As Apogee summer reaches its forties, we thought we would pause and reflect on what makes us love Apogee so dang much! With 13 trips in the field today, we have 13 opportunities to choose our favorite parts of Apogee summer. Read on to learn more and find out what each trip did today!
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Skip to a Specific Trip: AKMC, AX, CRMC, CSPR, CSVI, DEX, IMC, MCCE, MCJ, NEMC, NWX, PC, VM
Alaska Mountains & Coast (AKMC)
1: The Food!
Some of the best meals we’ve ever had are on our Apogee trips. Is there anything better than cooking up a delicious dinner in camp with your friends after a long day’s hike? AKMC was saying so after their Mediterranean bowl dinner last night, which they enjoyed before tucking into bed for today’s rest day! They spent the day exploring the coastal town of Seward. They also took care of their laundry and made the final preparations before their kayaking excursion that they will soon begin in Resurrection Bay!
Alps Explorer (AX)
2: The Views!
When the views are this spectacular, how can you not love an Apogee summer? The Alps Explorers got back on the trail after their rest day the day before, crushing their initial ascent and enjoying a peaceful quiet-hike along an overlook of the beautiful Val Ferret. They picnicked with fresh baguettes, meat, cheeses, and other delicious goodies before finishing their descent and their second ascent of the day. Their second uphill was rewarded by arriving at their refugio for the night, where they enjoyed a multi-course, Italian-style dinner and dessert! With full bellies and hearts, they tucked into their refugio bunk beds for a great night’s rest.
Caribbean Service Puerto Rico (CSPR)
3. The Adventure!
Every Apogee trip brings a new sense of exploration and wonder! Today, the CSPR group joined Roberto in Cañon Blanco to help maintain a trail leading to ancient Taino petroglyphs. After their hard work, Roberto showed them an awesome spot for a refreshing swim in the water. The day wrapped up with a grocery store run and a move to their new accommodations in Cabo Rojo. The group cooked up a scrumptious dinner and is ready for a great night’s sleep, excited for what tomorrow will bring!
Caribbean Service Virgin Islands (CSVI)
4: The Furry Friends!
Whether on trail, around town, or with our service partners, we often get to make four-legged friends on Apogee trips! CSVI got to enjoy lots of time today with the dogs at Ruff Start, a local animal shelter, during their fundraising event! Does it get any cuter than this? They also spent the afternoon exploring the port town of Frederiksted before heading back to the Ecolodge for games and dinner.
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
5: The Service!
On most Apogee trips, the group spends a morning or two completing a service project. It’s a rewarding feeling to give back to the communities that we’ve been adventuring around in during Apogee summer! Today, CRMC helped with trail breaking to clear a new path near the rainforest lodge they are staying at. They took it easy in the afternoon with laundry and games back at the lodge. Tomorrow, they’ll head out of the rainforest and trade the mountains for the coast! Stay tuned!
Iceland Mountains & Coast (IMC)
6: Learning About New Cultures!
The Iceland Mountains and Coasters had a fun day traveling into Skaftafell, their home for the next couple of days! This group spent the day playing a load of fun games around camp and then prepared for their hike this afternoon. These campers went on a beautiful hike to Icelandic farmhouses and got to learn more about Icelandic farm life! These cultural experiences have been so exciting for this group and they are excited for their challenge day tomorrow!
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
7: Growing Together!
Our friends on Maine Coast College Essay have had a day packed with fun and chances to learn new things! The group headed to a workshop this morning to begin working on their essays and are ready to embark on their writing journey! After their workshop, they headed to the open waters to kayak for the afternoon. After a day of paddling, they headed back to writing feeling inspired and motivated. This group will spend the next week growing not only the strength of their essays, but also their bonds with each other as well!
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
8: New Friends!
Maine Coast Junior got its start today! Over the next six days, they will hike, bike, kayak, complete a service project, and make a ton of great memories together! They met up in Massachusetts, then drove up to Maine, which they will call home for the next week! They learned how to set up camp for the first time, played some fun get to know you games, and cooked a delicious first dinner together. They’ll go to bed cozy in their tents tonight, eager for their first full day of adventure tomorrow!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)
9: Finishing Challenges!
There may not be a better feeling than the rush of emerging from the backcountry, knowing you and your group totally rocked their rugged expedition! We’re sure that the DEXers were abundant with this feeling this morning as they hiked out of the backcountry after their multi-day adventure on the Appalachian Trail! They enjoyed a delicious lunch and sweet treat and paid a visit to the laundromat. They also made sure to resupply their groceries because they are headed back into the field tomorrow! They will have two days to take a shot at summiting Mt. Katahdin, the tallest peak in Maine. With a backcountry adventure and many days of hiking under their belts, we know they are well-prepared for their next challenge!
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
10: Trying New Things!
NEMC tried their hand at rock climbing today at Cathedral Ledge and absolutely crushed it! Afterwards, they went for a quick swim. Between hiking, swimming, and rock climbing, we’re starting to wonder what can’t these kids do? Not to mention their fantastic camp cooking skills and all the fun games and riddles we’re sure they’ve mastered by now. After a day of fun and new adventures, the group will go to bed happy and ready for their next adventure tomorrow!
Northwest Explorer (NWX)
11: The Water!
Whether it’s swimming, kayaking, or snorkeling, you’re bound to get some time in the water on an Apogee trip! The Northwest Explorers traded the mountains for the sea today as they headed out on their kayaking expedition around the San Juan Islands! They’ll spend the next two nights sleeping peacefully to the sound of the waves lapping against the shore. As leader Cat reports: “Sun is shining and spirits are high. Woohooo!”
Pacific Coast (PC)
12: Working Hard!
It’s no secret that Apogee trips are a boatload of fun and a lot of hard work! Hiking, biking, writing, and doing service each day is no small feat. That sense of accomplishment is part of the reason why each trip is so special and why beaming, proud faces populate the blog each day! PC faced one of their longest days of mileage today and took it all in stride! Their weeks of hard work on the bikes prepared their muscles and minds for this impressive day of cycling. Their trail hugged closely to the coast, so the group was rewarded for much of the day by stunning Pacific views. They’ll keep up that energy tomorrow and carry it all the way to San Francisco in a few days!
Vermont to Montreal (VM)
13: Exploring New Places!
Our Vermont to Montreal trip has officially crossed the border into Canada! After traveling through the great state of Vermont, our bikers have finally done it. With a beautiful ride in, this group absolutely crushed their ride over to our neighbors in the north. This crew is excited to spend the next couple of days biking as they get closer to Montreal! O Canada!
