From Venice adventures to Acadia hikes our Apogee trips are exploring some of the world’s most amazing places! Today’s blog gets a little technical, as we go to the numbers, taking on the challenge of calculating the massive amounts of fun these groups are having. After some high level mathematical analysis and crunching of numbers, each group’s fantastic day can be summed up by an equation at the start of their blog post. Read on to see how friendships add up to amazing groups and memories multiply all amidst exponential amounts of exploration!
Skip to a Specific Trip: AX, DEX, ECC1, ECC2, ECC3, GSA, IMC, MCCE, MCJ, NEMC, NWX, PC
Alps Explorer (AX)
Bratwurst^2 + exploring Martigny x hike preparations = AX rock star day
Alps Explorer made their way to Martigny today for a day of relaxation and preparation! The travelers stocked up for their upcoming Tour De Mont Blanc and did some laundry before spending an afternoon exploring the city and then making German bratwurst. Our mouths are watering!
Europe Coast to Coast 1 (ECC1)
Exploring Venice + amazing memories^1000 = ECC1’s last full day
ECC1 we can’t believe it – today is your last full day together! The group is going out in style (avocado bucket hats are in) exploring Venice and savoring their final dinner and evening together. The group has gotten so close over the past month and we can’t wait to hear about your adventures when you return. We are so proud of all you have accomplished!
Europe Coast to Coast 2 (ECC2)
1200 km + 1 arrival in Venice = cross continental ride of Europe complete!
They have arrived! ECC2 rode into Venice today having officially completed their journey on the bikes. The group arrived at the coast in style! Tonight they will celebrate in the city and enjoy some much deserved rest. We are in awe of your awesomeness ECC2!
Europe Coast to Coast 3 (ECC3)
78 km of riding – 750 ft of elevation + beautiful mountains = perfect ECC3 day
ECC3’s penultimate pedaling day was marked by a lovely cruise down out of the mountains. The morning cloud cover broke into beautiful afternoon sunshine as these stellar riders arrived at camp. Who doesn’t love some post riding gelato! It’s amazing to think that this group has only one day left in the saddle tomorrow when they will arrive in Venice!
Golden State Adventure (GSA)
½ way through trip + scrumptious food + goofy games = stupendous GSA adventures
GSA packed up camp this morning but not before an amazing pancake breakfast! We can’t believe this bunch is already halfway through their west coast adventure and halfway through today, they had another great meal with a California classic of In N Out Burger! Today the group resupplied with some tasty food for dinner and nutritious snacks to fuel them tomorrow on their hike in Big Sur!
Iceland Mountains & Coast (IMC)
Waterfalls x day hiking + warm hot tub = Icelandic paradise
IMC enjoyed spectacular views of the ocean, waterfalls, and mountain peaks today on their hike! The colder weather didn’t stop this hearty bunch as they crushed miles before warming up in the hot tub. The group heads south tomorrow with ice caves in their future! You are amazing IMC!
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
Campus tour + (ice cream cones x 8)/editing = (amazing essay drafts)^1
The first drafts are in! MCCE received feedback today on their initial essay drafts – we hear this group is filled with amazing writers. Amidst all their hard work the group headed to Bates College for a campus tour this morning and celebrated in the afternoon with an ice cream treat and a puzzle. Some evening rain gave the group the perfect opportunity to cozy up and write some more! Some bonus pictures today from their lighthouse adventure last night.
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
Mountaintop sunrise + picnic breakfast + quartz rocks = MCJ morning in Acadia!
MCJ caught the sunrise on the top of Cadillac Mountain this morning! After hiking back down from the highest point in Acadia they headed to Bass Head Harbor Lighthouse for a breakfast picnic including searching for quartz among the oceanside rocks. So fun! After the early morning they savored some ice cream in Bar Harbor before saying goodbye to Acadia.
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)
(new friends x 14) + good memories = Bittersweet goodbyes for DEX
Today marked the end of DEX and all their amazing adventures. The group said their goodbyes feeling sad to be leaving their new friends but happy about all they accomplished and the amazing memories they made. Hope to see you back next summer!
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
Morning mist + rock climbing/stunning views = stellar day for NEMC
Our NEMC all-stars clambered up the cliff face today as they climbed in the mist! They bellayed and repelled all morning before enjoying an afternoon of games and snacks. The group is looking forward to service and kayaking in the upcoming days!
Northwest Explorer (NWX)
Olympic Peninsula + hearty meals x good friends = NWX backcountry exploration
NWX is deep into the beautiful rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula – the only rainforest in the continental United States! These backcountry explorers trekked under the tall trees today before setting up camp under dewy ferns. We can’t wait to hear about their expedition when they emerge from the lush forest. Check tomorrow’s blog for some sweet pictures from their adventure!
Pacific Coast (PC)
49 miles/3700 ft of elevation + stunning view of the Pacific Ocean = another awesome day on PC
The Pacific Coast group continued their cruise down the 101 today! These pro riders crushed 49 miles and enjoyed some absolutely killer ocean views. Tonight is their last full night in Oregon as they look forward to riding into the Golden State tomorrow. You rock PC!
