Coming to you live, it’s Apogee Day 8! While our first trips of the summer wrapped up today (we will miss you, MCCE1 and MCJ1!), there’s still plenty of adventure happening out there in the Apo-verse. Whether biking along beautiful Cape Cod, exploring in Puerto Rico, ice climbing in Alaska or hiking in the Alps, the trips in the field are experiencing life and beauty at its fullest. Follow along as we see what our groups have been up to today!

Skip to a Specific Trip: AKMCA, AKMCB, AXA, AXB, CCM, CI, CRM, CRMC, CS, DEXA, ECC1, ECC2, ECC3, MCCE, MCJ, NEMCA, NEMCB, NWX, PC, PMC, VMA, VMB

Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)

Welcome back, AKMCA! After completing a successful backcountry expedition, our AKMCA adventurers exited the wilderness this afternoon with reports of an incredible few days. The leaders report that spirits are high, and how could they not be? These stunning photos are just a glimpse into the spectacular time they had hiking amongst blue lakes and snow. Time for these guys to rest up before their next big expedition- kayaking!

 

Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)

Today AKMCB returned to Anchorage for some well-earned recuperation, and an important transit and preparation day since they will be heading into the backcountry tomorrow. But they were able to send us photos from their incredible ice climbing adventure yesterday, so we wanted to show them off today! Isabelle reports that the whole gang crushed the hike and the climb; and as an added bonus, the sun was shining all day, making for a truly epic, if a little chilly, glacier day. But luckily, they came prepared with some ~fuego~ Taki’s, which added a bit of heat to a brisk day. Count us jealous, AKMC!

Alps Explorer A (AXA)

What an exciting day for AXA! This crew hiked alongside the largest glacier in the Alps, also known as the Aletsch Glacier. Fun fact – this glacier weighs 11 billion tons! The group started the morning with a gorgeous cable car ride up to the top of the glacier and then strolled through an epic tunnel. After their greenscreen worthy 10-mile hike, they ended the hike in the village of Bettmeralp, where they relaxed, ate a tasty dinner and got ready for another exquisite day in the Alps tomorrow!

Alps Explorer B (AXB)

Woohoo! Today is the first day of the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) for AXB! It is the beginning of an epic, 11-day hike catching glimpses of incredible vistas, eating delectable food, meeting friendly farm animals, and taking in all that Switzerland, France, and Italy have to offer. The journey began with a bus ride to Trient where they began their hike. Today’s hike highlights included the group’s first views of the world-famous Mont Blanc and crossing the border into France. They also celebrated Jacques’ birthday with songs, balloons, sweet treats, and fun! Check back in less than two weeks to see their glorious return back to the Pink Church, the symbol for the start and end of the TMB.

California’s Coastal Mountains (CCM)

These tenacious California hikers are currently enjoying the wonders of the expansive Point Reyes National Seashore backcountry. This amazing section of wilderness contains some truly breathtaking stretches of beach, rugged coastline, and unique wildlife that our groups will be lucky enough to witness in person for the next couple of days. Unfortunately, service there is very limited and we likely won’t get any blog pictures from them until they emerge, but I’m confident that they’ll be stunning and that the group will be bubbling with excitement from the expedition!

Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)

Did you know that Cape Cod is famously known as the “Giant Fishhook of Land” in the United States? Well, now you do! Today, our Cape Codders headed to a local laundromat to get some well-deserved clean clothes for the rest of their trip! The group, smelling delectably, crushed a great day on the bikes that landed them in Wellfleet for the night, where they played lots of camp games, including a roaring wiffleball match! 

 

Caribbean Service (CS)

Today was a big day for our Caribbean Service crew! They headed down to the lovely beach to work with Ramon again, working hard to clear some trails! Ramon also entertained and educated everyone with the history of the area and the importance of ecological conservation. Rumor has it that they also saw some native Puerto Rican birds and plants as well! In the afternoon, they hopped in their handy dandy van to drive to their next stop of their adventure – Utuado (pronounced as oo-too-AH-do)! In case you were wondering, the name Utuado derives from the Taíno word otoao, meaning between mountains. 

Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)

Ow ow! Our CRM gang flexed their muscles big time today on their Challenge Hike! They conquered their climb around Deer Mountain, playing trail games and taking plentiful snack breaks along the way. Did we mention they made it 10+ MILES? We’re so proud of them! And boy, were the views and the scenery amazing (as the photos can attest)! Tomorrow they will switch it up while they go white water rafting, so early bedtime is it. Sleep tight Colorado Challenge Hikers!

Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)

CRMC started their day off right with a little morning yoga and a hearty breakfast. They laced up their hiking boots and headed out into the majestic mountains to conquer the Cloudbridge trail. These lucky ducks explored the rainforest and even saw some waterfalls! Keep up the good work, team! 

Europe Coast to Coast 1 (ECC1)

The ECC1 crew is having the time of their lives in the Netherlands today, and who can blame them? They saw lots of sheep on their ride along those famous Dutch bicycle paths, and got to take a ferry across the Het Scheur. And look at those blue skies – all of us in Brunswick are jealous! Tomorrow, they’ll conquer their longest ride of the entire trip before their first rest day in the magical Belgian city of Bruges. Good luck, team!

Europe Coast to Coast 2 (ECC2)

Today was ECC2’s first day on the bikes! After a thorough safety check and ride, they biked out of Haarlem and started off along the coast of the North Sea and had a lovely lunch right by the beach. Did you know the North Sea is the coldest sea on Earth? Me neither! They headed to bed early to fully kick their jetlag from a hectic travel day and get a head start on the day tomorrow. We know they are ready to conquer many more miles with more incredible views in the days to come.

Europe Coast to Coast 3 (ECC3)

Welcome, welcome, ECC3! This crew has touched down in Amsterdam and is getting ready to roll along the scenic, international routes of Europe. Once they got settled into tonight’s camp with their gear and bikes, they prepared for their first day of riding tomorrow. Then it was early, early to bed – lots of mileage and fabulous experiences to come for this crew!

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)

Sadly, today was the day that our MCCE crew said their teary goodbyes to one another and headed back home after an incredible week of crafting their college essays. This group has made lots of memories and friends this week in addition to their creative essays. We wish these young writers the best of luck in their college adventures – all of Apogee is cheering you on!

Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)

Today, Maine Coast Junior wrapped up an amazing 7 days of hiking, sea kayaking, biking and connecting with local communities. Hugs and farewells took place while the kids loaded up and headed home, full of stories from the past week. We hope this photo, from one of their last nights together, will serve as a great reminder of the wonderful memories they made together. Au revoir, MCJ! 

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)

Since DEX is in the backcountry today on the Appalachian Trail and they do not have any service to send us blog photos, I shall provide you with a fun fact. The Appalachian Trail is one of the three triple crown trails (the other two being the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental). The AT is 2,194 miles long and traverses through 14 states!  On their second day in the backcountry, DEX will be dipping their toes in the babbling brooks and taking in the serene simplicity of the backcountry. I know everyone is on the edge of their seats waiting to see the photos they have to share as they emerge from the backcountry tomorrow.

New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)

Today, NEMCA repelled parts of the Cathedral Ledge – so cool! They have been hiking and climbing, oh my! What can they NOT do? Afterwards, they caught up on some much needed laundry and showers before some hot drinks and games!

 

New England Mountains & Coast B (NEMCB)

This morning our NEMCB’ers started their day with a trip to the visitor center to educate themselves on their surroundings. They looked at 3D maps to gain a new perspective on some of the impressive terrain they’ve crushed in the White Mountains! Next up, this crew made their way to the Douglas A Philbrook Red Barn Museum. After filling their minds with new info, they stretched out their legs(after a long hike the day before) with a short hike to Glen Ellis Falls. Then it was time for some tasty dinner – they know the secret to a great day is full minds, full bellies, and big smiles!

Northwest Explorer (NWX)

Today, NWX headed into the backcountry in the Hoh River Valley, which is the wettest forest in the United States with more than 200 inches of rainfall each year – wow! While driving, massive pines tickled the sky all around them, and those who napped along the way awoke to beams of light shooting through the branches. This group will take in some of the incredible views that the valley has to offer over their next couple days in the backcountry. We can’t wait until they are out to see all the incredible pictures they take.

Pacific Coast (PC)

Today, PC biked 38 miles (their biggest day so far!) through some quintessential Oregon scenery to tonight’s campsite at the foot of Humbug Mountain. After a snack break, they were soaringgg and flyinggg (did anyone get my High School Musical reference?) towards Port Orford for the best time of the day – lunch! Tomorrow will be their last night in Oregon before crossing into California. They’ve already flown through the first few days of the trip! Keep up it PC!

 

Pyrenees Mountains and Coast (PMC)

Today, Elle and Ellie’s team drove through the beautiful Pyrenees to their jaw-dropping campsite. They moseyed around camp and played some classic Apogee games (Personally, my favorite is Bob the Weasel). They were able to do some laundry, then they oogled at the absolute PERFECT avocado… see below for proof! They hit the hay early and dreamt of the vistas they will see hiking in the high Pyrenees tomorrow!

Vermont to Montreal A (VMA)

VMA awoke to a wet morning, but the rain couldn’t keep their spirits down, since they were heading into the heart of the vibrant city of Burlington, VT! They conquered their short ride along the bike paths lining Lake Champlain, then ate a hearty lunch before meeting up with the Burlington Parks and Recreation department for an afternoon of community service. They helped BP&R with a public beautification project before making their way to camp and settling in to celebrate a birthday in the group!

Vermont to Montreal B (VMB)

Rain or shine, VMB keeps broad smiles on their faces at all times! This committed crew cruised through the rain as they made their way through quintessential pastoral Vermont scenery towards the suburbs of Burlington. Despite the challenging conditions, the students completed their longest day on the trip so far! They’re looking forward to a few exciting days in Burlington, where they will be spending the 4th of July. Speaking of which… after the blog went to press last night, VMB leaders sent along the exciting news that their campground hosted an incredible fireworks display – so we’re adding in a bonus photo from last night!