMCB)
CMCB is out of the backcountry, and into the van they go! They will be rewarded after van time, as they’re heading to the iconic Cali coast.
Red, white, and…. backcountry!Impressive coordination!Always a good sign when the sun beams are glowing through the trees!
Where are the s’mores?
Coast to Québec (CQA)
CQA departed Dexter and, wait for it… glided into Greenville. They hammered those hills today, and they (and their legs) are looking forward to resting – on the river – tomorrow!
How’s the view from up there?
Coast to Québec (CQB)
CQ Bravo continued their ride north up to Dexter. Slightly shorter ride than yesterday, so needless to say they crushed it. What else is new?
It’s game time, folks!Aww, a bridge of friendship… but where’s Ezra and his manbun?Staring towards Canada (and maybe a fish in the river…), determination in their eyes and hearts
Montana Service Adventure (MSA)
Out of Wolf Creek and into Augusta they go! Today was one of our Montanans’ longer riding days, and well worth it with some stellar views (and a birthday along the way)!
Big Sky birthday!
Northwest Explorer (NWXA)
NWXA is out of the backcountry and they’re spending the day rafting. Who had more fun rafting, CRM or NWXA? We’re gonna say it’s a strong tie!
Ready to ride the river!Campers and Nalgenes. We love it.Campers and a sunset. We love it.Still love it. And rumor has it there was a whip cream fight shortly after this picture was taken.
Northwest Explorer (NWXB)
NWXB hiked out of the back country today and is transiting to the San Juan Islands. Water time, ocean views, and service await!
Backcountry machines!Evergreens, mountains, and Apogee. What more can you ask for?
Pacific Coast (PCA)
Today was the first full day in Cali for PCA. Naturally, they went surfing! What a rejuvenating way to enjoy the Pacific Coast.
Surfs up!Biker, meet your boardHelmets or wetsuits – they look terrific in both.So Cali. Hang loose!What hard workers!
Pacific Coast (PCB)
The PC Bravos had a solid ride and crossed into Cali today. Sure looks familiar does it? We’ll spare you our Cali jokes.
Where’s Emma?There she is!! (It will never get old)
Scottish Highland Explorer (SHX)
These wee explorers had quite the day! They had their longest hike into the Glen Coe area today, and the Braveheart views did not disappoint. Even after a long hike, they relayed their excitement for tomorrow’s explorations!
The rule of thirds is well utilized here. Heads up, other leaders!Again, the rule of thirds (pretty easy to do with these views)!May be foggy, but the smiles are bright – right?
Alps Explorer (AXA)
Today AX Alpha began their TMB trek with some gorgeous weather and packs loaded with the delicacies of Switzerland. Highlights include: crossing a country border, amazing views, and some uncharacteristic statues.
Does this count as roughing it when you’ve got those views?Large packs = lots of Swiss delicacies, YUM!The border of France and SwitzerlandNew friends!
Alps Explorer (AXB)
AXB was able to send us some PHENOMENAL pictures from the alps, across the ocean, to our Brunswick office. They’re into the Chamonix valley and continuing to make us incredibly jealous. They’ve been up to all good things, with views of the Aiguille de Bionassy and its glacier.
Snack time by the AlpsThat Alpine glow thoughA quick dipFull packs, full heartsNo packs, still full heartsIt’s an Apogee inside joke. And it’s very funny if you get it.
Europe Coast to Coast (ECCA)
Bonjour! Today, ECCA crossed into France and arrived safely in Le Quesnoy, a small town known for its shoemakers. Don’t miss Belgium too much just yet; they’ll bike through again tomorrow!
Looking real good at the border!Thumbs up for even better baguettes!
Europe Coast to Coast (ECCB)
After eating all of the waffles in Bruge, ECCB climbed back on those bikes and pedaled to their next destination. They’re still enjoying one more evening in Belgium – before dipping into France and then returning to Belgium for a night. La France demain!
How many waffles do you think Chandler had?ECCB takes a Bruge selfie!Enjoying the last of those fietspads!Waffles await!
America Coast to Coast (ACC1)
ACC1 enjoyed a rest day from the bikes, but not a rest day in the sports world. Today was the inaugural Bandanna Buddy Ping Pong Tournament of 2017. Word is Freddy and Anna have been training more for this tournament than biking cross country.
Now that’s a rest dayPre- rest day biking*cue Pac Man music*Biker vs Biker…who will win?Sink that 8 ball!
America Coast to Coast (ACC2)
ACC2 enjoyed a flat ride (with some rollers) to LaGrange. Tomorrow’s their turn for a rest day… and perhaps a continuation of the ping pong championship?
