An important tenet of Apogee, besides our love of prior preparation and keeping everyone safe and well-fed, is to have fun! To the reader who sees the title and knows what’s coming next, bravo! But for those who need a quick explanation… today is Day 22 of our blog, and the date is 7/17, so we will be having fun with palindromes! Palindromes are words, phrases, sentences, etc. that read the same backwards as they do forwards. Sooo for example, ailihphilia, or the love of palindromes, IS a palindrome! And EVEN BETTER (in my opinion), the fear of palindromes, aibohphobia, is also a palindrome!! Keep an eye out for the italics as we go. How many palindromes do you think I can fit in here? Eh, probably…not a ton. Mwahaha.
Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMCA, NEMCB, CRM, CS, DEXA, DEXB, CRMC, CMC, AKMCA, AKMCB, NWXA, NWXB, NWXC, PC, ACC1, ACC2
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
The sagas of MCJ came to a close today, as Chase and Jonathan reunited their kiddos with their families. What an amazing week for them, filled with adventures. Enjoy the rest of your summers, we hope to see you again soon!
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
After a 25-mile ride, CI finally arrived at the tip of the Cape in Provincetown. And as a native Cape Codder, I can tell you that this town is amazing and they had A BLAST. Tomorrow, they will climb aboard the final ferry of their trip and head to Boston. Now, you all are in for a treat: leader Meg asked for a Star Wars theme today because of this little gem they found (see below). I’ll do you one better: a Star Wars joke and palindrome combined! What do you call a green-skinned, pointy-eared Star Wars action figure driving a car? A toy Yoda driving a Toyota!
New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)
Back in Brunswick today, NEMCA enjoyed a splendid sea kayak experience on the Maine coast. Afterwards, co-leaders Duncan and Anna (yes, even names count!) herded everyone back into the van and over to their next campsite. Have a great time exploring and going out to eat tomorrow, NEMCA!
New England Mountains & Coast B (NEMCB)
Are we not drawn onward, we few, drawn onward to new era? That’s a fun one. NEMCB was drawn onward down the Androscoggin today, as they had a ball whitewater rafting. Next, they’ll be drawn onward to new adventures as they explore MidCoast Maine tomorrow!
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
This crew did a great deed today, as they helped rangers at Moraine Park Campground clear away pine cones and needles to mitigate the dangers of wildfires. According to leaders Harrison and Amelia, it was super fun and they raked up four full truckloads worth! Did you know that there’s a town near CRM’s adventures called Kinikinik? Yup, another palindrome!
Caribbean Service (CS)
CS beat the heat today by surfing and swimming on the Caribbean coast. Kendra gave us the inside scoop, saying the group “started our morning before the break of dawn to drive to a glamorous beach in Rincón. Waves were amazing for our beginning surfers, many of whom are natural pros! Heading back to Utuado for a nice dinner and relaxation before we begin our next journey to Vieques tomorrow.” So many dynamos! We can’t wait to see what this incredible group gets up to next.
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)
Thousands of miles away, DEXA also woke up before dawn for an incredible sunrise hike! As droplets dewed on their jackets, this crew hiked up the North Ridge trail for views from Cadillac Mountain. After a quick alpine nap, they hiked back down before noon and went off to Bangor to prep for their big backcountry expedition.
Wow! That view was definitely worth the early morning.
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)
Into Acadia National Park for this group, but first a (hearty) dash of community service! DEXB fulfilled their civic duty by laying gravel and helping with trail maintenance today. Up next, they’ll hike them tomorrow!
Hmm, too peaceful. Jack and Kaia, come over here!
Aww, much better.
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
Our CRMC’ers spent the day hiking the summit Chirripó (ugh so close to being a palindrome!) trail and through the Cloudbridge Natural Reserve. Going over 9 miles, they experienced breathtaking rainforests and waterfalls galore! In honor of the area’s native language and today’s experiences, here’s a Spanish palindrome: La ruta nos aportó otro paso natural, which translates to ‘The route provided us with another natural passage.’
California Mountains & Coast (CMC)
Today, CMC arrived at a top spot of their trip, Yosemite! After setting up camp, the group got some good practice for their upcoming backcountry by hiking in the Valley. Here are a few great photos from Manteca below!
The tiny wheel within a larger wheel! LOL.
Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)
On day #2 of backcountry section #2 (see what I did there, 22), AKMCA continued to cruise along on Williw-aw Lakes Loop. Here’s a fun little Alaska-themed palindrome: Kayak salad, Alaska yak. And with that, we wish them well as they gear up to hike back out of the BC tomorrow!
Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)
Here’s another fun name: there’s a town in Alaska named Kanakanak. Love it! And AKMCB loved their day of glacier hiking and ice climbing today. They even repelled down into a crevasse! What?! So exciting, enjoy that well-needed rest day tomorrow AKMCB. Now, feast your eyes on some jaw-dropping photos, including a few bonus shots from their recent kayaking adventure.
Northwest Explorer (NWXA)
With the fun challenge of the backcountry behind them, NWXA enjoyed a fun reviver by exploring Seattle and celebrating at dinner. It’s their last day today, so wish them well as they say goodbye and head on home tomorrow!
A nice photo-op at a popular store (i.e. REI)
Northwest Explorer (NWXB)
NWXB also explored the Big City today, enjoying all of the exciting places and things Seattle has to offer. After feasting tonight and hopping into their sleeping bags for one final time, they are all wrapped up tomorrow as well!
I know what you’re going to say…”Hey, you forgot to put a palindrome in this one!”…I did, did I? You’re welcome. AHAHA. *evil palindromic laugh*
Northwest Explorer (NWXC)
Three for three! NWXC was also hanging out in Seattle, and ditched their backcountry snack cans for some stressed desserts (just bear with me here, I’m also done, I promise) at a scrumptious final meal. Goodbye to you too, NWXC’ers!
Pacific Coast (PC)
Our PC’ers gallivanted through San Francisco on their last day today, enjoying great food and the company of newfound friends. Tomorrow, they’ll hop in a revver (aka van) and head to the airport, so tata to you too, PC!
We were sent this photo with the caption, “Happy happy!”
America Coast to Coast 1 (ACC1)
Guess what? ACC1 has completed a little over 1300 miles as of today, and has a little over 1300 miles to go! Seems a bit like a palindrome if you ask me. After an impressive 95 mile ride to Jacksboro, TX, it’s only fitting to share this fun fact: the longest Oxford English Dictionary palindrome is tattarrattat, which means, a knock at the door. You’ll be knocking at the door of the Pacific Coast soon enough, ACC1!
America Coast to Coast 2 (ACC2)
Is that a racecar, or a team of speedy Apogee bikers? ACC2 had a great challenge day today, as they also completed a 95 mile ride and trekked into Texas. How about another length-related fact: the world’s longest English palindrome sentence is 21,012 words (yup, the number is also a palindrome). We can’t wait to cheer you on through the rest of your Texas passage – keep up the incredible work, ACC2!
