Has it really been three full weeks of the Apogee summer already? Maybe there really is something to that old “time flies when you’re having fun” saying after all! While we’re almost at the halfway point of our summer, many of our trips are at different points in their journeys. No matter how long they’ve been together, though, there’s just no stopping these explorers and their thirst for adventure. As we say around the office, they’re all keepin’ on keepin’ on!
Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMC, CRM, CS, MCCE, MCP, DEXA, DEXB, CRMC, CMC, AKMCA, AKMCB, NWX, PC, AXA, AXB, ECC1, ECC2, PMC
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
Our MCJ crew had a jam-packed final full day together! These young explorers woke up bright and early this morning so that they could savor their last moments as a full team. They spent the morning in the most quintessential Maine way possible – blueberry picking! After lunch, they suited up and headed over to the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center in Brunswick, where they spent the morning hard at work helping with weeding and trail maintenance. In the afternoon, they traded their work gloves for walking shoes as they explored the beautiful city of Portland. Tonight, they’ll enjoy a final dinner out on the town as a group before hitting the hay to get some good rest for their busy day of departures tomorrow. We’re so proud of you and everything you’ve accomplished, MCJ!
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
What could possibly be better than clean laundry? Knowing you only have one more full day of riding before you hit Boston! These adventurous CI-clists (see what I did there?) hit the road early this morning and absolutely crushed their 13-mile ride into the town of Wellfleet. There, they got to do some laundry and stock up on food for their final ride into historic Provincetown tomorrow! Sounds like a pretty spectacular day, if you ask me!
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
Fact: The highest peak in New England is Mount Washington, at 6,288 feet. Fact: NEMC summited Mount Washington at 10:18 AM this morning. Fact: These facts make our NEMC crew objectively the coolest people alive right now. They woke up at 4:30 AM in order to crush their hike in just five hours! After eating their challenge day for lunch, this accomplished group will be treating themselves to a tasty pizza dinner tonight. Tomorrow, they’ll pack up camp and head back to the great state of Maine for a day of community service! Congrats on an impressive day, NEMC!
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
Holy cow, is it really CRM’s last day of hiking already? The brilliant Rockies that seemed so intimidating just days ago are now a playground for this seasoned crew, who absolutely crushed their challenge day of hiking today. Tomorrow, they’ll trade the mountains for the river when they face their next big adventure: whitewater rafting! We can’t wait to hear all about it, but for now, let’s celebrate the incredible fact that CRM conquered the Rockies!
Caribbean Service (CS)
It’s CS’s first full day together, and nothing bonds a trip like shared new experiences! This fresh group had their first day of community service today working on one of Puerto Rico’s incredible papaya plantations. They even made papaya mango batidos this evening! Yum! After a morning of hard work, the crew had a well-deserved break and a great swimming session. And the best part? They get to do it all again tomorrow!
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
It was a bittersweet morning over at the yurts today, with our bunch of talented writers having their very last workshopping session with their instructor Leah. They spent the morning writing, rewriting, editing, and peer-revising one another’s work as they prepare to share them with the whole group tomorrow afternoon. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, because this MCCE crew had a pretty stellar afternoon today, too! They left their essays behind as they headed out to Orr’s Island for a sea kayaking adventure after lunch, with perfect weather and even more perfect views. Tonight, they’ll get some time to put the finishing touches on their pieces before their last full day together tomorrow. Write on, MCCE! (See what I did there?)
Maine Coast Photo (MCP)
Our MCP group took their practice outside today and had a blast getting some great shots! They took down a great hike and then hit the beach to get more photos while soaking in the sun and surf. After hiking and beach time, it was time for more photo practice with our resident expert! Jamie worked with the group on their editing techniques. Boy, are we excited to see the photos that come out of today! Combining the sun and the talent of our young photographers is bound to turn out some great pics!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer A (DEXA)
Welcome, DEXA! I wish I could insert confetti and balloons into this part of the blog – that’s how exciting this trip start is. After getting the initial (and admittedly awkward) introductions out of the way, this crew became fast friends as they loaded up and headed to Camden for their first night of camping. Tomorrow, the group will be piling back in the van to make their way up the coast to Acadia National Park in time for their first day hike. Happy hiking, DEXA – we can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer B (DEXB)
Woohoo! It’s arrival day for DEXB, and we couldn’t be more excited! While this group met for the first time today, we’re sure they’ll feel like they’ve known each other for much longer at the end of the next twelve days. Today, though, the crew piled in together and took off for Pownal for their first night of camping. They’ll have a lot more firsts in the next 24 hours – including their first day hike on the way to Stonington tomorrow! Go forth and prosper, DEXB!
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
Our CRMC gang is settled in and ready for action! They took in the sights and sounds of the fantastic Manuel Antonio National Park, learning about the natural beauty and ecosystem (including birds, a sloth, and an iguana – see below!) of Costa Rica. Later, they settled at the beach to rest and soak up the sun with some fresh coconuts where name games abounded and students got ecstatic about their big soccer game tonight! Tomorrow, they’ll take their adventuring to new heights (literally!) when they strap in for their ziplining excursion.
California Mountains & Coast (CMC)
The Golden State is being made brighter with the laughter and joy of our CMC students! Their journey has just begun, and they’re already wading and paddling around the deep blue waters of Point Reyes. They had time to get to know their kayak buddies and explore together as a group. We’re sure their overnight sea kayaking adventure will have our students coming back with a story or two and get them amped up to hit the trail tomorrow afternoon!
Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)
At last, the Alaskan backcountry! These AKMCAers didn’t have to wait long before getting into the heart of their journey. They laced up their boots, cinched their buckles, and adjusted their hats for a safe and challenging 7-mile hike into their first backcountry section in Chugach State Park today. As they took on Crow Pass, they learned trail songs and plenty of outdoor dad jokes (see blog Day 19 for some examples). We’re excited to see this crew take in the sights and come together over the next few days! We won’t see any picture from them today because they are out of cell service, but we are so excited to see what great stories they return with!
Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)
AKMCB is now well underway with a scenic wild(life spotting) ride into Seward this morning! During the ride to town, favorite songs were played, fun facts were told, and friendships were started. The gang then got to explore Seward for a while before starting preparations for the first day of their two-day sea kayaking expedition tomorrow. Sounds like we’ve got some real nautical explorers on our hands!
Northwest Explorer (NWX)
These intrepid hikers have finally emerged from their backcountry adventure! Their boots show some wear and reaching for their water bottle is now a reflex. After finishing a 4.4-mile hike out of Northern Cascades National Park this morning, they settled into camp for the moment they had all been waiting for… showers and laundry! After getting squeaky clean, they’re taking the rest of the evening to rest up in preparation for rafting tomorrow. Congratulations on an epic excursion, NWX!
Pacific Coast (PC)
Our resilient cyclists are finishing their last full day of riding! The fog and mist of the Bay Area greeted them through their morning ride, and they’re looking forward to closing out their trip with the Golden Gate Bridge tomorrow. They picked up some mail on their way into camp for – get this – their last night of camping! We can’t wait to see all the celebratory photos from them tomorrow. In the meantime, here’s some from today! Go get ‘em, PC!
Alps Explorer A (AXA)
As our Alps Explorers nearly come full circle on their journey, they’ve finished the circle of the Tour du Mont Blanc back at the famous pink church of Trient! They had an early morning wake-up to witness a gorgeous sunrise and eat breakfast near Auberge Bovine before their 10-miler to finish off the TMB. Way to go, AXA – what an accomplishment! This afternoon, they finally retired their hiking boots as the streets of Geneva welcomed them in to sleep in comfy beds and rest up before their day of city exploration tomorrow.
Alps Explorer B (AXB)
While our AXB group may be pretty stoked to say they’ve traversed the TMB, it’s possible they’re more stoked to be in Geneva, where they can sleep in real beds and wake up at a reasonable hour. And (maybe) even better, they get to cross paths with AXA! We’re sure the night will be full of important discussions between the groups, on topics such as who had the tastiest camp meal or the most fun trail games. Tomorrow, the crew will hit the town for a well-earned day of celebration and exploration. Congratulations on an incredible journey, AXB!
Europe Coast to Coast 1 (ECC1)
ECC marked another milestone today as they rode 47 miles into Germany! That’s their fourth country so far – they’re just racking them up! They took in the new sights of the German countryside through riverside trails and embraced the flat and comfortable ride. Tomorrow, they’ll take a well-earned rest day off the bikes and welcome their ECC2 friends into Germany!
Europe Coast to Coast 2 (ECC2)
While a journey can have lows, luckily, the lows for ECC2 are just the long downhills leading into camp! The group held steadfast in finishing a half-century (50 miles!) today and felt the pull of history as they settled into charming Strasbourg. Tomorrow is another border-crossing day for them (I know! Already!) as they’ll cruise into the German countryside. There’s just no stopping this crew!
Pyrenees Mountains and Coast (PMC)
These PMCers eased into the warm waters and gentle breeze of the Mediterranean for a sea kayaking session this morning! In the afternoon, they embraced the Spanish summer by hanging out at the beach and cooking dinner together as a group. They’ll rest up in the seaside town of Sitges tonight to ensure they’re ready to tackle the Pyrenees! We can’t wait to see all the amazing places their journey takes them!
