The Ultimate Maine Expedition began with a short drive up the coast of Maine to the coastal town of Freeport. After a hearty first meal as a group, the kiddos enjoyed their first night sleeping in tents with their new friends. The next morning they packed up camp and headed to the mighty mountains of the Mahoosucs Range in Maine and Grafton Notch State Park. The day was spent with games and team building initiatives and several hours of prepping for the backpacking leg of this “Ultimate Expedition.” New England Course Director, MJ, met with the group to shuttle vans and was impressed with the group’s organizational skills and cohesiveness so early in the trip.
The next morning the group bid farewell to MJ and headed up the Appalachian Trail to Carlo Col shelter. The rain made this first section of the trail a bit challenging and the group was forced to move slowly. The group’s spirits were high, however, as they arrived to Carlo Col Shelter. They set up camp and enjoyed their first backcountry meal. The next day was a 4-mile hike up and down the range. The group successfully reached the summit of the 3860 ft Goose Eye Mountain but were forced to turn around as Stephanie was experiencing some concerning knee pain and the group felt it best to not push forward. The group spent the night on the trail and hiked back out as a group to Grafton Notch to meet up with MJ. The group plans to tackle Maine’s 3rd highest mountain, Old Speck, tomorrow and hopefully take a dip in Speck Pond, Maine’s highest alpine lake. Stay tuned….
Our fearless Ultimate Maine-ers are out of the woods!
These impressive travelers have hiked arguably some of the most challenging trails on the AT!
Yesterday the group was atop Baldpate Mountain with some incredible weather... and views to match!
After savoring the summit... the gang headed down to the Fry Notch LT for their last backcountry night full of conversation with thru hikers and a warm, well deserved meal of ramen bombs (a backcountry specialty)!
It should be noted that AT garb was at an all time EPIC status this week. The trip leaders came prepared to don fedoras... leopard pants... and jorts (that's right folks... jean shorts are making a comeback!)
We're excited to see that the challenge of the backpacking leg has bonded the kids together as they emerged from the trail smiling and full of stories!
Tonight the team travels to Big Moose Campground in Millinocket Maine for their next adventure... white water kayaking!
We'll keep you posted once they're back on dry land!
PS: Check out this pic of Migali and Anna. I think its safe to say we've captured their excitement about backpacking!
Our fearless Ultimate Maine crew is fresh off the river!
The gang arrived in Millinocket, Maine on Independence Day and after exploring the town (and the ice cream shops!) their backpacking leg caught up with them... and they were all fast asleep way before fireworks time!
The next morning, the group got to learnin' the ropes (or should I say paddles?) for their White Water Kayaking adventure! The group started out in the calm and refreshing lake nearby their campground learning about paddle strokes, boat balance and spray skirts. Two of our very own learned how to eskimo roll on the first day! Kudos to Anna and Sofie!
It also seems appropriate to give a big shout-out to Stephanie! Coming into the trip with a fear of water... she challenged herself to get into that kayak! Taking it step, by step, we were all incredibly impressed and boy, are we proud!
We're also proud to announce that 4 of our members have joined the Penobscot Swim Team! Sean, Olivia, Migali and Paul! (meaning they had to wet exit on the river!)
With an arsenal of knowledge and 3 A++ guides... the gang headed down the river! Class 2 rapids for the next 2 days, ending with a run down Horserace Rapid!
After three full days in the boats, the verdict... more whitewater kayaking!
The group headed to bar harbor yesterday... and will start community service to Acadia National Park! First day to include widening a particularly narrow portion of the carriage trails... stay tuned!
After two days of community service... the Ultimate Maine crew headed north towards Parks Pond Campground (Clifton, ME)... their base of operations for the next exciting part of the trip... Rock Climbing!
Sean, one of UM's fearless leaders has a serious passion for climbing and was stoked to be setting up the climbs for the group.
The first travel day to the Campground had the potential for some ascents... but rain foiled the gang for the afternoon. The next sunny morning, however, proved successful in drying up the rock-face and the kids hiked out to Clifton Crag.
Clifton Crag is an ideal location for beginners and experienced climbers alike. The climbing site has a good selection of both sport and traditional routes and is home to hundreds of routes on nearly a dozen crags.
Despite nerves and newness of the experience to many... EVERYONE harnessed up and gave climbing a try! They learned some seriously cool moves (smearing, crack climbing, belaying, rappelling, campus-ing, crimping, mantling) and some seriously cool lingo ("pumped", "beta", "belay on")!
The following day put the group in at Eagle Bluff... another popular site for its steep, sweeping lines up clean faces and a "Practice Wall" where several 60 – 80’ face and crack climbs abound.
The group continues to get along great! We're proud of their efforts towards community and open and honest communication.
Ultimate Maine is fresh off the Penobscot River this afternoon!
