Day 18… the number 18 makes us think of becoming an “adult” (whatever that means!) and what growing up is all about. Apogee trips are about growing up in some ways but also are just as much about being a kid! We hope for our students to learn about group living, looking out for those around them, as well as challenging themselves. Sometimes this stuff feels like a big growth moment! In other ways, Apogee trips are totally all about being a kid – being comfortable in your own skin, silly, goofy, weird and wonderful and having tons of fun! So — here’s to growing up and staying a kid at the same time!
Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMCA, CRMA, CRMB, CS, MCCE, DEXA, DEXB, VMA, VMB, CRLS, CMCA, CMCB, NWXA, NWXB, PCA, PCB, SH, AXA, AXB, ECC, ACC1, ACC2
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
After packing up camp this morning, the MCJ crew drove north to Acadia National Park! They set up tents in their new home for the next few days, and finished the afternoon by enjoying their first hike together. Over the next few days they’ll get to explore the beauty of the park on foot and on bikes!
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
Today is the first significant ride for the CI family! As they got more comfortable on their trusty bikes, they rode from camp through Woods Hole, hopped on a ferry, and finished their day in Martha’s Vineyard. They even had the opportunity to cheer on some triathlon-ers who zipped passed them on the bike path–what a great ride! There’s no doubt that spirits are high in this lovely group.
New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)
Day 3 for NEMC, and they sure had an adventure. Michael and Katherine’s group rafted down a section of the Androscoggin River not once, but twice! Riding down those rapids and getting a refreshing splash of water along the way – all part of the fun!
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains A (CRMA)
Rachel, Teddy, and the rest of the CRMA crew did another full day hike today, and it was sweet! They scored some epic views from the trail on Deer Mountain and took in more of the sights and sounds of the incredible Rocky Mountains. They crushed it today!
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains B (CRMB)
CRMB kicked off their early morning on the river with some gnarly whitewater rafting. As they felt the rush of their raft with the current, they may have even gotten a cooling splash or two along the way. Nothing like the feeling of fresh Rocky Mountain snow melt on a summer day!
Caribbean Service (CS)
Our Caribbean crew arrived today, saying “Hola” to the Isla del Encanto, Boriquen, or Puerto Rico (it has many names, depending on who you ask). Today they transfer up to their first accommodations in the central rain forest of Puerto Rico, enjoying their first meal together tonight!
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
After a great morning writing session with their instructor, our MCCE team took an afternoon off to do some hiking on the Maine Coast on this beautiful Sunday! Heads cleared, they’re now ready to buckle down for their last couple of days of polishing up their essays!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA) & Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)
It’s trip start day for these daring Downeasters! Heading north towards the Camden Hills this evening, the groups will get to know each other and get excited for their wonderful adventures to come over the next two weeks. Together they’ll hike, they’ll paddle, and they’ll enjoy the beautiful views that Maine has to offer. We can’t wait to follow along.
Vermont to Montréal A (VMA) & Vermont to Montréal B (VMB)
Another exciting trip underway! Today these groups meet and shuttle to their first campground together – tomorrow they’ll start riding. North towards Montreal they go! Over the next two weeks they’ll explore the beautiful back roads of Vermont, kayak Lake Champlain, learn about camping and cycle touring, and even cross an international border – pedal on, VM!
Costa Rica Language & Service (CRLS)
Final day of Spanish classes for Mark and Eliza’s crew; their students did “end of class presentations” today! They presented to each other about Costa Rican legends as well as typical cuisine / tourist attractions. Afternoon service at the children’s home will cap off their time in Turrialba as they prep to head to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica tomorrow.
California Mountains & Coast (CMCA)
Careful not to waste any time before jumping into their first big adventure, the CMCA group hit the water of Tomales Bay this morning to begin their overnight kayaking expedition. They’ll keep their eyes peeled for Tule Elk, Elephant Seals, and over 490 different species of birds. Tonight, they’ll camp out under the stars on a Point Reyes National Seashore beach.
California Mountains & Coast (CMCB)
Point Reyes National Seashore isn’t just about kayaking – the CMCB team stretched their legs after a day of flights and travel yesterday with a foggy yet beautiful hike along the coast. Then, in classic California fashion, they hit the beach for lunch before preparing for their kayaking excursion tomorrow.
Northwest Explorer (NWXA)
Splish splash! This crew is enjoying their second day of exploration via kayak – exploring the majestic beauty of the San Juans. Did you know they could potentially spot orca whales in this area? Wowza! The group did see some “sweet” bio-luminescence last night and also learned about the marine ecology from their knowledgeable kayaking guides.
Northwest Explorer (NWXB)
We can’t believe it’s here already, but tonight is the NWXB crews last night in the backcountry! Tomorrow they’ll emerge, with a coat of dirt and accomplishment, and we sure can’t wait to see the photos and hear the stories. Happy last evening in the wilderness, team!
Pacific Coast (PCA)
Big day today! After a solid morning of beautiful riding along the coast, Team Carter & Jessie turned inland towards San Francisco. We can only imagine the excitement levels at camp tonight, because tomorrow *drum roll* – the Golden Gate Bridge!
Pacific Coast (PCB)
Today was a monster, 63 mile day for PCB – they cruise over rolling hills while taking in some absolutely stunning coastal views. It’s hard to believe that come days end, they’ll be only 37 miles away from San Francisco!
Scottish Highlands (SH)
For these Highlanders, today was their first day hiking on the West Highland Way! Fresh water, mountains in the distance, and the Scottish flag all worked to unite this wonderful bunch. The WHW will only bring them views of a lifetime and and memories they’ll never forget!
Alps Explorer (AXA)
The AXA crew was feeling great on their second to last day on the Tour de Mont Blanc. They hiked down into the valley and had a lovely lunch of freshly made bread and four types of cheese (goat cheese, mozzarella, gruyere, AND brie)! Post-lunch, the group hiked up into the cute town of Champex, and finished the evening getting stoked for their final day on the TMB.
Alps Explorer (AXB)
Today, AXB took in views of the phenomenally breath-taking Aletsch Glacier, and it was a big day! They rode a cable car to the trail head, scrambled up a rock field, snapped some pictures at the glacier, and crushed a total of over 10 miles on trail. Way to go team!
Europe Coast to Coast (ECC)
In their words, ECC left France “in the dust” today and crossed the Rhein into Germany! They can’t believe it’s here already. A fun tid-bit about their day today – the group stopped for a local roadside snack today… apparently they stumbled upon some plum/grape hybrid and also had some perfectly ripe blackberries along the way as well. Yum! Germany is sure treating them well so far!
America Coast to Coast (ACC1)
ACC1 continued conquering new states today, this time heading into the great state of Texas! Today they’ll get to see the the American Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas — what a sight!
America Coast to Coast (ACC2)
What a wonderful day for a rest day; ACC2 got a day off the bikes today, relaxing, eating, and sleeping in! With much needed rest under their belt, ACC2 heads west again tomorrow!
