By: Izzy Janzen and Emily Sturtevant

We can’t believe how much time flies when you’re having fun! We certainly can’t believe it’s already the 25th day of the Apogee summer and also that some of our trips are drawing closer to their conclusions. While some are gearing up to finish, others are gearing up to begin- tomorrow we have a whopping six trips entering the field, while one (our Maine Coast Juniors) will be calling it a day. As always, the beginnings are fun and exciting and the ends are bittersweet and nostalgic. Day 25 was another magical one- let’s see what it looked like…

Maine Coast Junior (MCJ2):

You really can’t beet MCJ’s service day at Crystal Springs organic farm (thanks, Zack, for the pun!)! The group spent their last full day together harvesting some juicy veggies and transplanting some more amidst the classic Maine morning fog. Tonight they will enjoy their final dinner together in Portland where they will be able to explore the city as well as celebrate and reminisce about the adventures they shared.

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE2):

It was another busy day for our soon-to-be Seniors. The group spent the morning at Bowdoin College where they were able to do an interview skills workshop with the schools Director of Admissions. Below is the gang working on drafts of essay Number Two on Bowdoin’s campus. This afternoon they took a break from all of their hard work to go swimming along the beautiful Maine coastline.

Cape Cod and the Islands (CI2):

Congratulations on finishing your challenge ride, Capers! Today Alyssa, Kevin, and their superstars conquered the long, hilly ride up to to the tip of the Cape (yes, there really are hills on the Cape!). They made short work of the ride – and celebrated with a a delicious lunch in Provincetown. This happy bunch used some face paint to help them get motivated and excited for the big day. Tomorrow everyone will have a chance to relax their legs before they take the ferry into Boston.

New England Mountains and Coast (NEMC2):

Isa and Aaron’s group spent their first morning together on a ropes course where they were able to do some real quality bonding and develop their teamwork skills. After working on the lower level, the group donned their harnesses and helmets to hit the high ropes. After lunch, the crew went north to the White Mountains where they will be hiking the next couple of days. Word from our faithful leaders is that this group is truly “fantastic!”

Vermont to Montreal A (VM2A):

Bonjour et bienvenue! Jonathan and Jessi’s group made it into Canada today after traveling through the beauty of Vermont this week. These next couple days of riding will tough and challenging as they make their final push for Montreal, but nothing that these guys can’t handle. Spirits are high and the group is having a blast. American adventures complete, now it’s time for the Canadian adventures to begin!

Showing off how far they’ve gone!

Vermont to Montreal B (VM2B):

After yesterday’s community service, Freddy and Anna’s group jumped back into their saddles for another day of riding. Today’s journey included a scenic ride followed by a fun bike ferry ride along the Colchester Causeway. Everyone is getting ready for tomorrow’s big day, not only will they be crossing into Canada, but they will also have their longest ride of the trip – 50 miles!

California Mountains and Coast (CMC2):

Welcome to the front country, CMC! After four days of backpacking and a short hike out, these rockstars are back in civilization and are ready to celebrate their accomplishment. The group treated themselves to a delicious lunch of burgers and fries this afternoon up in Tuolomne Meadows. They still don’t have quite enough service to send us pictures as they’re still deep in the Park tonight, but tomorrow they will send enough to make up for these missed days!

Caribbean Service Adventure (CSA2):

Our tropical adventurers crossed the island from Cabo Rojo all the way over to the magical island of Vieques today.Here they will work with Reach for Success, a non-profit that provides local youth with the opportunities to achieve educational, professional an economic success. This is the last stretch of their trip, so they are soaking up every last minute of togetherness.

Maine’s Down East Explorer (DEX2):

Today is our Downeasters last full day in the back country. Today they are hiking along the Appalachian Trail enjoying magnificent views of Mount Katahdin- the highest point in Maine and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. As well as hiking with all of their belongings on their back they are enjoying the unique experience of enjoying the wilderness in a setting where roads don’t go. We can’t wait to hear more details and see more pictures from them soon!

Europe Coast to Coast A (ECCA):

Today ECCA enjoyed their easiest day of riding in many as they cruised through just over 60 KM of largely downhill riding. They’re in Italy’s Adige River Valley – and let me tell you, if you haven’t been, you should. It’s nothing short of breathtaking. Truly is there a better combination of Alpine vistas and Italian food? We don’t think so! In any case, Jeanne and Kirk’s crew finished their day in Merano, Italy. Merano is a truly beautiful town located in a basin and surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains. Merano is also known for medieval structures, glorious old churches and some truly incredible spas. While the group will not visit one of these luxurious spas they will indulge in some much deserved rest and revitalization on their final pre-Venice day off. When we talked to them, Jeanne and Kirk were trying to send us pictures from the day, but, alas, they weren’t successful – they should be able to find a good WIFI hotspot tomorrow, though.

Europe Coast to Coast B (ECCB):

Today ECCB experienced one of the most epic days of their journey. They rode through three countries- passing from Austria into Switzerland and then Switzerland into Italy- these cycling pros have seen it all today! The views were incredible, as was the weather. The group ended their day in Glurns, a lovely and well-preserved medieval village that they had some time to explore upon their arrival.

America Coast to Coast (ACC):

Today our cross country travelers made great time, getting 75 miles of New Mexico turf under their wheels. Today the group enjoyed speed and sun and also a dip in a pool this afternoon. Roswell, their destination for this evening, is not only the UFO capital of the country, but it is also the “dairy capital of the southwest,” so perhaps the group has indulged in some celebratory milkshakes with aliens – we’ll find out soon!

Look, mom, we’re aliens!

Not a bad way to start the day….