Friends, Romans, countrymen, Apo-verse members, lend us your ears… If, as Shakespeare says, all the world’s a stage, then we think that Apogee trips are a lot like a play. There are entrances and exits, rising action and final bows. And you, dear reader, are the audience for these scenes of adventure and friendship! Today, we give a standing ovation to NWX and PC, who are now on their way home – bravo, bravo!

Skip to a Specific Trip: AKMCA, AKMCB, CI, DEXA, DEXB, GSA, MCCE, MCJ, NEMC, NWX, PC

Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.” – Julius Caesar 

Our AKMCA crew began the day by breaking down their camp and heading into Anchorage!  With an afternoon free to explore the town and enjoy their final dinner together, AKMCA lived it up in town and soaked up their last day as a team. Nothing tastes better than a well deserved meal after an incredible two weeks together! This evening, the group said goodbye to their first departures, officially marking the beginning of the end of AKMCA. Bravo, AKMCA – we hope to see you in another production soon!

Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)

“To thine own self be true.” – Hamlet

For their final scene in their epic performance, our AKMCB group began the morning volunteering with the Anchorage Parks and Recreation! They put their can-do attitudes to work as they helped to preserve the land that has played host to them for the past 13 days. After service, AKMCB rolled into Anchorage for an afternoon of exploration and celebration. After a delicious final dinner together,  the players began the bittersweet process of saying goodbye to the first group of departing students. Once their final members depart tomorrow, the curtains will officially close on AKMC for this summer!

Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)

“To be, or not to be, that is the question.” – Hamlet

Well, if Hamlet had been asking whether to be or not to be having an awesome time in Boston today, our CI crew certainly would have chosen the former. With departures tomorrow, this cycling troupe spent the day living it up in Beantown. From walking the streets to sharing a final dinner together, CI made the most of their final full day together. With a comfortable night at a hostel ahead of them, we hope they dream of future bike touring! 

Golden State Adventure (GSA)

“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.” – Troilus and Cressida

GSA certainly left their touch on nature this morning! They completed their community service with a beach clean up at Half Moon Bay State Beach. Thanks, GSA! After their morning of service, GSA headed into San Francisco for exploration and their last dinner together. They soaked up the sight of the Golden Gate Bridge and soaked in the last vestiges of each other’s presence!

 

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)

“Suit the action to the word, the word to the action.” – Hamlet

MCCE had their final writing workshop with instructor Elise this morning- can you believe it?! These college-bound rockstars have been working tirelessly to perfect their essays over the past week, and we are quite impressed. After their workshop in the AM, the crew enjoyed a hike, picnic lunch and some beach time! Tomorrow they’ll share their masterpieces with the group and have their final dinner together. Rest easy tonight, MCCE, you deserve it!

 

 

Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)

“The earth has music for those who listen.” – William Shakespeare

Our Maine Coast Juniors spent their morning completing community service with Growing to Give, a local nonprofit farm. After a much-needed lunch break, the group headed into Portland to explore the city section of Maine’s coast! They enjoyed a tasty final dinner out in downtown Portland, and reminisced on the memories they made together over the past week. This crew has had a memorable week filled with plenty of bonding and adventures- we’re proud of you, MCJ!

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)

“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more.” – Henry V

With a final morning paddle push, our DEXA crew made it back to shore from their kayaking trip! We can only imagine the sense of accomplishment this crew must have been feeling as they drove south from Stonington for their final dinner together in Portland. From spending days in the backcountry to climbing Katahdin, they have so much to be proud of! After one last night of camping together, the gang will part ways tomorrow morning… perhaps with a plan to return for a sequel next summer?!

 

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)

“We know what we are, but not what we may be.” – Hamlet

DEXB had a lot to look forward to on their journey back to Brunswick & Portland today, including hot showers, mail, and their final dinner together! We’re so proud of the whole company for all the hard work they put in over the last two weeks! From climbing mountains to backpacking, DEXB has a lot of reasons to celebrate tonight. After a fantastic last full day together today, they’ll bid one another adieu tomorrow as they return to their families.

 

New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)

“This our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything.” – As You Like It

Our intrepid NEMC’rs took on a new challenge today – leaving the White Mountains! It was tough to leave the national forest that has been their home for the last six days, but they made their way to their service partner, Growing to Give, and were rewarded with some very cute goat interactions! They worked on the farm, fed the goats, and enjoyed the smell of wildflowers! Afterwards, they headed to set up their new camp for the night and enjoy their second-to-last night of camp games, journaling, and all the things that make an Apo camp night so fun!

Northwest Explorer (NWX)

“Parting is such sweet sorrow.” – Romeo and Juliet

It’s curtains for our NWX crew today! After celebrating their awesome performances in the backcountry and on the water with a day in Seattle yesterday, it was time to part ways this morning as the gang boarded their flights home. Bravo, NWX!

Pacific Coast (PC)

“With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.” – The Merchant of Venice

Now that their epic journey down the coast has completed its run, it was time for our PC players to take their final bows today. After one last breakfast together, the crew took to the airport for a morning of goodbyes, high fives and hugs. Congratulations on the stellar performance, PC – you played the part of expert bike packers very well!