By: Emily Sturtevant

It’s August 1st, which means we are in the final stretch of the summer here at Apogee!

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE3):

Halfway through their week and everyone continues to be working hard on their essays. This morning the group had personal writing time, taking inspiration from their beautiful cabins on the Maine coast. To break up their work, the group enjoyed a picnic lunch and swim at Wolfe’s Neck. Tonight they will work to complete both of their essay drafts with Jaed.

Cape Cod and the Islands (CI3):

The group has bid farewell to Nantucket and are back on Martha’s Vineyard after a short bike ride and ferry. The group will stay here the next few days, getting a chance to explore the town, hit the beaches, and do some community service.

Who needs bikes when you’ve got a sweet yacht?

Vermont to Montreal (VM3):

Today these bikers had a relatively easy 17 miles of riding, which brought them through Middlebury and over to Lake Champlain. Their campsite happens to be riverside, so they will have the chance to cool off their feet on this sunny day.

California Mountains and Coast (CMC3):

Midge and Matt’s crew enjoyed their last morning on water today as they paddled back to the main land. They then traded their kayaks in for the van as they spent the rest of the day cruising closer to Yosemite Park where they will spend the upcoming days hiking.

Caribbean Service Adventure (CSA3):

Another big day of service for Emily, Thomas, and their amigos. Today they spent their time doing trail maintenance on the Tanama River with Roberto, a local who well known for his dedication and effort in keeping up the area. After their work in the morning they will have the afternoon off to explore Tanama.

Coast to Quebec A (CQ2A):

These guys are cruising through Maine, crushing another 35 miles today as they travel closer to Canada. They even stopped for a little snack and dance break on the way. The group will have the chance to do laundry this afternoon and will be spending the night indoors.

Coast to Quebec B (CQ2B):

Welcome to Unity, ME and congratulations on being halfway through your trip, CQB! After their break from bikes yesterday, the group was back in the saddle for another big 40 mile ride.

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX3):

Shinning sun, blue waters, and warm weather for the DEX-sters today! The group enjoyed another full day in lovely Isle au Haut Bay, where they were able to spend the morning cleaning up more local beaches and afternoon soaking up the quintessential Maine summer day.

Montana Service Adventure (MSA2):

Annika and Christian’s crew enjoyed a much needed rest day on their halfway point of their adventure. They will spend the day doing laundry and relaxing before the head into Glacier National Park for more service, biking and a day of riding.

Haaaaapppy biiiiirrrrthday!

Northwest Explorer (NWX2):

Smooth sailing today after the group’s long day yesterday. They were able to hike through meadows with wildflowers and enjoy beautiful views on their short hike. At camp they will have a chance to dip their tired toes in the near by creek. We’ll hear from them on Tuesday!

Pacific Coast A (PC2A):

These all-stars faced their biggest ride of the entire trip today, and crushed it! Their afternoon included a ride through the Avenue of the Giants, arguably the longest and coolest ride through a redwood forest that you can do. Tonight’s campground is in a second generation forest, meaning they will be surrounded by tall trees and massive stumps.

Drought? What drought?

Pacific Coast B (PC2B):

Happy service day! These folks took off a day of biking to give back to the local community. They spent the day volunteering with Food for People, a group focused on eliminating hunger and improving the health and well-being of the community through access to healthy and nutritious foods, community education and advocacy.

It really is a hard life on PC2B…

Alps Explorer A (AX2A):

Today the group started the second half of their trip with a big day of hiking that included a 1400-meter climb and a 1000-meter drop. However, they were able to have the company of some sheep as they traversed today’s portion of the TMB. Unfortunately they don’t have ability to send photos today, but we will make up for it tomorrow.

Alps Explorer B (AX2B):

Though today is the longest hike of their trip, the group was able to stay motivated with help from the amazing views of Mount Blanc Massif and thoughts of tomorrow’s well deserved rest day. Tim and Ally’s crew will enjoy real Italian pizza and gelato while resting, we’ll I’ll try not to be too jealous of them.

America Coast to Coast (ACC):

These folks are in for an interesting ride today! They spent the morning riding 56 miles before taking the afternoon off to rest up. In order to cut down tomorrow’s mileage, the group will hop back on their bikes after dinner to ride another 18 miles (and cross into CALIFORNIA!!) before crawling into bed. Tomorrow the group has a big 100 mile ride into 29 Palms, but nothing they can’t handle!