When I was a kid I used to get so excited to eat popsicles. Not only were they my favorite summertime treat, there were always great jokes on the sticks. Tonight, the blog will act like these popsicles. You get the sweet treat of seeing awesome pictures, and I’ll throw in some of my favorite jokes along the way!

Skip to a Specific Trip:

MCJ, CI, NEMCA, NEMCB, CS, MCCE, MCP, DEXA, DEXB, VLCA, VLCB, CRMC, CMC, GSA, AKMCA, AKMCB, AKMCC, NWXA, NWXB, PC, ACC1, ACC2

Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)

Bald Peak, did you get a haircut? No, I cut them all… On their first day in Acadia National Park our MCJers did a hike up Bald Peak (hence the joke) and Parkman Mountain. Such a beautiful day for a hike! We love the Apogee banner summit picture 🙂

Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)

What did the fisherman say to the magician? Pick a cod, any cod…Speaking of cod, our Cape Cod crew kicked off the week with a ride around Brewster. They may have gotten a little rain shower, but that didn’t rain on their party! We’re giving you an air-fist bump from APO HQ.

New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)

We had to switch over from typing this on Microsoft Word to Google Chrome. Whoever stole my copy of Microsoft Office, I will find you. You have my Word!

After yesterday’s ascent up Mt. Washington, this crew of explorers hiked the Imp Face Trail and were rewarded with an IMPressive view of the Presidentials. Imp Face sounds like the face I made when I refused to eat my vegetables as a kid but in fact, Imp Face got its name for its “imagined resemblance to the grotesquely misshapen face of a part-human wood sprite”.

New England Mountains & Coast B (NEMCB)

NEMC did a little hike along the Imp Trail and lo and behold ran into a former Apogee leader, Nick! The reports we are receiving is that they had a see-Nick hike! The group had a lovely day exploring this fairy-like trail. Keep on rocking, NEMC B!

Caribbean Service (CS)

How do you organize a space party? You planet…(Sniffle)…Give me a moment while I wipe tears from my eyes. There was a party today for these CS-ers, a goodbye party. Our Caribbean Service crew packed their bags full of memories and laughs and bid farewell to one another after what was a fantastic trip! You all are amazing!

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)

What did the ocean say to the beach? Nothing, it just waved… MCCE pushed their kayaks out from the beach and into the ocean for an afternoon paddle while they let their ideas and essays marinate for a little while.

Maine Coast Photo (MCP)

Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because they were outstanding in their field…You know who is outstanding in their field? These Maine Coast Photographers! Today they ventured to the Botanical Gardens and to an ice cream shop– yum!! Looks like they also made a new friend at the gardens. Groot, is that you?

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)

Hmm, I don’t trust the trees in this picture, they seem kind of shady…These explorers are still coming down from yesterday’s Katahdin summit adrenaline rush. After a good night’s sleep and a breakfast of champions, these adventurers topped off their Nalgenes, cued the playlists, and made their way back toward Brunswick where they have an arm workout awaiting them at tomorrow’s kayaking adventure. 

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)

I don’t trust stairs. They’re always up to something… We are in awe of the insanely awesome DEX B group. They finished their backcountry portion and have their sights on all the natural stairs of Mount Katahdin tomorrow. These champions had an absolute ball (quite literally) in the backcountry. Last night’s dinner was prom themed which meant everyone brought their backpacks as dates. My own backpack got a little jealous upon seeing these pictures. 

Vermont & Lake Champlain A (VLCA)

Why did the pig stop sunbathing? They were (Canadian) bacon in the sun… That was a bit of a stretch I must admit. Anywho… this group of Vermonsters pedaled their way up, up, up to the border of Canada! Wowzers! Rock on, VLC A!

Vermont & Lake Champlain B (VLCB)

Why wouldn’t the bicycle stand up by itself? It was too tired…I can tell you who wasn’t tired, though, these Vermonster champions! Rubber met the road (it was actually a bike path) today as these quadmonsters made their way up the bike path toward Lake Champlain. #champlaincampaign

Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)

What did Maeve and Finnegan say when they bid farewell to their Apogeers? May the forest be with you…That’s a wrap on this Costa Rican adventure. It was an early morning for these explorers as they all hopped on planes back home. Kudos on a great trip! We will miss you!

California Mountains & Coast (CMC)

I’ve got a great joke about construction, but I’m still working on it…CMC gave back to the community today with some community service. They spent the morning doing community service with the Half Moon Bay State Beach Rangers. Tonight they had their final dinner together– we are so sad that they will be leaving tomorrow. We are proud of you CMC!

Golden State Adventure (GSA)

Did you hear the story about the mountain? I couldn’t get over it! These champions ventured around Channel Islands National Park and went on a gorgeous hike! Unlike myself, they actually made it over the mountain and were rewarded with stunning views!

Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)

I’m not sure where to find snow in America, Alaska local (this joke really only works when read aloud!)…These Alaska explorers will interact with locals for just one more night. Today they made their way to Anchorage where they tucked in for one final dinner and one final round of A’s and P’s. Get the tissues ready for tomorrow’s farewell.

Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB) &

Alaska Mountains & Coast C (AKMCC)

Our Alaska explorers went for a lovely hike today and while walking along a trail, one of our explorers dropped their trail mix. I wonder if it is a trail remix now? The AKMC B and AKMC C crews joined up together for some community service on the trail. Then they divided into their respective cohorts once more to wash up and head out for one last dinner together. I wonder if they listened to that trail remix on the ride to dinner?

Northwest Explorer (NWXA)

Oh the lusciousness of the Pacific Northwest. As these explorers were walking along a river today a tree asked them, “Water you doing down here?” They replied, “I wood never leave a view like this behind. Today NWX A went rafting! You wouldn’t know that from the blog picture though– looks like they were getting ready for a Quidditch match to me!

Northwest Explorer (NWXB)

I used to hate facial hair…but then it grew on me… A few days in the backcountry and our NWXers sprouted some mighty impressive mustaches. We are thrilled to hear that these explorers had a wonderful time in the woods.  

Pacific Coast (PC)

What does a sprinter eat before a race? Nothing– they fast! These cyclists fueled up on bagels and bananas before zipping their way down the coast and across the Golden Gate Bridge, so fast! Smiles abound and happiness is radiating! Kudos on one epic adventure! Get some Boudin’s sourdough for me!

America Coast to Coast 1 (ACC1)

Do you know what the laziest mountain is? Mount Ever Rest. These ACCers have earned some well-deserved rest. I imagine it may be a few days or weeks before these cyclists pick up a bike again. After a day of exploring San Diego and a final dinner, ACC1 bid adieu to one another. Once again, job well done!

America Coast to Coast 2 (ACC2)

Alright, I admit, my bike puns can get wheelie tire-some…You know who wasn’t tired today? ACC2 as they MADE IT TO THE PACIFIC!! WAHOO! After many tire-some days on the road these rock stars earned a celebratory jump into the water. Wow, these pictures just give me chills! Y’all are inspirational!