Hello and welcome back to Day 22 of the Apogee summer! Today’s blog title was inspired by a song lyric from one of my favorite bands, U2. I think it represents a lot of what every group tries to accomplish in their day-to-day activities and trip life in general. We have lots of amazing updates in today’s edition of the blog as some trips are wrapping up and celebrating the accomplishment of finishing their trips, while others are just beginning! Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMC, CRM, CS, MCCE, MCP, DEXA, DEXB, VMA, VMB, CRMC, CMC, AKMCA, AKMCB, NWX, PC, AXA, AXB, ECC1, ECC2, PMC
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
Today was departure day for our MCJ folks. Before they all parted ways, the group said their final goodbyes. Here’s to a week full of hiking, biking, kayaking, community service, and loads of fun on the Maine Coast!
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
Today was CI’s final day of riding before they hop on a ferry into Boston tomorrow. The group started out their morning with a ride with quite a view and crushed a whopping 24 miles to Provincetown. We can’t wait to see what they get up to in Boston tomorrow!
New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMC)
Today our NEMC friends made their way back to Brunswick for an afternoon of community service with the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center, where they helped build accessible camping areas. Tomorrow they have a day of kayaking to help wrap up an amazing trip.
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
Today CRM had a blast white water rafting! Tonight is their final night camping in Rocky Mountain National Park before they make their way to Boulder to celebrate their trip together tomorrow!
Caribbean Service (CS)
Today was the the second day of service for our CS crew. Today they helped fix up a school before having a relaxing afternoon. Tomorrow they are going to dip their feet in the ocean and surf!
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
Today is MCCE’s last full day together (!). They packed a lot into the last week and capped it off by sharing their final essays with the group before celebrating in Portland!
Maine Coast Photo (MCP)
Today is also the final day for our MCP folks. Before they finish their trip, our MCP students had a unique experience where they were able to showcase the pictures they took in a art show! Tonight they will celebrate with a final dinner in Portland!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)
Today DEXA arrived in Acadia park for the next couple of nights and experienced their first of many fantastic hikes. Fortunately the weather cooperated for some hard-to-beat Acadia views!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)
DEXB crushed a short – but steep! – hike up Mt. Battie in Camden Hills State Park this morning! The group then ate lunch, swam, and hung out at Barrett’s Cove Beach! Now, they’re off to Stonington to prep for their three-day kayaking adventure starting tomorrow! Sounds like a awesome day – complete with some tasty-looking food!
Vermont to Montreal A (VMA)
It’s go-time for our VMA folks! Energy is high as everyone gets to know each other in the van ride up to their first campsite in Vermont. Tomorrow they’ll hit the road to start their journey to the border and onto Montreal!
Vermont to Montreal B (VMB)
Our VMB folks are also just beginning their trip today! They have a lot to look forward to as they prep for their first day of riding tomorrow! We have word that they did take a blog photo today… but that they were planning to send it when they got to camp, only to not have enough service to get it through! Alas – we’ll have to wait for more pictures tomorrow.
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
Today CRMC ziplined on the longest zipline in Central America! It’s safe to say that the stoke was (and still is!) very high. Word is the group is all excited about their big challenge hike through the Cloudbridge Natural Reserve tomorrow!
California Mountains & Coast (CMC)
Sounds like our CMC folks are having a blast out west. They started the day out strong with a hearty pancake breakfast before hitting the water and paddling back to their basecamp. Once back to their van, they celebrated with a pastry sampler form a local bakery before taking a picturesque walk out to the Point Reyes Lighthouse. Not too shabby!
Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)
Today AKMCA finished their first backcountry expedition! After a beautiful two days of hiking along Eagle River with “stunning views and great company”, they’re back in the front country for one night before turning around and heading out for their next backcountry adventure tomorrow!
Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)
AKMCB made the best of a rainy day as they took a water taxi out to the edge of Holgate Glacier and spent the afternoon paddling. They’ll hit the water again tomorrow – and keep their eyes open for whales, seals, jellyfish, and who knows what else – before heading back to Seward tomorrow night.
Northwest Explorer (NWX)
After an exciting day of whitewater rafting on the Skagit River, our NWX crew made their way back towards Seattle. It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is there last full day together… but they’ll get to spend it exploring Seattle and celebrating all that they accomplished over the last three weeks. You rock, NWX team!
Pacific Coast (PC)
They made it to San Francisco! Today, our PC squad completed their 600-mile journey down the Oregon and California coasts and crossed the world famous Golden Gate Bridge. If anyone deserves a celebratory day in San Francisco tomorrow, it’s these folks! And yes… that is the Golden Gate hiding behind that thick layer of clouds… see the last photo for “proof”!
Alps Explorer A (AXA)
Today AXA spent their last full day together exploring Geneva and even taking a dip in Lake Geneva. After completing the 100-mile Tour Du Mont Blanc, a day of walking around the city (without heavy packs!) seems like a well-deserved break!
Alps Explorer B (AXB)
AXB also enjoyed a fun-filled day exploring the exciting city of Geneva. Before they all head home tomorrow, they enjoyed one last group dinner to celebrate a fantastic 20 days in the Alps!
Europe Coast to Coast 1 (ECC1)
ECC1 had “a wonderful off day in town enjoying pide and schnitzel!” (not to mention some sprinkles…) in Germany before resting up and getting back on the road tomorrow!
Europe Coast to Coast 2 (ECC2)
Today ECC2 crossed another border as they made their way into Germany! Grace and Christian’s crew have a lot to look forward to as they have a day off tomorrow exploring the city of Schiltach! It was a busy day for our ECC2 folks but we will be in for some amazing pictures tomorrow!
Pyrenees Mountains and Coast (PMC)
Today our PMC folks enjoyed exploring Port de la Selva. We received word (and photographic evidence) that the group hiked down to the water! Sounds like Port de la Selva is treating them well so far!
