By: Izzy Janzen
Another wonderful day in the Apogee world! Today saw some big transitions and stepping-stone moments. We have one trip ending, four finishing their first full day together, and many that are just days away from reaching their biggest moments – whether that be their final destination, highest summit, or longest ride. Let’s see where everyone is and what they’re up to…
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE):
Today, sadly, was departure day for MCCE1. All photo evidence suggests that they had an amazing final night in Portland, where they shared a celebratory pizza dinner before meeting up with friend and writing coach Jaed Coffin once again. This time it was for gelato! While it is sad to say goodbye after making such great friends, they’re sure to be leaving with awesome memories, and also some unbelievable college essays in hand!
Cape Cod and the Islands (CI):
Here are our Capers on Martha’s Vineyard enjoying some sweet and salty snacks after an ocean swim. Alyssa tells us that everyone did an awesome job biking today! The group is enjoying lots of sand and sun while riding around the Vineyard and getting comfortable on their bikes.
New England Mountains and Coast (NEMC):
After an epic day of rafting on the Kennebec yesterday, Isa and Pom’s NEMCers came back to Brunswick, where they spent the afternoon volunteering with the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program. Pom stopped by the office to pick up the group’s mail and reported that everyone is having an absolute blast together! Word on the street is they topped off their afternoon in Brunswick with some delicious ice cream…
Vermont to Montreal A (VMA):
Today was the first day of biking for our A-Team Vermonsters. This happy looking bunch cruised through the Vermont greenery to their first campsite, and enjoyed some quality bonding along the way! Looks like they also enjoyed the first of many memorable Vermont sunsets at last night’s campsite.
Vermont to Montreal B (VM B):
Below is our B-side, Best-Side Vermonster group stopping for a water break after a gorgeous 10 miles. They group continued the smooth rolling all the way into their first campsite. Word from Freddy and Anna is that everyone did awesome today and they enjoyed their first ride together immensely!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX):
We got this picture from John at the early blog-hour of 10AM! Up and at ’em early they had already reached the summit of Mount Megunticook in the Camden Hills. Way to go team! After refueling, and energizing, they headed to Stonington, Maine to prepare for their sea kayaking adventure. In the words of John: “Everyone is feeling great!”
California Mountains and Coast (CMC):
Today is our fabulous CMCers first day of sea kayaking! These cool kayakers will be on the waters of Tomales Bay for the next few days receiving paddling instructions and exploring the coast, before jumping into the backpacking segment of their trip. Below is the squad looking good, and feeling good too.
Caribbean Service Adventure (CSA):
We couldn’t get our hands on a picture today, but we know that the tropical team logged some solid hours of community service, as well as a gorgeous afternoon hike. They may have even tried for the trifecta – beach time! If not, no worries – tomorrow is another day!
Montana Service Adventure (MSA):
Our Montana buddies enjoyed a day off of the bikes and in the rafts today! White-water rafts, that is. After such epic riding over the last few days, this well-deserved rest for their legs was celebrated and with fun and games splashing about on the waters of the Flathead River. Tomorrow they move on towards Whitefish!
Northwest Explorer (NWX):
NWX enjoyed a beautiful day on the water yesterday, sea kayaking in the San Juan islands before soaking up a truly magnificent sunset. They split their time today between paddling and community service on the islands. While one crew was sealing benches, the other was with Becca clearing trails. It sounds like the group is doing better than ever and loving the island life!
Pacific Coast A (PC A):
PCA’s penultimate day of cycling took them along picturesque Bodega Bay and through Point Reyes Station on their way to the doorstep of the Golden Gate. It appears they found a thrift store whilst exploring Point Reyes Station. How about that vest?!
Pacific Coast B (PC B):
Today PCB logged some of their biggest miles of the trip – a whopping day of nearly 70 miles! It looks like they had amazing weather and an amazing time doing it. Not to mention it’s a certain leaders birthday – guess who! Look for the crown!
Alps Explorer A (AX A):
AXA is getting fired up for their final hike of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Noah reports that they’re planning on an alpine start (i.e. super early), which means they’ll be up in just a few hours! Here they are enjoying an alpine dip.
Alps Explorer B (AX B):
After yesterday’s early, burly alpine start to crush their last day of the TMB (see picture proof below), today was spent on an absolutely epic glacier hike under stunningly beautiful skies. Yowza!
Europe Coast to Coast A (ECC A):
ECCA cycled through the heart of the Black Forest in Germany today, but not before giving France a proper send-off on Bastille Day! Tonight finds them tucked into the town of Schiltach, where they will also enjoy a day off the bikes tomorrow. We spoke with Kirk and Jeanne briefly earlier today and gave them some advice on what to do and see in Schiltach tomorrow. We’re eagerly awaiting their report…
Europe Coast to Coast B (ECC B):
ECCB enjoyed a reasonable ride of 53km to Molsheim, France for their Bastille Day! (We don’t think they actively celebrated, but it is, in fact, Bastille Day.) The group is enjoying beautiful scenery and fun photo shoots! Molsheim, in addition to having a quaint oldtown, is also home to the Bugatti automotive industry factory. Swapping bikes for Bugatti’s anyone?
America Coast to Coast (ACC):
ACC logged a big 90 miler today, with over 70 of them pedaled before lunch! The group is doing well – spirits are high and fun is being had by all! No pictures this evening, but we have word that today was smooth sailing and big smiles.