When you hear the word Apogee, you probably (hopefully) think about beautiful landscapes, laughs around a campfire, vibrant sunsets, and tasty meals. Especially given our no-technology policy for students on trip, you probably are not thinking about artificial intelligence and ChatGPT. Well, it’s not something we think about a whole lot either, to be honest, but there’s a time for everything, right? So as you enjoy today’s blog post, please know that ChatGPT is a primary contributor (we had quite a bit of fun with those prompts), with some pointed editing by our dutiful staff.
Skip to a Specific Trip: AXA, AXB, CI, CRM, ECC1, ECC2, ECC3, IMC, MCCE, MCJ, MCP, NEMC, NWX, PC
Alps Explorer A (AXA)
Today, our Alps friends embarked an exhilarating day hike through the magnificent Val Veny region of the Italian TMB. Amidst breathtaking landscapes, the group encountered a vibrant array of wildlife (cows, sheep, and goats!). After conquering the day’s trek, they indulged in delightful ice cream treats while bonding over lively card games and spirited matches of soccer, creating cherished memories in the heart of nature’s grandeur.
Alps Explorer B (AXB)
Team AX Bravo tackled their second-to-last day on the Tour Du Mont Blanc today, where they enjoyed a beautiful hike along the Sentiere du Champignons, complete with wooden carvings of mushrooms and alpine animals. The scenic trail led them to the charming village of Champex, nestled amidst picturesque mountain vistas. With tired but happy faces, they relished the sense of accomplishment, eagerly anticipating the final leg of their unforgettable adventure.
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
Otto & Kendall’s Cape Cod Crew embarked on a memorable day excursion to Nantucket via ferry today. Exploring the charming downtown, they did a bit of shopping before soaking up the sun at the pristine beach, where they swam and played games. To top it off, they treated themselves to an ice cream snack before returning to Martha’s Vineyard, where they enjoyed a lovely picnic in the park, savoring mouthwatering pizzas!
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
In today’s thrilling CRM blog update, our courageous Coloradians, led by Cat, Ryan, and Westen, embarked on an exhilarating rock climbing adventure. With determination and trust in their abilities, they conquered vertical walls and reached new heights, pushing their limits both physically and mentally. Amidst the breathtaking scenery and a sense of camaraderie, they forged lasting memories and discovered the joy of conquering challenges together.
Europe Coast to Coast 1 (ECC1)
Doing their best Tour du France impression, our ECC1 team rode from Bar-le-Duc to Nancy, France. Pedaling along a scenic route spanning 98km, they traversed bike paths and peaceful farm roads, immersing themselves in the breathtaking French countryside – including the quintessential sunflower fields. With each turn of the pedal, they discovered hidden gems and picturesque landscapes, forging unforgettable memories of their remarkable journey through the heart of France.
Europe Coast to Coast 2 (ECC2)
ECC2 was eager to get back on the saddle after two well-deserved rest days. Embarking on a challenging yet rewarding day, they conquered a remarkable 110km ride from Epernay to Bar-le-Duc. Pedaling through stunning countryside vistas and picturesque towns, they experienced the exhilarating freedom of the open road, pushing their limits and relishing the sense of accomplishment as they made their way closer to their ultimate destination of Venice.
Europe Coast to Coast 3 (ECC3)
After their day in Paris yesterday, which was technically a day off from riding but still a busy, very active day, Mark & Grace’s squad enjoyed a true (and very well-deserved) break from their cycling adventure to recharge and attend to essential tasks. They utilized the day as a rest day, prioritizing much-needed sleep. They also took the opportunity to ensure their bikes were in optimal condition and tackled the inevitable chore of laundry, preparing themselves for the next leg of their exciting journey.
Iceland Mountains & Coast (IMC)
In today’s news from our Icelandic friends, our crew packed-in an adventure-filled day. After transferring to the charming town of Vik, they made a memorable stop at Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s iconic waterfalls, marveling at its majestic beauty (photo evidence below!). As the day unfolded, they explored the renowned Black Sand Beach, immersing themselves in its unique atmosphere and capturing unforgettable moments against the dramatic coastal backdrop.
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
In today’s inspiring MCCE blog update, our voracious writers, led by Saul and Lily, combined their passion for volunteering and outdoor adventure. After completing the first drafts of their essay (!), they dedicated their time to the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center, contributing to the construction of hiking trails and making a meaningful impact in the community. To beat the scorching heat, they sought refuge in the refreshing waters of Damariscotta Lake State Park, where they joyfully embraced the opportunity to cool off and create unforgettable memories amidst nature’s embrace.
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
For today’s exciting MCJ update, we find our Maine Coasters, led by Andrew, Floyd, and Brianna, on a picturesque 12-mile biking adventure around the enchanting carriage roads of Acadia National Park around Eagle Lake. Pedaling through breathtaking landscapes, they immersed themselves in the park’s natural beauty and serenity. After their invigorating ride, they cooled off in Echo Lake before enjoying a cookout with hot dogs, burgers, corn on the cob, and watermelon! In their words, “The perfect way to spend a sunny Maine day!!”
Maine Coast Photo (MCP)
Today, our faction of photographers, led by Masha, Gabe, and Sophie, kicked off the day with a captivating photoshoot at the enchanting Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, honing their photography skills under the guidance of their instructor Brian. Later, they dedicated their time to giving back, volunteering with the Boothbay Harbor Land Trust on a variety of invasive species removal tasks, preserving the natural beauty around them. As the day drew to a close, they engaged in creative pursuits, editing their photos and unwinding with entertaining games, forging lasting bonds amidst their shared experiences.
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
It was a huge – and mightily successful – Challenge Day for our NEMC team. Led by Owen, Benna, and Eleanor, the group achieved a remarkable feat by conquering the majestic summit of Mt. Washington – the tallest mountain on the eastern seaboard at 6,288’. As they embarked on their final day of hiking for the trip, they pushed their limits, braving challenging terrain to reach the peak (or, dare we say, apogee?) of this iconic mountain. An accomplishment like this seems like a perfect occasion for a celebratory pizza dinner…
Northwest Explorer (NWX)
Aaaand, they’re back! First text received from Ellie and Molly upon their return to service: “The loop was fantastic, everyone crushed, we had a blast, a million happy blog pics incoming!!!” So yes, our fearless NWX team concluded their awe-inspiring six-day, five-night backcountry hike through the rugged terrain of North Cascades National Park today. Tackling the longest backcountry section of any Apogee trip, they pushed their limits, traversing alongside majestic peaks and pristine alpine meadows. With hearts brimming with accomplishment, they bid farewell to the untamed wilderness, forever carrying the memories of their extraordinary journey through one of nature’s most captivating landscapes. A celebratory pizza dinner is very likely in order! And our reward is to finally see the photographic evidence of their adventure – and yes, after 5 days without pictures, our NWX parents deserve all nine of these amazing shots!
Pacific Coast (PC)
Ahh, to sleep past 6 AM! Our PC squad embraced a well-deserved rest day in the lovely coastal town of Mendocino, CA. With no biking scheduled, they seized the opportunity to catch up on much-needed sleep and immerse themselves in the charm of Mendocino. From strolling along the coastal cliffs to exploring the quaint streets lined with unique shops and cafes, they relished the chance to recharge and indulge in the tranquil beauty of their surroundings. As it turns out, PC had such a relaxing day (in conjunction with the very spotty service on the California coast) that they weren’t able to send in any blog photos today. Our best guess is that they couldn’t be bothered to take the cucumbers off of their eyes…