Whales: The Final Days!

A great last few days for the bonded Whales team!

Two days of rock climbing had the group scaling the walls Clifton Crags and Eagle Bluff. Every participant embraced the many routes set up by our legendary rock guide: Paul. They even braved a RAPPEL line!

Yesterday the group has an absolute blast bounding down class IV rapids on the mighty Kennebec River! A perfect way to end the trip as they laughed the whole way down and jumped out to swim halfway through!

The group just arrived at their final campsite, the Recompense Campground, and are enjoying one final ice cream cone and some wrap up activities, ensuring the epic lessons of community and teamwork are cemented and transferred back into their lives at home.

See everyone tomorrow!

Whales Whales Everywhere!

Its been an exciting couple of days for the Whales crew!

Friday the gang summited Mighty Mount Cadillac! The highest peak in the East within 25 miles of the coastline... and the first spot in the United States to see the sunrise every morning!

Yesterday, their energetic spirits had them enjoying a morning in downtown Bar Harbor, picking up souvenirs and then they headed to Sand Beach for a swim and a surprisingly competitive game of football!

This morning the group hiked Beehive Mountain! A short, but fun climb up a series of ladders and bridges, with a fantastic view of Acadia.

And this afternoon... the ultimate of ultimate activities... Whale Watching!

An incredibly successful voyage as we saw 10 whales! Humpback, Finback, and Minke! We also glimpsed several seals, ocean sunfish and a bald eagle!!!!! And I'm happy to report it was only myself (MJ) that joined the "lunch club" and was a little too jostled by the boat!

The group is doing fantastic. I am continually impressed with their positive attitudes, their intense togetherness as a group of friends, and the work ethic they provide to keep the days and nights running super smooth!

Tomorrow starts Rock Climbing! Stay tuned...

Sea Kayaks and Steve's Island

The Whales expedition has successfully completed the sea kayaking leg of their journey and are safe and sound and back on the mainland. After meeting their kayak instructor's, each kid had one-on-one instruction and learned basic paddling strokes and the always graceful "wet exit". After mastering the basics they loaded up their tandem kayaks and paddle out into the enchanting island chains of Maine's coastline. The paddled about 3 miles that day, and finally made it to the small island, known as Steve's Island. They set up camp for the night and had the island all to themselves. They were all very proud of themselves as the fogged rolled in on  the island, while they enjoyed their "backcountry mac n cheese". Practicing true Leave-No-Trace ethics, the group had to "do their business" in a bucket type of structure while on the island. We did not ask for details, but parents please be sure to ask your child about this experience and whether or not they enjoyed this opportunity! Today they paddled out 2 1/2 miles with gorgeous weather and switched up their boat groups, to make better time. They stopped off for a much needed swim in a fresh water quarry on a nearby island. A favorite Longacre stop! It was a hot day and the kids enjoyed this unexpected oasis.


The leaders report that the kids are having a terrific time and everyone is getting along very well. Each Expeditioner brings their own unique personality to the group and friendships are forming at a fast rate. Tomorrow the head out on a boat tour with Captain Bill!

A Whale of a Good Time!

This great little group is having a fantastic time... already!

With a couple campsites under their belt, the gang is hitting pro level with setting up tents and cooking some gourmet meals!

After getting to Balsam Cove Campground on Sunday, they forayed into nature with some blueberry picking and bridge jumping! And almost the entire group opted to sleep under the stars, which were without a doubt, the brightest I've seen them all summer! Absolutely majestic.

The group headed towards the sea yesterday and began their kayaking lessons! The afternoon was spent learning strokes, wet exits, rescues and games in a nearby pond. And this morning they headed out into the real thing! We'll keep you posted on their water adventures as they hunker down to island camp tonight!