Our outdoors enthusiasts are covering some SERIOUS mileage today, whether it’s by van, foot, bike, or kayak. There’s no better feeling than crushing some distance with an amazing group of people by your side. As you take a look at all the miles completed today, we are going to play a little game of Would You Rather – Apogee Adventures edition.
Skip to a Specific Trip: CS, DEXA, DEXB, VLCA, VLCB, CRMC, CMC, AKMCA, AKMCB, ACC1, ACC2
Caribbean Service (CS)
Another day and a happy home for some sweet doggos! CS continued to help out at the local Humane Society today – we know those dogs will be so excited to have a place to play. Tonight, they kayaked in one of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world – wowza! According to scientists, bioluminescent organisms contain a unique compound called luciferin that when exposed to oxygen, a chemical reaction emits light!
Intermission:
Would you rather fight 40 duck sized horses or 1 horse sized duck?
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)
Don’t Millinocket till you try it! A rainy day necessitated a change of plans, but the folks at DEXA quickly pivoted to exploring charming Millinocket, located outside Baxter State Park and known as “Maine’s Biggest Small Town.” After a well-deserved relaxing day, the crew headed back to Brunswick for the exciting last few days of their trip!
Cute hats 😉
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)
It’s Day 2 in the backcountry for DEXB! They’ve spent the last couple days on the Appalachian Trail, the longest “hiking only” trail in the world. Between snippets of birdsong and babbling mountain streams, this group was sure to come up with some wacky trail names and wackier trail games! After a long day on the trail, they retired for the night to the sound of wind through the trees, happy bellies, and dreams of Mount Katahdin (coming soon!)
Intermission:
Would you rather have s’mores without graham crackers or without chocolate?
Vermont to Lake Champlain A (VLCA)
Today, the VLCA squad made their way through beautiful Middlebury, VT, home of Middlebury College and plentiful sylvan country roads. They stopped for lunch there and explored the quaint town before hopping back on their bikes and making it to camp. Not enough cell service to send out a blog photo from camp, but we’ll look forward to some photos tomorrow. Enjoy those nice showers!
Vermont to Lake Champlain B (VLCB)
Another day living the Vermont dream! As VLCB trekked through the shaded glens, across babbling streams, and past covered bridges, these folks got a taste of quintessential Vermont! Imagine – Cabot cheese as far as the eye can see, a maple syrup fountain, both Ben and Jerry. Almost Heaven, West Vermont!
Playing games in Brandon!
Intermission:
Would you rather be able to read people’s thoughts or control people’s thoughts?
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
Pura Vida! CRMC is up for anything Maeve and Finnegan throw at them! Today, on their challenge hike, they hiked on the trails around Chirripó to get some stellar views of the surrounding valleys! Nice work! This evening they had a game night at their accommodations and celebrated their final night in the mountains before making a mad dash for the coast tomorrow!
California Mountains & Coast (CMC)
Today was CMC’s last full day in the fabled backcountry of Yosemite National Park. Over the past three days, this group has had the chance to experience the park like few ever get the chance to do. It’s been a breathtaking few days–sweeping vistas and star-filled nights. Tomorrow, the CMC folks will head out of the backcountry and onwards to their next destination. However, we can be sure that they will carry the wilderness experience with them. As John Muir writes in My First Summer in the Sierra, “We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us.” Wander on, family!
Intermission:
Would you rather have permanent hiccups or permanent Cheeto dust fingers?
Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)
AKMCA hit the water today! After getting the rundown on water and kayak safety, the AKMCA and their guides spent the day enjoying a ferry ride and kayaking to Holgate Glacier. On their way along the shoreline, they kept their eyes peeled for all kinds of wildlife in the shadow of the majestic glacier.
Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)
AKMCB Backcountry Part II: The Empire Strikes Back
That’s right, folks. AKMCB is in the splendid Alaska backcountry once again! This time around they’ll be in the backcountry for three days and two nights, which will be simultaneously challenging, rewarding, and exciting! It will be a glorious time in the Chugach backcountry, full of incredible views, conversation, and trail names. Happy trails, folks!
America Coast to Coast 1 (ACC1)
It’s ACC1’s last full day in the Lone Star State! After a whopping 107 mile ride (their only ‘century’ ride of the trip), these all-stars got some well-earned R&R. On to New Mexico tomorrow! Big things ahead. Great job, family.
Oh yes – look at those stellar matching jerseys!
Century ride means celebratory Dairy Queen!
America Coast to Coast 2 (ACC2)
Back on the road again, again! After a much-needed rest day yesterday, the ACC2 rock stars were back on their bikes, chewing up mileage in the Lone Star State! With every passing day, this group gets stronger, faster, and tighter. Keep up the great work folks! We’re proud of you!
Final Intermission:
Is there anywhere on earth that you’d rather be than Apogee?
No way!