By: Emily O’Connell and Emily Sturtevant

Today we welcome six new trips to the Apogee blog. Between these trips we will have students writing essays on on a lovely organic farm, doing service in sunny Puerto Rico, hiking in both California and Maine, and biking through the Cape and Vermont. Stay up to date on all of their adventures and more here on Apogee’s blog!

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE3):

Our third and final (but certainly not least, dang it!) group of essayists gathered this afternoon for the beginning of their trip. These guys get the best of both worlds, as they will be learning about writing great college essays while enjoying the beautiful outdoors of Maine. Rhia and Miles’ group is in for a great trip – and we’ll have the pictures to prove it tomorrow!

New England Mountains and Coast (NEMC2):

After an incredible trip, these guys said their goodbyes this morning. Isa and Aaron’s group spent the last 10 days hiking, rafting, sea kayaking and volunteering and went back home with great memories of all. Last night they enjoyed a delicious final dinner at Flatbreads while reminiscing.

Cape Cod and the Islands (CI3):

Alyssa and Kevin’s new group of cyclists gathered on Cape Cod this afternoon.  After some name games, the crew learned how to pack up their bikes, did a practice ride, and headed to camp.  These guys are in for a great trip over the next 13 days as they bike through Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Cape Cod, and then Boston!

Check out this crazy pano!

Vermont to Montreal (VM3):

The new group of Canada-bound bikers met up in New Hampshire  this afternoon(yes, yes, we know its called Vermont to Montreal) before their van ride to Vermont where they will start their riding in earnest tomorrow. Freddy and Anna are psyched for an awesome trip that will include beautiful rides through green valleys, covered bridges, cool-streams, cow-dotted pastures and charming small towns.

California Mountains and Coast (CMC3):

Midge and Matt also welcomed a new group of students in California for their 13-day adventure. After meeting up at the airport, these guys headed to camp where they’ll play the traditional “getting to know you” games and cook up their first camp dinner. This group has a fabulous trip of kayaking, service, surfing and hiking in front of them!

Caribbean Service Adventure (CSA3):

Welcome to sunny Puerto Rico CSA-ers! Emily and Thomas’ new gang of service superstars arrived on the island this morning.  These guys’ goal of 35 hours of service sounds big, but we know they will reach it easily!  Their service will include working in rainforests, wildlife refuges, and with local children.

Our newest CSA enjoying a classic Caribbean vista of crystal-clear waves, misty peaks, and swaying palm trees…

Coast to Quebec A (CQ2A):

After a beautiful afternoon on the water (see the great picture) these guys had their longest ride so far today. They had a few big hills, but we hear from Rosa and Kyle that the group did great! They have some more beautiful ocean views on tap while they’re in Camden for the next two nights, and tomorrow is a service/rest day!

Coast to Quebec B (CQ2B):

Zack and Kate’s group of Maine riders is going coastal today!  They crushed their mileage today and enjoyed a lovely ride today through some great small towns and then end up way, way, waaay down the Pemaquid peninsula near one of the most beautiful lighthouse in, dare we say it, the entire world. T

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX3):

A new group of Maine explorers met with their leaders, John and Erinn, today. They spent the afternoon getting to know each other and learning to pack their gear well for their adventures. Their next 13 days will be filled with sea kayaking, island camping, volunteering and hiking. We’ll get a picture from their Camden Hills hike up tomorrow!

Montana Service Adventure (MSA2):

Another day of riding on the Montana high plains for these adventurers. The group enjoyed a relatively short 28-mile ride into camp today under a Chamber of Commerce-worthy Big Sky. They had a chance to explore the lovely little high plains town of Choteau, and this town has a lot to offer – a pool, mini golf, laundry and ice cream – how could you possibly choose!

Northwest Explorer (NWX2):

Will and Becca’s group enjoyed a rest and resupply day after yesterday’s rafting adventure. They spent today getting ready for their week in the backcountry, including shopping, laundry and showers. Tomorrow they will start their six days of hiking in the North Cascades National Park.

They love mail!

Pacific Coast A (PC2A):

After yesterday’s surf lesson, the group is back on the bikes today as they continue their ride south. The group conquered three large hills as they biked into the Redwoods today. Working together, Abby, West and their fearless crew said “we love California! The ocean and the Redwoods make all the riding worth it!”

Pacific Coast B (PC2B):

These bikers took a break from their peddling and set out for a paddle today, with the hopes of catching a wave! The group enjoyed a chance to sleep in a bit this morning and enjoyed a big breakfast before heading to Crescent Beach for their surf lesson. After enjoying the day resting their legs, the group will hit the roads tomorrow where they will face some hills in the morning but together they will make it up them.

Alps Explorer A (AX2A):

Day Two on the TMB for these adventurers. Noah and Emma’s group were able to soak in more of the beauty that surrounds them as they get used to hiking with their weight. Tonight they will stay at their first Refuge, which means dinner and breakfast will made for them – what lucky hikers!

Just another typical night on the TMB….

Alps Explorer B (AX2B):

These superstars are in the full swing on the TMB now that they are a third of the way in. Today the group enjoyed views of the Aiguille de Bionassy and its glacier as they hiked through the meadows and mountains. Tomorrow the group will enjoy their last full day in France, next stop Italy!

 

Seriously, is this place even real???

America Coast to Coast (ACC):

Another day in the books for ACC, and with that they now have 10 days left! Where has the summer gone? Today the group biked 83 miles through Arizona with thoughts of tomorrow’s rest day getting them through it all. They will volunteer with the Boy’s and Girl’s club on their day off, sharing stories of their journeys with the kids. It was a busy day as they made their way into the lovely town of Prescott this afternoon – we’ll get a couple of good shots from them tomorrow!