And we're off!

6/28/2010

What a great crew! The New England/Canada trip is off to a great start with high spirits and fantastic friendships forming. After a scenic drive through the White Mountains, the gang arrived at Dolly Copp Campground, learned to set up their tents, and fell fast asleep! This morning Robbie impressed everyone with his french toast flippin' skills before they headed off to hike Glenn Ellis Falls and, potentially, a secret local spot called Diana's Bath... More to come!

Hikin' the Huts

7/1/2010

Its official.

The New England/Canada team has dominated the White Mountains!

This group had the unique treat of hiking from hut to hut in the Whites. Here's a map of their ambitious route! http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/whitemountains/huts/huts-map.cfm

Hiking in at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, they travelled to Madison Hut and enjoyed the comfy bunks and dinner prepared by the hut crews. Elevation:4,800' Hike difficulty: Strenuous on a long, steep trail exposed to weather above treeline.

The next day, our seasoned little hikers summited Mount Washington, the highest peak in New Hampshire! At the summit, the group was able to explore the weather observatory and take in the expansive views before the clouds rolled in and they headed down.

On the other side of Washington, the group found some rest (and another delicious dinner) at Lake of the Clouds Hut (the highest and most popular hut in the chain)! Elevation: 5,050 feet Hike difficulty: Strenuous with steep, rocky terrain that's extremely exposed to weather above treeline.

Yesterday the group hiked out of the wilderness (using the adventurous Lion's Head Trail!) and camped once again at Dolly Copp Campground with plenty of stories and quality conversation passing around the campfire.

Essentially... this group has pounded out some extreme mileage, and smiling all the way. Great attitudes abound.

This morning they headed out on the road towards the Maine coast to prepare for their overnight sea kayaking adventure!

We'll be sure to report as soon as they arrive back on land!

Belay On!

7/7/2010

Two full days of rock climbing have the NEC gang feeling "pumped" and successful.

Monday the group met up with Alexis... the most epic rock climbing instructor on the east coast. He lead the group out to Otter Cliffs where he began to share his abundance of climbing knowledge along with the fascinating history of the area we were climbing in.

Alexis set up a short pitch to warm everyone up and all the kids found success on the rock-face! Particularly Robby who kept going back to challenge himself and climbed farther than he expected!

After lunch, Alexis set up a climb right over the ocean! This particular climb started by being lowered down the cliff, and the climbers employed a "chimney" method to arrive back to the top. Definitely a stretching and empowering experience for the gang.

With a little spare time before dinner, the group headed back into Bar Harbor for some laundry and a walk around town.

Tuesday morning began with more climbing! Alexis brought us once again near the ocean, this time with his "crash pads" for some bouldering at Monument Cove. Starting with some traverses across the wall, then moving to "topping out", the kids embraced the problem solving aspect of bouldering ACROSS a rock face as opposed to a vertical challenge!

Anna was particularly interested in the challenge of the "overhang" route Alexis pointed out... and attempted the route with some impressive determination.

After lunch, we took a short drive to the Precipice for some more top rope climbs. Alexis demonstrated "lead-climbing" to the group and the kids continued to impress us with their willingness to try new climbs and persevere though even the most difficult spots!

With some new skills under their belts (or should I say harnesses?) the group drove off into the sunset towards the Canadian border!

Sea Kayaking!

7/7/2010

The group met their kayak guide Molly at Jonesport on July 2nd and headed out on the water. No surprise... they picked up paddling so quickly! Heading out to Beal Island for the night, they had several glorious wildlife encounters... seals, bald eagles... even a porpoise sighting!

Island living seemed to agree with the kids as they spent the evening exploring the area and even did their part to pick up some litter that had floated ashore before calling it a night in their tents among the flowing prairie grass.

After paddling back to the mainland the next morning, they landed at Blackwoods Campground in Mt. Desert Island. Once camp was set up, they were off again for an afternoon summit of Cadillac Mountain! Highest point on the East Coast! Seasoned hikers at this point... the gang was back to sea level in no time and off to a night in Bar Harbor for 4th of July fireworks and ice cream!

Beehive Mountain

7/13/2010

The group summited mighty Beehive Mountain today! A quick and exciting hike... the trail is so steep at some parts... there are literally railings attached to the rockface. Thrilling!

Just wanted to share a great quote from the trail... After seeing several cigarette butts on the trail leading to the parking lot... Josh says... "This is a National Park. Not a National Dumping Ground!"

Great to see the lessons of Leave No Trace are sinking in!
It seems we have a young environmentalist on our hands! Way to go Josh!

I Like Bike.

7/13/2010

The NEC gang is back in the USA! With quads of steel and positive attitudes!

Their Canadian adventure started with a drive up to St. John where they ferried their way across to Nova Scotia.

First biking day set a route from Dunromin Campground to Jeremy Bay Campground in Kejimkujik National Park: an impressive 36 miles! Even more impressive what the next day's mileage... a whopping 55 miles from Jeremy Bay Campground to Thomas Raddall Campground! The following days were slowed down a little by some rain... but they biked like pros all the way back to Dunromin!

The group's support vehicle travelled close by and left surprise chalk messages and shouts of encouragement! Although the emotional support was amazing... the group rarely needed any physical support. Not ONE flat tire the entire trip!

The group embraced the Canadian atmosphere and raved about the accents and interesting road signs. They also enjoyed encountering several local characters.

Yesterday, they took the ferry back to St. John's and down to Mount Desert Island to stay at Seawall Campground... a delightful spot where the sound of the waves lull you to sleep... a much needed rest for these epic road bikers!