Yes, it turns out, we do need to say a bit more. For as much as a blog photo (or three) can say about what our groups are up to in the field, there is always more helpful context to give! For example, today is the only day of the summer where every single one of our trips is in the field and actively engaged in adventurous activities (and not contemplating students actively arriving or departing). That means 22 trips, over 50 leaders (including support staff), and somewhere well north of 200 students. It’s a busy day, it’s a fun day, and we’re as excited as you are to see what they got up to!

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

Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)

First stop on their adventure-filled week: kayaking the picturesque Orr’s Island and surrounding coastline of Casco Bay. I can’t stand sand getting in shoes, and apparently neither can these MCJers, so they changed into some dry clothes, and had lunch here in Brunswick before turning up the tunes and pushing their way up to Acadia National Park. 

 

Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)

These fearless cyclists covered some ground today starting with a ferry ride over to Nantucket where they pedaled around and soaked in the sights of this sleepy little island. After a day of exploration they hopped the ferry back to Martha’s Vineyard where they plan on cooking something from Martha Stewart’s cookbook. Fitting. 

New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)

Here is Anna and Duncan’s crew at the Square Ledge Overlook. Not that you can exactly tell with the cloud cover, but that is Mt. Washington in the background. They still have two more days in the White Mountains, what are they going to do next?

New England Mountains & Coast B (NEMCB)

This dashing group of adventurers went on a gorgeous hike of Glen Ellis Falls and Lost Pond complete with a lunch spot in the middle of their hike. Food always tastes better in nature with fun friends. Do you cut your sandwich horizontally or diagonally? Or maybe you don’t even cut it?

Caribbean Service (CS)

(Cue Hamilton Song “One Last Time”) Pick up your boots, pack your Nalgenes one last time. A’s and P’s, one last time… Caribbean Service explorers had one final adventure exploring old San Juan before tucking in for final dinner. Kudos to you all on a fun-filled, fantastic trip!

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)

Ooh the smell of new notebooks, sharpened pencils, and fresh ideas greeted our MCCE’rs this morning as they met up with Leah for their very first workshop at the Yurts. After some solid time putting thoughts onto paper they journeyed up to Bates College for a little college admissions workshop. Go Bobcats!

Maine Coast Photo (MCP)

Inspiration is something to be shared and after brushing shoulders with MCJ, our resident photographers opted for a sunrise shoot this morning out at Orr’s Island. I certainly would need some coffee after an early morning, but these photographers rode the energy of today’s sunrise and went back to their studios to work on editing. 

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)

Who are we? Apogee! Where are we going? TO THE TOP OF MOUNT KATAHDIN! 

These explorers gave Mount Katahdin the full send and were rewarded with some spectacular views and smiles. Overheard from the group: “Started from the bottom now we’re here!”

 

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)

I’m a firm believer that pizza tastes better on the 2nd day. Just like pizza, the second day in the backcountry is always better than the first. And while the third day in the backcountry is better than the second, we’re not sure if pizza follows the same trend. I digress, these adventurers will have bear hangs full of stories to share once they hike out of the backcountry tomorrow. 

Vermont & Lake Champlain A (VLCA)

Helmets, on. Water bottles, filled. Panniers, packed. Music, on! VLCA got after it today with over 30 miles of biking to Fairfax, VT. My quads are quavering as I type that. Definitely worthy of dessert tonight! 

Vermont & Lake Champlain B (VLCB)

Ah, the sweet smell of summer, the thrill of adventure, and the welcome sight of a typical Apogee dinner. Thanks VLCB for giving us a taste of a day in the Apogee life with this one, no frills and no majesty, just plain ‘n simple dinner and smiling faces.

Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)

Our explorers took to the water to hang 10 and catch some waves surfing! Did you know that “hang 10” means a maneuver on a surfboard wherein you have all 10 toes on the board. I’m not sure about you but I’d be lucky to even get a single toe on the board. These surfers then took to Alajuela for some exploring and a final dinner!

California Mountains & Coast (CMC)

This group of explorers Cruzed (sorry) down to Santa Cruz for dawn patrol where the waves were off the hook! Tomorrow marks their last full day together and we’re so excited to see what they to do make the most of it!

Golden State Adventure (GSA)

They’ve got a ticket to ride! GSA took the ferry this morning to the Channel Islands where they spent the day hiking and enjoying the company and the views. And island life!

Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)

Cue Taylor Swift’s “Out of the Woods” for the next three trips. 

The field report we’re receiving from AKMCA is that the backcountry paddling section was cooler than cool, it was, like the water temperature, ice cold! Otters, whales, puffins, sea lions, and the suns, oh my! Just a few of the many sights and creatures these paddlers beheld! 

Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)

Our second crew of Alaska champions also emerged from the backcountry today. We spoke with them earlier, and while they admitted to being somewhat sodden, spirits were quickly climbing higher and their fervor for the woods was significantly fed. We hope they enjoyed being among the trees, moss, and wildlife of the Alaskan bush and we sure can’t wait to hear about the places they went! 

Alaska Mountains & Coast C (AKMCC)

AKMC? AKM-See you soon! Congrats to this group for finishing their final backcountry portion today. And on (almost) finishing what could be defined as nothing less than an extraordinary trip. No photos by press time, but if we can count on Connor and Clio for anything, it’s assured that they’re going to send us a stunning album soon of their most recent adventures!

Northwest Explorer (NWXA)

Our fearless squad completed the Apogee triathlon today, with the three legs being a morning hike through the backcountry, laundry, and calls home. We are psyched to welcome NWXA out of the backcountry and back into civilization! Great work, boy do those views make us drool!

Northwest Explorer (NWXB)

Jonathan and Emmaline’s crew are happily tucked into their final backcountry campsite of the entire trip. As we read that back, perhaps there is a slight bittersweet note to that as well for them. Regardless, I’m sure that they’re making the most of it. We’re so excited to see pictures from them so soon!

Pacific Coast (PC)

Our cyclists heard San Francisco calling them as they continued their voyage closer to the Golden Gate. I promise they biked today, even if this picture makes it look like they ran the entire way. Look at those starting poses – practically Usain-Bolt-like! 

America Coast to Coast 1 (ACC1)

After making it all the way to the Pacific yesterday our ACCers hopped back on their bikes and began their journey back across the country…kidding! After all that biking these champs had a well-earned celebratory day checking out the sights and happenings in San Diego before tucking in for one last family dinner. I’m crying, and you’re crying too. 

America Coast to Coast 2 (ACC2)

For 40 days now, ACC has been reaching for something in the distance. It’s now so close they can almost taste it. The penultimate day! The road across America this summer has toughened these riders and now, the Pacific is just ahead on the horizon. I imagine it will be difficult to sleep tonight with the anticipation of tomorrow’s celebratory ride into San Diego.