By: Kelly McGinty
The circle of (Apogee) life was in full swing today, with one trip starting, others diving into their first full day of activity, and a few putting the finishing touches on what has been many days of adventure. We’re overjoyed to say hello to the new faces, thrilled to see photos of the day’s activities all across the world, and wistful knowing that some departures are imminent. We love nothing more than following along with the memories being made out in the field and if you’re reading this, it’s probably safe to assume you’re in the same boat. Scroll on for your daily dose of Apogee life!
Skip to a Specific Trip: CI, NEMC, CRM, CSA, MCCE, MCP, DEXA, DEXB, VM, CRLS, CMCA, CMCB, MSA, NWXA, NWXB, PCA, PCB, SHX, AXA, AXB, ECCA, ECCB, ACC1, ACC2
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
Our CI crew celebrated all they’ve accomplished throughout the course of their trip with a day of exploration in Boston. Tonight’s dinner out will be the cherry on top!
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
Our NEMC’ers hiked Mt. Willard and checked out Ripply Falls. Not only was their day full of beautiful views of mountains and waterfalls, but they also made sure to get a good laugh at the fact that a Nature Valley granola bar was being consumed in one of nature’s real valleys. Ba dum chh! (post-joke drum hit, in case you were having trouble parsing that onomatopoeia).
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
It was arrival day in Denver as Grace and Tim welcomed a new batch of explorers. This group is already preparing for the many adventures ahead of them – hydration is step #1!
Caribbean Service Adventure (CSA)
The CSA team enjoyed their last day on Vieques with a beach BBQ alongside their friends from Reach for Success. Tomorrow the group heads to San Juan for their last full day!
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
After a morning session of writing with Jaed, the MCCE’ers spent the afternoon in a college admissions session with our resident expert, Kat, from Bowdoin. When they’re not working diligently on their essays, the group has been enjoying the sunny Maine weather – and practicing their life size letters!
Maine Coast Photo (MCP)
The day has come! Our Maine Coast Photo students put all their hard work on display today, showing off their finest moments from the week at the Art Show. Tonight they’ll enjoy a well deserved celebratory dinner – congrats!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)
DEXA has emerged from the backcountry! Although they’re transitioning to Baxter State Park – another location notorious for having less than stellar (or even passable) phone service, they were able to send photos our way from their recent excursion. Looks like they even found an elusive Alpineapple!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)
Our DEXB team is enjoying their first night camping on an island off the coast of Maine. This location is known for beautiful views of ships passing in the distance, birds soaring overhead, and a great tent spot with cool breezes and gentle waves. Check out those photos!
Vermont to Montréal (VM)
Our Vermonsters have done it! The reward for their international journey? A day of exploration in Montréal – a city that may not be too far from the USA, but can make you feel like you’ve teleported to the small, cobblestone streets of Europe, surrounded by French speakers and poutine. Yum!
Costa Rica Language & Service (CRLS)
Today, CRLS emerged from the rainforest where they hiked, zip-lined, and volunteered at the Ecolodge. Looks like they even made some new amphibious friends!
California Mountains & Coast (CMCA)
Emerging from the backcountry, CMCA is due for some stellar photos – and boy, did they deliver! The remote locations in Yosemite National Park yield amazing backdrops, but the group now has their sights focused on the transit to tomorrow’s activity… surfing!
California Mountains & Coast (CMCB)
Hot off the press from the coast of California, our CMCB group has sent in some stunning photos from their paddle back to shore this morning. After kayaking from the island, the group hopped in the van to cruise towards Santa Cruz!
Montana Service Adventure (MSA)
Our Montana crew sends, “happy greetings from the big city!!” They blazed past Manhattan, MT and saw some major wildlife sightings along the way – deer, red tailed hawks, and horses. Our only question from the day… where is your bike, Nicholas?!
Northwest Explorer (NWXA)
The group spent the day among the breathtaking scenery of Olympic National Park, riddled with snow-capped mountains and lush forests. Day hikes are a great way to warm up the legs for the upcoming backcountry sections!
Northwest Explorer (NWXB)
The NWXB squad’s day consisted of transit and a day hike as they made their way towards North Cascades National Park. Although busy, they made time to hang by the hammock and check out the clear blue stream waters along the way!
Pacific Coast (PCA)
PCA had a great day on the bikes, putting some miles behind them and finding the Oregon Dunes (in the background of two photos below). In addition, Grace’s first selfie of the trip has surfaced – a very momentous occasion – undoubtedly with many more to follow!
Pacific Coast (PCB)
PCB had their first day on the bikes and took on 25 miles. The ride was surrounded by great scenery of the Oregon coast, and had some rolling hills to get everyone’s legs warmed up for the long journey ahead!
Scottish Highland Explorer (SHX)
SHX strapped on their backpacks and soaked in the views today. Scotland put on a show with misty waters, green hills, and even a bovine buddy along the way!
Alps Explorer (AXA)
AXA spent the day doing their first hike in Zermatt. The group will tackle many, many, many more miles in the weeks to come, and it looks like they’re already pro hikers, smilers, and eaters. Sounds like a recipe for a great trip!
Alps Explorer (AXB)
Not only has this group taken to the hills mountains, they’ve already perfected the art of creating letters with trekking poles – and it’s only day 2! We can’t wait to see the poses they come up with by the end of the trip.
Europe Coast to Coast (ECCA)
A little rain can’t get this group down! ECCA pulled out their rain gear and found shelter to get through the impromptu, Mother-Nature-induced shower, and were rewarded with sunny skies. Want to hear some mind blowing news? Tomorrow is the last day of biking for these folks. Woah.
Europe Coast to Coast (ECCB)
We can hardly believe it, but today was ECCB’s second to last day of riding. After a rest day, they were ready to hop back in the saddle and take on the road ahead. No better side dish after a long day of biking in Italy than tomato, basil, and mozzarella!
America Coast to Coast (ACC1)
Today’s ride consisted of 96 miles, 3 blog photos, and views that are getting more beautiful each day! ACC1 is making great progress and only have a few more days left in New Mexico before they’re on to Arizona. Roll on!
America Coast to Coast (ACC2)
Coming off of their 107 mile day yesterday, the group took on a (still impressive) 62 miles today and had a state border crossing – however, don’t let the picture fool you! They took this photo to make up for the fact that there was no “Welcome to Texas” sign when they entered the state, but instead were on their way into New Mexico today. One (big, giant!) state down, and only three more to go!
