It’s a Saturday and the last day of July, which means the weather here in Brunswick, Maine is fine and the view of trips in the field is even better! As seems to be the case almost every day at this point during the summer, we said goodbye to a few groups today while also welcoming several more groups to the family. While blue skies and blue tarps abound, there’s nary a blue face to be found. In fact, we’re green with envy!

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

Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)

Parting is such sweet sorrow! We’re sad to say goodbye to our wonderful MCJ’ers today, but happy knowing how great of a time they had this past week. I mean hiking, biking, kayaking, and exploring, all in one week? Incredible! Have a great rest of the summer everybody! 

 

Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)

All Aboard! Today, CI took their last ferry ride of the trip, this time to Boston for their final full day. Once they arrived and settled into their hostel, they spent the rest of the sunny day exploring the city and enjoying their final dinner together.

 

New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)

As if rafting wasn’t enough, NEMCA spent the afternoon today sea kayaking! After packing up camp in the morning, they took to the water with their fantastic kayaking guides and enjoyed the sights and sounds around Orr’s Island. 

New England Mountains & Coast B (NEMCB)

The mighty rapids of the Androscoggin River were no match for our NEMCB’ers as they went on their whitewater rafting excursion today. Like always, they had the best time with their amazing rafting guides and chowed down at the rafting cook-out before getting back into the van and transiting to Brunswick. Tomorrow they’ll continue their aquatic adventures with sea kayaking! 

 

Caribbean Service (CS)

Our second day of service was spent in the sands and surf of Arecibo! The CS crew gave El Faro Beach some TLC with a thorough beach cleanup. Afterwards, they rewarded themselves with their first time swimming and playing games in the Caribbean. Here’s a hint for what CS is up to tomorrow: Hang Ten!

 

 

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)

Our MCCE’ers’ trip, much like their essays, has reached its conclusion today. Not only did our all-star essayists all create work they could be proud of, they also created memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Safe travels home, MCCE! 

 

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)

Today is the day, welcome DEXA! Our leaders Jacko & Lindsey welcomed their new crew in Freeport and they couldn’t have been more excited. After everybody arrived, they made transit to beautiful Camden where they set up camp for their first night! Adventure awaits!

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)

Yippee for DEX B! Similar to DEX A, our DEX B leaders Kaia & Jack were ecstatic to meet their new Apogee family and start their adventure. After picking all the students up in Freeport, they drove to Brunswick for their first night at camp. After dinner, they played more introduction and get-to-know-you games before heading to bed so that they can be well-rested for kayaking tomorrow!

 

Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)

Our CRMC’ers spent the day soaring through the rainforest canopy on Central America’s longest zip line! After hanging out with the birds and monkeys in the trees, they made transit to San Gerardo de Rivas, a small village that sits in the shadow of Costa Rica’s tallest mountain, Chirripó! 

 

California Mountains & Coast (CMC)

CMC basked in the California sunshine on their morning paddle back to basecamp. After kayaking, they spent the afternoon hiking in Point Reyes where they were able to enjoy some of the best coastal views on the entire trip! And also ice cream!

Golden State Adventure (GSA)

GSA had a big Golden State Goodbye as leaders Harrison & Amelia departed with their beloved students after nine days of action-packed fun and adventure. Everybody made memories that we hope will last a lifetime. Safe travels home to all GSA students, we’ll miss you and we hope to see you again soon! 

Reppin’ their Apogee t-shirts for their last night together!

 

Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)

Welcome back from the backcountry, AKMCA! The crew woke up early this morning to pack up camp and trek out of the wilderness back to their van. After returning to town, they restocked a bit for their second backcountry portion and then all enjoyed a well-deserved rest. 

Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)

Day 3 means kayaking-camping day for AKMCB! Our crew boarded the ferry to their campsite in Aialik Bay and then had an epic afternoon out on the water in their kayaks. Beautiful views and even better friends, what more could you ask for?!

Pre-kayaking!

Alaska Mountains & Coast C (AKMCC)

AKMCC had a full day of spectacular backcountry hiking and exploration. The views were second to none and we look forward to seeing all their photos very soon! 

 

Northwest Explorer (NWXA)

NWXA had a fantastic day kayaking again and exploring Cypress Island in the San Juan’s. Cypress Island is one of the least developed of the San Juan’s and most of it is left in a natural state — how cool! The crew is enjoying one last night here sleeping under the stars before heading back to Guemes in the morning. 

Northwest Explorer (NWXB)

NWXB took the rapids by storm this morning for their rafting adventure! The water was strong but NWXB was stronger as they navigated through the river with their rafting guides. Once they got off the water, they spent the afternoon finishing some errands for their upcoming backcountry expedition and going for a quick hike. What a day! Rest up NWXB, Olympic National Park awaits! 

 

Pacific Coast (PC)

Our PC’ers crushed their 46-mile ride today barely breaking a sweat! While gathering their mail from the post office, they also had some time to explore the beautiful and eccentric city of Arcata before making it over to their campsite. They are getting their much-deserved rest tonight so they can trade their bikes in tomorrow for kayaks! 

Crushing the miles and enjoying the views! This was post sea otter-spotting!

 

America Coast to Coast 1 (ACC1)

ACC1 met Phoenix, Arizona with smiles today as they completed their 87-mile ride from Payson. They had dinner and showers provided for them at their accommodation, so we won’t be surprised if they never leave! Can you BELIEVE that they have less than 10 days till they reach San Diego?!

 

America Coast to Coast 2 (ACC2)

Day 2 in Arizona and ACC2 celebrating by riding 86 miles to Heber! They seem pretty hungry because they’re eating these miles faster than a Nature Valley bar can crumble in your lap. Keep up the great work, Speed Demons.