Easily one of the most exciting aspects of an Apogee  adventure is the opportunity to witness wildlife in their natural habitat. From white-tailed deer to scarlet macaws, there is truly such a diverse range of animals that our groups may be lucky enough to witness during their ventures. While its impossible to pin down a singular animal to represent the incredible places that Apogee is exploring this summer, we believe that each trip’s unique, vibrant energy deserves its very own ‘spirit animal’.

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Skip to a Specific Trip: AKMC, AX, CRMC, CSPR, CSVI, DEX, IMC, NEMC, NWX, PC, VM

Alaska Mountains & Coast (AKMC)

Animal: Reindeer

While incorrectly believed by some to be a myth, reindeers do exist, and many have made their home in Alaska! Today our hikers celebrated the completion of their backcountry adventure through Chugach State Park, whose terrain was marked with lush valleys and flowing rivers. The group reminisced on their favorite moments in the journey around the Williwaw Lakes Loop over dinner at a local burger joint. We’d like to argue that the tale of these backpackers would make an even better movie than Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

 

Alps Explorer (AX)

Animal: Alpine Ibex

The Alpine Ibex is just one of the many mountain dwellers that AX has spotted while on the Tour du Mont Blanc. Swift on its feet and a talented climber, the ibex’s skills are only rivaled by our determined campers who have conquered hike after hike with ease. Today was a much deserved rest day as the crew enjoyed a picnic lunch in the alpine resort town of Courmayeur. Following the feast, our hikers embarked on a cable car up to the summit of Punta Helbronner, a ride that offered stunning views of Mont Blanc and the rest of the snow-capped Alps. As if that wasn’t enthralling enough, Courmayeur featured alpine gardens, crystal collections, and mountaineering displays that the group had a lovely time exploring. 

 

Caribbean Service Puerto Rico (CSPR)

Animal: Coqui Frog

The coqui frog is native to Puerto Rico, making it the model mascot for our crew. Known for its singing abilities, the frog is named after their bright cry of “co-qui!”. We are sure that the chorus of laughs that accompanied today’s service work at the Apoyo Mutuo Agricola Community Center was just as cheerful. Chad, Apogee’s director, got to join in on the fun as well, helping the group out with clearing roots, weeds, and trash on the surrounding farmland. Following the cleanup, our volunteers laid down old coffee sacks to ensure the land would soon be ready for planting. After completing their service work, the group celebrated their hard work with fresh, local coconut water as well as a visit to El Parque Ceremonial, a ceremonial area for the indigenous Tainos people. The park was filled with educational information on the tribe’s traditions, such as a ball game that was a mesh between volleyball and soccer.  As our volunteers reported back, the experience was “Que interesante!”.

 

 

 

Caribbean Service Virgin Islands (CSVI)

Animal: Reef Squid

The latest and greatest from the Virgin Islands is that it was a beautiful, warm day for snorkeling! Our crew embarked on a tour around the famed Buck Island Reef this morning, spotting all sorts of aquatic creatures during their venture. The reef squid is a native to the Caribbean, so there’s a surefire shot that our snorkelers may have caught a glimpse of one today. The squid is not only known for its swift swimming abilities, but for hanging with its fellow underwater buddies in schools. Just like how our volunteers have begun to rely on and support one another as friendships continue to blossom!

Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)

Animal: Howler Monkey

The howler monkey is one of the many primate species that dwell in the Costa Rican rainforests. Alongside its plethora of monkeys, Costa Rica is famous for its incredibly diverse wildlife, and the group came across everything from vibrant birds to hopping frogs on their hike this morning. Oh, and not to mention passing through towering waterfalls. As its name suggests, howler monkeys are known for their booming vocalizations that are some of the loudest in the animal kingdom. Despite this stiff competition, we can bet that the cheers of our hikers were just as deafening after completing their venture through the jungle. A reward was in order to celebrate our hikers’ hard work, which came in the form of chocolate making. Stay tuned to where the CRMCers swing to next!

 

Iceland Mountains & Coast (IMC) 

Animal: Puffin

The puffin has made the shores of Iceland its home, much like our hikers have in the last week. Residing in large colonies on coastal cliffs and offshore islands, puffins love to dive into the water. Similarly, the IMC crew hiked out to a bed of hot springs for a relaxing swim on their way to the seafront village of Vik. Chances are the group will see real-life pigeons while exploring the coastal town! A tour through an ice cave is on the docket for tomorrow, and rumor has it the excitement is palpable for the upcoming adventure.

 

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)

Animal: Moose

The moose is not only one of Maine’s trademark mammals, but also the world’s largest, tallest, and most powerful species of deer. Armed with smiles and packs, our hikers emulated that impressive strength as they began their backcountry adventure on the Appalachian Trail today! Throughout their trek, the group passed alongside miniature waterfalls, flowing creeks, and the smooth, clear waters of Rainbow Lake. Tomorrow another day on the trail awaits our hikers, in which they will continue to channel the spirit of the moose (and maybe even spot a real one along the way!). We can’t wait to see their gorgeous pictures when they emerge in a few days!

New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)

Animal: White-Tailed Deer

It’s arrival day for NEMC! Smiles abounded as the group shared initial introductions, played get-to-know-you games, and welcomed one another into what is sure to be an astounding adventure. As its namesake suggests, the white-tailed deer is a frequent visitor to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where our hikers will be based for much of the next week. While the group may be feeling a bit like Bambi experiencing their first taste of the woods, a boatload of enthusiasm and confidence is in the air. Tomorrow’s hike is sure to be a blast and inspire even more excitement for the days ahead. 

Northwest Explorer (NWX)

Animal: Mountain Goat

The intrepid residents of Washington State, mountain goats are famed for comfortably climbing up to dizzying heights. Known for exploring a plethora of terrain, from sheer rock faces to icy passages, the mountain goat encapsulates the backcountry spirit of our NWXers. A hike out this morning marked the end of a six-day backcountry venture, which is no small feat. Throughout their time in the North Cascades, nicknamed the “American Alps”, the group hiked past snow-capped mountains, turquoise waters, and more breathtaking scenery. A celebratory pizza dinner was in order, as well as a rest day exploring the city of Bellingham, Washington tomorrow!

 

 

 

 

 

Pacific Coast (PC)

Animal: Jackrabbit

The jackrabbit is California’s resident speedster, making it the perfect mascot for our unstoppable bikers. Continuing to climb up the Pacific Coast, today’s ride marked a thrilling push towards the ocean! Just as the jackrabbit is found at elevations from sea level up to over 10,000 feet, the group conquered Leggett Hill with ease, which is the highest climb along the coast between Mexico and Canada. Tomorrow is a well deserved rest day in the seaside town of Mendocino, where there is sure to be much exploring along the coastline.

Vermont to Montreal (VM)

Animal: Black Bear

The VMers swapped their bikes out for kayaks this morning, taking to the water that surrounds Burlington, Vermont. Much like the black bears that take to New England’s lakes on particularly warm days, our bikers loved the chance to splash around and cool off while on the water. Following their aquatic excursion, the group had the opportunity to explore the city of Burlington itself, popping into quaint souvenir shops and admiring the decorative art of the area. Tomorrow it’s back on the bikes as the crew continues to pedal its way to Montreal (fingers crossed that our bikers will be lucky enough to spot a black bear from afar while on the road!).