Good evening from Apogee! What better way to celebrate today’s incredible round of trip adventures than through…poetry! We’ve taken a liking to haikus here in the office and tried our hand at sharing the day’s events with a whole slew of 5-7-5s!
Be sure to check out our Instagram for more!
Skip to a Specific Trip: AKMC, AXA, AXB, CRMC, CSPR, CSVI, DEX, ECC1, ECC2, GSA, IMC, NEMC, NWX, PC, PMC, VM
Alaska Mountains & Coast (AKMC)
Back in Anchorage,
It’s time for one last hurrah,
Full circle moment!
Today marks the final gathering of our Alaska explorers! After arriving back at Anchorage, the group commemorated the laughs, triumphs, and incredible experiences they’ve had over the past couple weeks with a celebratory dinner. With bright smiles and full bellies, our campers explored the sights of the town for one last hurrah. We will miss keeping up with their rugged adventures!
Alps Explorer A (AXA)
Snow-capped peaks so high,
Echoes of steps on steep paths,
Views of the bright skies.
It’s day five on the Tour du Mont Blanc for our determined adventurers. Lingering snow covered the landscape of the Alps, and our campers happily took in the wintry view! Tomorrow marks the border crossing into Italy, and this group couldn’t be more excited!
Alps Explorer B (AXB)
Board the cable car,
Come see the Alps from the air,
Peaks and skies galore!
It was a welcome day of rest for our Alps explorers as they ventured into the alpine resort town of Courmayeur, Italy. The highlight of the day was catching a cable car ride to Punta Helbronner for beautiful, indescribable views of Mont Blanc and the Alps. The group brought along a fitting picnic lunch before checking out their alpine gardens and mountaineering displays. After sightseeing in the city center, our campers had a relaxing afternoon complete with card games galore.
Caribbean Service Puerto Rico (CSPR)
Joy in sun-kissed spray,
Guiding through the tides,
“Hang ten!”, they echo.
Today our Puerto Rico crew hit the beach for some surfing! Spirits were high, and our surfers crushed it on the waves. To relax after their jam-packed morning on the tides, the group spent the afternoon at the beach. What a day!
Caribbean Service Virgin Islands (CSVI)
Sunshine marks their path,
Our volunteers save the day,
The turtles give thanks!
Today our Virgin Islands crew did their morning of service with the Ocean Foundation! They helped out with the Ocean Foundation’s Sea Turtle Project all morning, learning about sea turtles and marine conservation. They removed invasive plants, tracked turtle hatchlings, and reintroduced erosion-combatting plants. What a special opportunity! In the afternoon, the crew rested up, ate a hearty lunch, and played some games.
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
Taking on the tides,
Balancing on their sweet boards,
Surfing in style!
It’s the Costa Rica crew’s last day in the coastal town of Uvita, and what better way to spend it than a surfing lesson! The group tackled the tide in style, and ended the thrilling day with a home-cooked meal.
Europe Coast to Coast 1 (ECC1)
Baguettes fill tummies,
Is that the Mona Lisa?
Joy in every sight.
After their hard work yesterday, our ECC champions had a well-deserved treat in store for them…a full day in Paris! The bikers made sure to grab some traditional Parisian grub (baguettes and crepes all around!) before heading into the Louvre, one of the world’s most famed art museums. The sightseeing continued with a tour of Paris’ iconic locations, from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame. The group is looking forward to a well-deserved day of rest tomorrow!
Europe Coast to Coast 2 (ECC2)
Fields blur in the breeze,
Sunlight dances on green blades,
Soon to tour Paris!
The ECC bikers crushed a day jam-packed with the hilly terrain of the French countryside. After completing a killer ride, the group arrived at camp in time to join in on a “football” game with some European peers! Finishing the evening off with a delicious chicken leg dinner, our fearless bikers are so excited to tour Paris tomorrow!
Golden State Adventure (GSA)
Pacific waves crash,
Welcome to the Half Moon Bay,
Golden, sun-kissed coast.
Ocean views complete with rays of sunshine mark a beautiful day for community service. Our campers visited Half Moon Bay, a small coastal city south of San Francisco, for a few hours of volunteering. A huge thank you to our Golden State crew for contributing to the local community!
Iceland Mountains & Coast (IMC)
Glacial mist descends,
A venture into the falls,
Water’s roar greets us.
Our campers were in for a treat this morning…A stop at Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls! Known for visitors being able to walk behind the falls, the group explored the sights via a short hike (our favorite mode of travel). Today also marked the group’s first day in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. We are anxiously awaiting their stories and adventures from the bustling city!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)
Not a single cloud in sight,
Paddles dip into calm seas,
We sleep under stars.
It’s kayaking day for our DEX-ers! Armed with smiles and paddles, the group began their journey around the gorgeous Isle au Haut Bay. After a sunny day and coastal views, our campers made headway on a nearby island where they will sleep under the stars tonight, or as we at Apogee like to call it, “cowboy camping”.
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
Sharing first hello’s,
Off to New Hampshire we go,
Fun soon to be had!
It’s arrival day for our newest group of New England explorers! Embarking on their first day as a full, stellar crew, our campers shared first hello’s, played lively games, and set up camp overlooking the White Mountains. Tomorrow brings the start of what is sure to be a beautiful, scenic hike, stay tuned!
Northwest Explorer (NWX)
Evergreen whispers,
Trekking through the backcountry,
In camp, stars above.
It’s day four of our NWX crew’s backcountry expedition, and boy, oh boy are we excited for these rugged explorers. Today’s hike through the North Cascades was on the shorter side, so our group was able to enjoy some relaxing downtime at camp. Only one more full day of backcountry trekking to go before a slew of much anticipated photos from their adventures land on our doorstep!
Pacific Coast (PC)
Bike wheels hum below,
As we ride through Golden State,
Into the redwoods.
After yesterday’s surfing adventure, our bikers hit the road again, traversing through the “Avenue of the Giants”. Known for being the longest and coolest ride through the California redwoods, the group made camp amongst a second generation forest (so cool!). We can’t wait to continue following along as they conquer California! Cell service was spotty on the “Avenue of the Giants,” but hopefully our Pacific pedalers will be back with photos tomorrow!
Pyrenees Mountains and Coast (PMC)
Following their quest,
Empanadas warm and light,
Flavors of delight.
It’s the last day for our campers as they head into the bright, vibrant city of Barcelona! Complete with beautiful beaches and colorful architecture, the group explored the sights and sounds for the afternoon. And of course, no final day is complete without a celebratory dinner, as our group munched on traditional Spanish cuisine while sharing laughs and reminiscing on memories. We will miss keeping up with their adventures!
Vermont to Montreal (VM)
The awaited day,
Crossing into Montreal,
We smile, cheer, laugh!
It’s a very exciting day for our determined bikers…After over 200 miles of hard work, crossing both state and country borders, they reached their final destination of Montreal, Canada today! The group is pumped to take in the sights and sounds of the bustling city tomorrow. We are so proud of their accomplishment!
