By: Emily Sturtevant

Where did the month of July go? I guess time flies when you’re writing about adventures like theses. Only eleven more days of the Apogee summer, but still so many amazing trips to report on!

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE3):

Another busy day for our MCCE group. This morning they worked once again with Bowdoin’s Director of Admissions, this time practicing their interview skills. And what better way to spend an afternoon than by taking advantage of the beautiful Maine weather and hiking out to a beach? Tonight they’ll be working with their instructor, Jaed, on first drafts of their essays. Not a bad way to write a college essay if you ask me!

Cape Cod and the Islands (CI3):

It’s another beautiful day of exploration and biking for Kevin and Alyssa’s crew! The group enjoyed a full day on Nantucket where they were able to have a leisurely pancake breakfast before hopping on their bikes for Siasconset beach. They enjoyed the waves, soaked in the sun, and made time for a little R&R before heading back to the hostel for dinner.

Vermont to Montreal (VM3):

Day three and these guys are going strong. Freddy and Anna’s riders faced the toughest hill of their trip today, aptly named “the Wall,” but together they made it to the top. They then crossed one of Vermont’s fabled covered bridges, giving them the quintessential “Vermont” experience. This afternoon the group had time to relax their legs after the long ride and some time to cool off with a swim in the lake.

California Mountains and Coast (CMC3):

After enjoying their night at their private beachfront campsite, the group continued their paddling in Point Reyes National Seashore. Tonight they will be sleeping by the ocean again before heading back to the main land for a day of transit, rest, and resupply. We had just enough cell phone service to check in with them, and they’re having a great day on the water. Unfortunately, the limited cell phone service did pose a problem when try to send photos. We are sure to have some gorgeous images for you tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Caribbean Service Adventure (CSA3):

Emily, Thomas and their group worked hard once again today with another day of service in central Puerto Rico. And their hard work definitely paid off – they spent their afternoon enjoying the tropical sun and exploring…

Coast to Quebec A (CQ2A):

This group is back on their bikes after yesterday’s service day and are really feeling the unity of their group up (in Unity, ME). Today’s ride took them away from the coast and inland towards farm country. Word on the street is the group is 100+ miles into their journey and will be celebrating tonight with pizza!

Coast to Quebec B (CQ2B):

Kate and Zack’s group had a great day volunteering with the Coastal Mountains Land Trust, an organization working to conserve the western Penobscot Bay area. Specifically, the group got down and dirty, spending the day planting trees and Himalayan balsam. According to the leaders, the group is in high spirits, and loved the beautiful views and great weather.

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX3):

Today our DEX-ers have taken to the sea for their three day, two night kayaking adventure in Isle au Haut Bay. While out, they will visit near by islands where they will work with Maine Island Trails Association to help clean up debris that has washed ashore or been left there. And they couldn’t have had a more perfect day to be on the water – it was 80 degrees, and the sun was shining. Now that’s the life!

Montana Service Adventure (MSA3):

These superstars had their longest day of riding today, even having a chance to bike alongside some of Montana’s wild horses. They are staying at a beautiful campsite tonight, and looking forward to their first mail stop. Tomorrow the group will do service in Browning in the morning and then have the afternoon to rest and do laundry.

Northwest Explorer (NWX2):

Day two of backcountry brings this group amazing views, a chance for a swim, and a picnic lunch. Though they had a full six-mile day of hiking, the will be rewarded with a campsite tonight that Izzy (NWX ’14) describes as one of the most beautiful place she’s ever been. Will and Becca will be sharing many photos with us as soon as they’re out of the back country!

Pacific Coast A (PC2A):

PC2A had a short ride this morning to Eureka, and spent this afternoon resting and recharging for a few big days ahead. Tomorrow they get to ride Avenue of the Giants!

Pacific Coast B (PC2B):

A big day of riding for our 2B Pacific Coasters. They also will be in Eureka tonight with the 2A crew. Tomorrow the group will have a rest day (the coordinator of their community service project with Food for People unfortunately had to cancel tomorrow’s service at the last minute), so they will have time to explore Eureka and rest their legs before their next stretch of riding.

Yesterday’s venture into the redwoods…

Alps Explorer A (AX2A):

Our Alps group had another amazing day of hiking along the TMB, and according to Emma and Noah some highlights included views of the Aiguille de Bionassy. We are looking forward to sharing some photos with you over the next couple of days, however the lack of WIFI today did not allow for photos to be sent.

Alps Explorer B (AX2B):

Benvenuto in Italia! The group crossed their first TMB border today, with their second rifugio awaiting them at the end of their hike. They were all treated to a delicious four course meal, no tents to set up, and breakfast in the morning. Not a bad way to camp (if that’s even what you call it at this point).

America Coast to Coast (ACC):

These rockstars crushed a century ride today as they moved further into Arizona and even closer to California. The group has five more days of riding until they reach the Pacific!!