By: Isabel Janzen

We had a bunch of bittersweet departure days and lots of exploratory excursions today! With all of our three week trips saying goodbye and many of our two week trips just ramping up, there’s a lot of variety in our photos today. Ah, the ebbs and flows of the Apogee summer. We decided to take on the blog today with some good old fashioned Apogee Alliterations (in italics) — bear with us…

Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, CRM, CSA, MCP, DEXA, DEXB, VM, CRLS, CMCA, CMCB, MSA, NWXA, NWXB, PCA, PCB, SHX, AXA, AXB, ECCA, ECCB, ACC1, ACC2

Maine Coast Junior (MCJA)

Our mighty Maine Coast Junior students hit the hills of Acadia today. They had a successful day hike with some glorious views. They use different muscles every day on this sampler trip — they’ll be cycling tomorrow!

 

Maine Coast Junior (MCJB)

Also in Acadia, our beautiful “B” group went biking (conveniently a “b” activity)! These Maine Coast Junior students spent the day getting comfortable in the saddle by riding along the famed carriage roads of Acadia National Park.

Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)

Today our cool, calm & collected Capers had the whole day to enjoy Nantucket. They explored a big chunk of the island on their “Challenge Day” — where they covered a whopping 20+ miles!

Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)

Our rad, rockin’ Rocky Mountaineers spent their day riding the whitewater with professional rafting guides. From rock climbing, to rafting – they’ve seen it all!

Caribbean Service Adventure (CSA)

Today this crazy, cool Caribbean crew had a transit day. They took a ferry over to the island of Vieques off of the eastern coast of Puerto Rico! Here they’ll get settled in and prepare for tomorrow’s service with the National Wildlife Refuge. Not pictured: all of the incredibly pristine beaches they will see on Vieques in the coming days!

Maine Coast Photo (MCP)

Today these phunky photographers met in Freeport, Maine and played some get-to-know you games before heading north to the classic coastal town of Boothbay Harbor. Here they’ll spend the week exploring, expanding their photography skills, and making some great friends!

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)

Our daring Downeasters spent a full day out exploring the Maine waters of Isle au Haut Bay. It was a full day in their kayaks – they paddled from island to island, doing community service and beautification projects for the Maine Island Trail Association as they went. It was a combined day of coastal exploration and giving back to the area!

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)

These delightful Downeast Explorers were up at the crack of dawn today (literally) to hike amidst the stars up Cadillac Mountain, to be the first people on the Eastern Seaboard to see the sunrise. They brought up their sleeping bags for some summit snuggles. Post-hike, they had a restful morning and are now getting geared up before heading into the back country on the Appalachian Trail tomorrow.

Vermont to Montréal (VM)

Today the vivacious Vermonsters rode to Lake Champlain. Here, they took some time off the road and got out on the water! They spent the day sea-kayaking before continuing onward to their campsite for the night, just outside of Burlington.

Costa Rica Language & Service (CRLS)

Our charming CRLS crew took a break from the Spanish classroom to enjoy some fun white water rafting! They spent the day exploring and taking in some of the best water in the area.

California Mountains & Coast (CMCA)

These captivating, carefree California cruisers said a fond farewell to their paddles this morning and are ready to swap them for hiking boots. They transitioned to the Sierras this afternoon and are ready to hit the trails tomorrow!

California Mountains & Coast (CMCB)

Our charismatic Californians trekked into the back country of Yosemite today. They went into the woods with full packs and big smiles! We can expect photos from them again in three days when they re-enter the land of cell service.

Montana Service Adventure (MSA)

Our magnificent, merry Montaners had their goodbyes this morning. A bittersweet departure!

Northwest Explorer (NWXA)

Today our nifty Northwestern team said fond farewells after three magical weeks together! Here are a few shots from their final day of exploration in Seattle…

Northwest Explorer (NWXB)

It was time for these notable (and neat!) Northwest Explorers to go their separate ways this morning… They sent us a photo from yesterday’s exploration of Seattle. Farewell NWXB!

Pacific Coast (PCA)

Practically perfect Pacific Coast A said goodbye this morning – safe travels to all!

Pacific Coast (PCB)

Our peppy and powerful Pacific Coast B did their goodbyes this morning, as well – what a picture perfect few weeks it’s been!

Scottish Highland Explorer (SHX)

The show-stopping Scottish Highlanders are en route back to America. They are headed back to families and friends at home, with many new friends and memories in the books. Farewell, Highlands!

Alps Explorer (AXA)

Adventurous Alps Explorer A waved goodbye to new friends and to Geneva this morning – Adieu, Adieu, to you, and you, and you!

Alps Explorer (AXB)

Also, astronomically awesome Alps B did the same — they waved and hugged, and maybe shed some tears, before hopping on planes home — with new friends, photos, and memories in tow!

Europe Coast to Coast (ECCA)

Exquisite ECC A has begun taking on the Alps – today they rode from Bregenz, AT to Gaschurn, AT. It was an impressive 95 km day! They got some great views, and are ready for more A-L-P-S tomorrow.

Europe Coast to Coast (ECCB)

Ebullient ECC B had a well-earned rest day in Bregenz, AT today. They had a relaxing day exploring the city and also splashing around in the waters of Lake Constance. Now clean and refreshed, they’re ready to take on the Alps tomorrow!

America Coast to Coast (ACC1)

Amazing & acrobatic ACC1 had a glorious 0 mile day — resting up and enjoying time off the saddle in Jacksboro, Texas. Ahhhhh, relaxation! We’re confident today was full of fun, frolicking, and fro-yo. We just made up the fro-yo thing because it fit the alliteration, but who knows?

America Coast to Coast (ACC2)

On their 82 miles to Whitesboro today, the group sought out lunch in Sherman, Texas. A friendly gent asked the group what they were up to – when they told him they were biking across the country – he bought them all Gatorade. The wonders of human kindness!