Day 31: Fun Under the Sun

By: Saul Melo

Even though July is coming to a close and August is right around the corner, several trips are just starting to take their form while others are hitting the homestretch. From day hikes to flagged bikes, clear skies to pool dives, the continental divide to hitting their stride, there’s never a dull day in the Apogee world.

Skip to a Specific Trip: NEMC, CRMMCCECQA, CQB, MSANWXA, NWXB, PCA, PCB, SHX, AXA, AXBACC1, ACC2  

New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)

Today our grand NEMC crew headed to Apogee’s hometown of Brunswick to do community service at the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program. There was no coasting around as there was much to be done, including sorting pet food, doing some much-needed yard work, and helping out at the soup kitchen.

Who knew sorting pet food would be this much fun!
Following Leave No Trace protocol even at the food bank

Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)

The trailblazing CRM crew hiked to Lake Mills/Haiyaha today and took in the world-renowned Colorado rocky mountain landscape. Then, after a long day’s hike, the group refueled with a hearty dinner!

The picturesque background and vibrant smiles draw your attention away from the fact that they’re holding the flag upside down – oops!
Mills Lake is beautiful this time of year
A soup-er supper

Coast to Québec (CQ A & B)

The beautiful scenery of the Canadian countryside (Que)beckoned the CQ groups over as they started their journey up the coast. Today they met, settled in, and learned about camp life – their journey begins in earnest tomorrow.

Liana & Sam’s CQA’ers!
Tina & Ezra’s CQB’ers!

Montana Service Adventure (MSA)

Our incomparable MSA group rode 34 miles to Wolf Creek, MT today. They pushed through some climbs and witnessed some truly beautiful scenery! There were no lone wolves today (as per usual) because everyone had a blast riding in their respective pods.

A nice and sunny day in the Treasure State

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)

Today we sadly had to (es)say goodbye to our young writers. Over the course of the past week this group dove headfirst into essay-writing and has come out on the other end with a winning essay in one hand and long-lasting friendships in the other. We’re so proud of you all and best of luck applying to colleges!

Final goodbyes at the pick-up location
Final goodbyes at the airport

Northwest Explorer (NWXA)

The awesome NWXA group emerged from their two-night stint in the backcountry of Olympic National Park. They made sure to take it all in one last time before returning to the front country.

Camp pic featuring backpacks
The tree in the background really wanted to be in this picture
A nice, orderly trail line

Northwest Explorer (NWXB)

Today was the fantastic NWXB group’s second day in the backcountry. They explored the backwoods of North Cascades National Park. We won’t get photos from them today as they enjoy living off-the-grid!

Pacific Coast (PCA)

Today our fearless group of riders rode 30 miles into Crescent City, CA. The kids had their A+ effort rewarded with breathtaking views and the (Cre)scent of the Pacific ocean.

The Golden State

Pacific Coast (PCB)

The one and only PCB squad rode 49 miles today to Brookings, OR and took in all of the tremendous scenery. It was no easy ride (a kingly feat one might say) – but the views made it all worth it!

Looking good, team!

Scottish Highland Explorer (SHX)

Our adventurous band of explorers hiked a shorter 7 miles today through to the ancient Bridge of Orchy tonight, where they resided for the evening. The rain failed to dampen the group’s spirits as they trekked on!

Nothing like a meal under the trusty tarp
Fun times are had rain or shine

Alps Explorer (AXA)

Our group of grand explorers took the day off for some much needed rest in Martigny. They resupplied to begin the 12 day circuit of the Tour de Mont Blanc tomorrow. Nothing like a dip and a splash in the pool to recharge the batteries before a big hike!

Relaxing by the pool

Alps Explorer (AXB)

It was day two of the Tour de Mont Blanc for the funtastic AXB squad. They skillfully hiked to the pristine Lac Blanc and then settled in at a cozy refugio (a.k.a. indoor accommodations) tonight.

Mountains and smiles for days

America Coast to Coast (ACC1)

The spectacular ACC1 squad cruised 71 miles into Springerville, AZ today and managed to stop for a pic at the Continental Divide of the Americas, which extends from the upper tip of Alaska down to the lowest tip in South America. Only one more state to cross until California!

Gasp! Where’s Freddy?
There he is! Along the Continental Divide, of course!
The Grand Canyon State

America Coast to Coast (ACC2)

The amazing ACC2 riders took a well-deserved rest day in Socorro, NM. They had a mail stop today and despite staying in a town called ‘Help’ (in Spanish) they needed no assistance to get in some much-needed R&R.

The group was able to find some nice shade for this wonderful group pic