With the summer and week in full swing, we thought it was high time for a reminder to check in with yourselves. So how about this little quote: “Wherever you go, there you are.” Yes, a bit cheesy, and the meaning is simple enough: you bring your own unique self to whatever you do and wherever you go, much like each of our Apogee campers! Right now, our 19 different trips are working together to enjoy exactly where they are, and to respect themselves, their group members, and the world around them.

So take a moment to pause, look around, enjoy the many marvelous things that make up you and the world around you, and know that the exact same thing is happening out there on our adventures.

Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMCA, NEMCB, CRM, CS, MCCE, DEXA, DEXB, CRMC, CMC, AKMCA, AKMCB, NWXA, NWXB, NWXC, PC, ACC1, ACC2

Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)

Let the good times roll! Our MCJ’ers enjoyed a stellar bike ride along Acadia’s carriage roads today. Not by horse as John D. Rockefeller intended, but arguably just as fun. Afterwards, the MCJ herd galloped into town and explored iconic Bar Harbor.

Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)

Back to the Cape from Nantucket! Today our CI team rode to a ferry, took that back to the mainland, and then rode all the way to Brewster. What an exciting day! Tomorrow they’re off to Wellfleet, steadily making their way to the furthest point of Cape Cod. Happy riding!

 

 

Hi Meg!

New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)

NEMCA took to the trails in Crawford Notch before transferring to a new campsite today, heading deeper into the wonderful White Mountains. Doesn’t that area look like a postcard? Absolutely breathtaking. We can’t wait to see where their New Hampshire hikes lead them next!

New England Mountains & Coast B (NEMCB)

The NEMCB crew gave back to local communities with some well-received community service. Helping alongside Willey House staff, our campers cleaned up a few Crawford Notch trailheads. We love to see our beloved LNT (Leave No Trace) in action! 

 

Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)

CRM did a longer day hike today up to Lake Haiyaha, a glacial lake above 10,000 feet! According to Harrison and Amelia, the views were “absolutely groovy.” They’re gearing up for an even bigger challenge day tomorrow, so we’ll see what feats they get up to next! 

Caribbean Service (CS)

Let’s give a warm welcome to our CS’ers, who started their trip today! After meeting for the first time in San Juan, the heart of Puerto Rico, they set out for their first base of operations in Utuado. Can’t wait to see how the rainforest trail maintenance goes as their volunteering gets underway! 

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)

It’s not often that you get to practice your college writing and interviewing skills while also hanging out at the beach. But our MCCE’ers did just that! Exploring Willard Beach with Jared – our college workshop whiz – work and play went hand in hand today. Keep up that amazing work, Apo-geniuses! 

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)

Have you ever hiked up into the clouds and fog? If you haven’t, you’ve really got to follow DEXA’s lead and make it happen, it’s incredible. This group kicked their trip off in style with a solid day of hiking in Camden Hills State Park. Next stop, Acadia! 

 

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)

DEXB had a whale of a time today sea kayaking in Casco Bay. Even better, they get to camp out on an island under the stars! Kayaking and camping combined?! Legendary. Tomorrow, they’ll paddle on out and head down the coast towards Camden Hills.

 

Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)

Another incredible international trip started today, as our CRMC folks gathered and got pumped up for the adventures ahead. Maeve and Finnegan, dressed in Apo shirts and sporting sun hats and welcome signs, led their team off to Manuel Antonio National Park. After a good night of rest, the fun begins as they zip off to ziplining tomorrow morning!

California Mountains & Coast (CMC)

Deja vu! CMC also embarked on an overnight kayaking trip today, within the gorgeous natural sanctuary of the Point Reyes National Seashore. They also got a great coastal trek under their belts, check out the results below! Heading back to dry land tomorrow, they’ll hop right into some day hikes of the local area, so stay tuned. 

 

 

Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)

Who’s ready to dive into the Alaskan backcountry wilderness? AKMCA sure is! After getting all packed up and ready to rumble, they began their 2-day backcountry expedition today. We can’t wait to hear all about it!

Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)

Today, AKMCB made their way down the coast and through Chugach National Forest to Seward to set up their next camp. It’s likely that they saw some seals and beluga whales, which are known to surf the tides along the shore. Cowabunga! Once there, they began prepping for a kayaking trip that will kick off tomorrow morning. 

Northwest Explorer (NWXA)

We know you’ve all been anxiously awaiting photos from these NWXA’ers, and we certainly have been too. But, good news! The group is finishing their backcountry portion and emerging back into frontcountry and internet connection tomorrow. So get ready to see tons of snapshots of smiling faces, because you’ll see them on here real soon!

Northwest Explorer (NWXB)

Another day, another glorious adventure for our NWXB group in the Olympic backcountry. Perhaps they came across some glaciers, or traversed the only rainforests in America, or even hung out with the alpine mountain goats…who knows! But we will soon enough, and you’ll for sure hear and see it all right here on the Apo blog. 

Northwest Explorer (NWXC)

More exciting backcountry hiking in the Northern Cascades for this jovial crew today. Did you know the Northern Cascades National Park has more recorded plant species than any other national park? In that case, we’ll leaf them to their exploring! 

Pacific Coast (PC)

Our PC’ers enjoyed a scenic 47-mile ride tide today, traveling up and down along rolling hills in Sonoma County. They did amazing, and even had some time here and there to hang out and build a pyramid… a human pyramid, that is! What a blast. Be sure to check back in tomorrow, as they take to the California roads for another exciting day – their penultimate day of riding!

 

America Coast to Coast 1 (ACC1)

For today’s ACC1 update, I’m going to hand it over to our trusty leader Mark for a special announcement. Take it away, Mark! 

“Righteous, what an honor. Alrighty, the special announcement is…we crushed the Apogee record for the 90-mile ride from El Dorado into Texarkana by a whole 30 minutes!!”

Woah, that’s huge! Thanks for the update Mark, and pass along some Apo-preciation to the kiddos.

America Coast to Coast 2 (ACC2)

ACC2 conquered a cool 50 mile ride into El Dorado today. Here’s a crazy fact: After today, they’ve biked almost 1000 miles! Isn’t that crazy?! After all of that riding, they definitely deserve a day to lounge and enjoy the area, and they’re getting just that tomorrow. Have a fun rest day ACC2!