For many of our itineraries, round 2 is up and out! The Apoverse is buzzing with new friends and the potential of everlasting bonds. Old friendships are becoming even stronger. All around the world Apogee families are having fun while they conquer challenges together and continue their journey of exciting new experiences and opportunities to learn and grow. Let’s tune in for today’s update!
Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMCA, CRMA, CRMB, MCCE, CRLS, CMCA, CMCB, NWXA, NWXB, PCA, PCB, SH, AXA, AXB, ECC, ACC1, ACC2
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
And they are off and running…no, hiking..no, biking…no, kayaking? How many different activities can they do in one week?! Our youngest Apogee-ers are out and about with Claire and Pedro – very excited for this whirlwind of an adventure!
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
From first introductions to learning how to set up tents, Amelia and Taylor’s team of kiddos are off on their exploration around the Cape and islands. Beautiful seaside views, coastal bike paths, and team bonding await these travelers in the days ahead. But for today, they settled into the rhythm of the camping lifestyle, complete with fresh air, cozy sleeping bags, and new friends.
New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)
After sleeping under the stars and waking up to their first morning in camp, the NEMC crew set off on an aerial adventure. Teamwork came in handy while navigating the obstacles of the high ropes course. If walking on tight-wire wasn’t exciting enough, Michael and Katherine’s crew got another thrill today: clear glimpses of the White Mountains as they ventured north to Pinkham Notch!
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains A (CRMA)
On their fourth day in the Rocky Mountains, the adventurers of CRMA are settling into life on the trail and at camp. How amazing to be immersed in fresh mountain air and a new community of friends? The stellar alpine views and trusty leaders (aka Rachel and Teddy) are the cherry on top of this sweet trip.
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains B (CRMB)
Craggy peaks, forests, and tundra…oh my! Today, the members of CRMB put some miles on their hiking boots. Parker and Stella led their adventurous kiddos through the trails of northern Colorado. There, they encountered the beautiful views around Estes Park and kept their eyes peeled for elk sightings!
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
Nick and Alex’s group of scribes put their pens to the paper today (metaphorically, that is – they mostly use computers). Then it was on to Mid Coast Hunger Prevention to do their service project at Six River Farm! They spent the afternoon doing wonderful work with a mission and left with that fulfilled feeling that only helping others can provide.
Costa Rica Language & Service (CRLS)
Rain rain go away, come again another day! Due to some tropical weather, the CRLS crew cozied up in their hostel playing games and enjoying a more relaxed day. Today was great for some extra group bonding, rest, and time to soak up the laid-back “Pura Vida” lifestyle. Esperamos que el grupo pueda continuar sus exploraciones mañana –– we are hopeful that the group can continue their explorations tomorrow!
California Mountains and Coast (CMCA & B)
Aaaahhhh the land of milk and honey! These adventurers are going to explore by land, air (mountain air…so mostly just land) and sea in this great state. A couple of CMC highlights will be a sea kayaking adventure and a trip through Yosemite National Park – one of the most epic landscapes in the country!
Northwest Explorer (NWXA)
Apogee’s Northwest explorers tried out a new mode of transportation today. Rather than traipsing along trails, they paddled kayaks around the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington. This seafaring crew settled into a forested island–their home for the next few days–by engaging in community service. Their contributions helped to keep the island’s trail systems neat n’ tidy!
Northwest Explorer (NWXB)
“Over the mountains and through the woods” into Olympic National Park they go! The explorers of NWXB are in the middle of their backcountry challenge, which means a full immersion into the beautiful wilderness and quality time with the group. From dramatic peaks to old growth forests, these backpackers are encountering all that Washington’s diverse ecosystems has to offer. We only have a couple more days left until the photo drop!
Pacific Coast (PCA)
What more could a biker want than rolling hills and stunning coastal views? Today the PCA bikers enjoyed BOTH as they made their way from Gualala to Sonoma. Lucky ducks! With each mile they are moving further south, nearing their finish line in San Francisco. Wooo!
Pacific Coast (PCB)
After resting yesterday, the PCB bikers were ready to put their fresh legs to a test on today’s 66 mile ride. Their route from Van Damme to Salt Point closely hugged the coastline, so we can rest assured that sea breezes and stunning vistas kept spirits high. This solid chunk of mileage pushed Team Jack and Grace closer to their ultimate destination – San Francisco!
Scottish Highlands (SH)
The Scottish highlands are a glorious region in northern Scotland Covered in rolling hills surrounding the legendary Loch Ness – filled with medieval ramparts, beautiful lakes, and winding rivers! This gang is going to have an outstanding search for the Loch Ness Monst…I mean, adventure, through Northern Scotland.
Alps Explorer (AXA)
AXA made their way across yet another border today back into the magical land of Switzerland, and they were greeted with some amazing views. The Swiss side of Val Ferret is a bonanza of flowering meadows, glacial streams, and wooded hamlets – in other words, a quintessential idyllic Swiss valley!
Alps Explorer (AXB)
The phrase, “parting is such sweet sorrow,” must have been written about the Tour de Mont Blanc. This group made the trek out today to into Trient. What an accomplishment! 12 days around one of the highest peaks in Europe. Who is going to remember this forever? “Me!” “Me!” “And Me!” “Me too!” (Echoing across the Atlantic). Congratulations team!!
Europe Coast to Coast (ECC)
Another great day of riding today for the ECC Team. They have made their way to the legendarily lovely town of Strasbourg, where the French and German cultures start to blend – giving them a little taste of what is yet to come. Tomorrow they will make another epic border crossing into Deutschland! 3 countries down, 3 countries to go…
America Coast to Coast (ACC1)
Texarkana: one of the best names for a municipality in the region. As the name suggests, this town is giving these cyclists a taste of the Lone Star State which is just across town. And that means – you guessed it! – another border crossing tomorrow! We would have voted for Arkanexas…
America Coast to Coast (ACC2)
Yet again, ACC2 made quick work of their journey for the day – the crew made it into El Dorado before noon today! These cross country adventurers have a “golden” opportunity to uncover one of the great mysteries of humankind. The golden empire is all around them and they will have to uncover the secrets in order to continue on their journey… but for now it’s time to splash in the pool!