We are 41 days into Summer 2022, and every day is just as exciting as the last! We had four brand new groups come together to embark on their Apogee journeys today, and to them (and their loved ones, who are likely joining our lil’ corner of the blogosphere for the first time) we say a hearty hello and welcome! Read on and let our witty prose, expert photography, and good (bad?) jokes carry you away on a summer adventure of your own.
Skip to a Specific Trip: CI, NEMCA, NEMCB, CRM, CS, DEX, VMA, VMB, CRMC, CMC, AKMCA, AKMCB, NWX, PC, AXA, AXB, PMC
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
Doo doot da doo! That’s the sound of the CI bugle, signaling the start of our final Cape Cod and the Islands trip! This crew gathered on the Cape today and already knocked out a few miles of riding. Tomorrow will bring them off the Cape to their first island: Martha’s Vineyard!
New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)
Today was a historic day in Wakefield, Massachusetts, because our fourth and final NEMCA crew gathered there for the first time! The day was filled with lots of get-to-know you games, snacks, and travel to this evening’s accommodations. Trip leaders Josh, Emma, and Clare report that spirits are high and this group can hardly wait to see what’s in store for them over the course of the next 9 days!
New England Mountains & Coast B (NEMCB)
NEMCB! Second in the alphabet, yes, but this group is equally as adventurous, fun-loving, and eager to explore as our NEMCA team. They, too, got to know one another in Wakefield, and are looking forward to showing off what they’ve got at the ropes course tomorrow. We can hardly wait to see and hear more about what they get up to from trip leaders Fenton and Megan.
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
Our Colorado Crew arrived in the Mile High City today! After a round of hellos, they headed off to camp to enjoy dinner, play games, and trade stories under the big Western sky. Tomorrow they’ll continue on their way up to Rocky Mountain National Park for a day of hiking and adventure!
Caribbean Service (CS)
Down in “El Caribeo,” our CS rockstars picked up right where they left off yesterday with their service at the Salt Flats in Cabo Rojo! After a post-service trip to the beach, they returned to their abode to do some laundry, relax, and prepare for their trip all the way across the island tomorrow. Not only do they transit from the southwest to the northeast of the island tomorrow, they also take a ferry from the main island of Puerto Rico to the smaller island of Vieques. Hope it’s been a great stay in Cabo Rojo, CS!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)
Our DEXters headed into the backcountry today! With anticipation mounting, they worked tirelessly last night and this morning on their backcountry preparations. This crew is ready to put their hiking skills to the test on the trail, and we have no doubt that they’re more than ready to take on this new and exciting challenge. They will hike along the historic Appalachian Trail, pass by beautiful mountains and lakes, and take in some terrific views of Katahdin along the way! They’ll be in and out of service for the next bit, but we’re eagerly awaiting pictures of this bunch!
Vermont to Montreal A (VMA)
Today, our seasoned VMA bikers arrived in the beautiful city of Burlington, VT! After making it into camp super duper early, this group put their bikes aside and enjoyed taking in the sights and sounds of Church Street. They also had a chance to vanquish the (in)famous “Vermonster”. Tomorrow, they’re looking forward to trying out a new mode of human-powered transport and kayaking on Lake Champlain. Full steam ahead, VMA!
Vermont to Montreal B (VMB)
VMB had, surprise surprise, another lovely day pedaling northward! These friends woke up with the sun and knocked out 29 miles before lunch (cue the “ooohs” and “ahhhhs”). This meant they were able to beat the heat and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at their new accommodations. After a tasty lunch and some R&R, they washed up, did laundry, and explored the quaint town of Shelbourne, VT. This crew can’t wait to dip their toes in Lake Champlain and explore historic Burlington tomorrow— and we can’t wait to hear all about it!
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
Day two at the eco-lodge! While we don’t have photos, we do know that the group tackled a service project today with their awesome guides at the eco-lodge. Today they worked to help implement a vertical organic gardening system that saves water and protects plants from insects (eliminating the need for insecticides). This gardening system will be used in the surrounding community to help reduce water use and the contamination that comes from insecticides. Nice work, CRMC!
California Mountains & Coast (CMC)
Day Two of the Point Reyes backcountry hike! Today’s hike should prove to be one of the most scenic of the entire trip, as most of their eight miles on trail today were along the coastline overlooking the Pacific. We’re planning to continue to hold our breath for another day and a half until we receive photos from this epic adventure!
Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)
Our AKMCA group spent the whole day in Chugach State Park today on their second day of backcountry hiking! They traversed a small mountain pass and some of the prettiest lakes you will ever see. We are looking forward to hopefully getting some pictures tomorrow when they come out of the backcountry and return to cell service!
Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)
After an epic few days of glaciers, this crew was ready for a rest day! They spent some time recuperating and playing games and also headed back towards Anchorage to prepare for their first backcountry section tomorrow. The crew will learn how to pack up their bags and bear cans for the backcountry today and hit the trail first thing in the morning!
Northwest Explorer (NWX)
Thunk, thunk, thunk… can you hear that? It’s the sound of our NWX’ers crushing miles in the North Cascades backcountry! Thunk, thunk, thunk… I think it’s getting louder! Is that because… could it be… they emerge from the backcountry TOMORROW?! Oh me, oh my, we are so excited to see the pictures from their backcountry adventures! We just have to wait One Day More, as Jean Valjean would say!
Pacific Coast (PC)
Our PC team encountered Leggett Hill today, which is one of the most iconic hills of their 600-mile route – it ascends 1,100 feet over the course of four miles, and it’s followed by Rockport Hill, which climbs another 700 feet over two miles. And if conquering the highest climb along the Pacific Coast between Canada and Mexico wasn’t impressive enough, they totaled 60 miles today en route to their coastal campground. Fortunately, tomorrow is a day off the saddles as they explore the charming coastal town of Mendocino!
Alps Explorer A (AXA)
We often use the phrase “rest day, best day” when talking about the well-deserved off days for our groups – but after seeing the photos from AXA’s time on the Tour Du Mont Blanc… it’s hard to say. Either way, this crew very much did deserve their day off as they explored the quintessential Italian mountain town of Courmayeur and, in classic Italian fashion, ate a lot of pizza. Back at it tomorrow!
Alps Explorer B (AXB)
Today marked the third and final border crossing for our intrepid AX squad as they crossed the Grand Col Ferret from Italy back into Switzerland, which also marks the highest point of the entire circuit at 2537 meters. Despite the heat, the group made great time into camp today which lent itself perfectly for a relaxing afternoon of wading in a cold mountain stream!
Pyrenees Mountains and Coast (PMC)
Our Pyrenees crew left the foothills and the beautiful Mediterranean coast today for the high peaks of the Pyrenees! It was a busy transit day – so busy that our leaders didn’t have any time to take pictures! But we know they are tucked into their campsite right at the base of their upcoming, stunning, 5-day hiking loop and we can’t wait to see the pictures from tomorrow’s hike. Vamonos, PMC!