An Ode to Day 22:
On day 22, it’s hard to feel blue, especially when you have such a good view! For Apogee kiddos this may be while riding a bike, or it could be while taking a hike. Whether they’re kayaking or weeding or feasting on fruit, a day in for an Apogee student is always a hoot. So strap on your bike helmet or lace up your hiking shoes, we’re reporting here live with the most recent news!
Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, CS, DEXA, DEXB, VMA, VMB, CRMC, CMCA, CMCB, AKMC, SH, PMC, ECC1, ECC2 ACC
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
Today these rockstars gave back to the community by volunteering at Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust and trying on their green thumbs. They did organic pest control (squashing bugs between their fingers!), picking peas, and some good ol’ fashion weeding! After wiping the sweat from their brows and washing the dirt from their hands, they went for an ocean dip to escape the heat before heading to their final dinner out at a seafood shack in Freeport!
Reading the journal last night after enjoying cupcakes for Caroline’s half birthday!
These biking superstars cruised down the Cape Cod Rail trail and into Wellfleet today- known to the locals as halfway between the “tip” and the “elbow” of Cape Cod (look at a map and this will make much more sense!) A day complete with some beach time, an absolutely epic grocery stop and some sunshine, these CI students are having an absolute blast.
Caribbean Service (CS)
Today was a full day of transit for CS. After wrapping up four days on the mainland, these adventurers hopped on a ferry and headed 6 miles off of the coast to the island of Vieques. They will be on Vieques for the next week, soaking up the sun, volunteering their time and without a doubt, having some serious (but mostly silly) fun.
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)
Today DEXA said goodbye to their beloved island and headed back to the mainland. They hit the road and headed all the way up to Acadia where they will spend the next few days enjoying the national park and hiking their hearts out!
Ice cream in Stonington after island camping!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)
DEXB said goodbye to Acadia today and headed on their merry way to Baxter State Park where they will be doing some backcountry camping for the next few days. They will hike along the famous Appalachian trail, a 2,181 mile long trail that is the longest continuously marked footpath in the world. While they wish they could do the whole thing, they will only have time to do a section of it this time around!
Vermont to Montréal A (VMA)
VMA had a special day of kayaking today on Lake Champlain. They played, they picnicked and they paddled! As if that wasn’t enough fun for a whole day, they also rode into Burlington today along the Island Line Trail, cruising down a beautiful bike path through the trees and along the shoreline. Welcome to the largest city in the Green Mountain State!
Vermont to Montréal B (VMB)
Take me home, country roads! Today VMB rolled through picturesque farmland and quiet, quaint country roads to Shelburne, a southern Burlington suburb. Although their legs and undoubtedly tired, these biking pros made the most of it!
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
Challenge day! Today CRMC trekked 9 miles up the summit trail to Chirripó. They hiked through Cloudridge Natural Reserve to check out some beautiful rainforest complete with waterfalls! Something tells me tired legs were worth it.
California Mountains & Coast (CMCA)
In order to do the amazing things that they do, the lucky California dreamers need to be prepared. Today was a big day of preparation before they enter the backcountry of Yosemite tomorrow. They picked up their gear from the Yosemite Valley Ranger station, their mail from the post office, packed their bags and got some rest for what is going to be an epic few days!
California Mountains & Coast (CMCB)
Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure! Today our CMCB team prepared for their backcountry route that they will be starting tomorrow. Already Yosemite is proving to be filled with beautiful views, team bonding and overall good times. We have no doubt that this will only get better (if that is even possible!) while in the backcountry!
Alaska Mountains & Coast (AKMC)
AKMC hiked through through valleys, rivers and over mountain passes! They climbed over Williwaw Pass and caught an epic view of Walrus Lake. After getting to camp they had some time for relaxation (aka exploration!)
Scottish Highlands (SH)
Scotland was up to it’s ole’ tricks today! A rainy mystical magical day in the highlands. The students and leaders alike were in awe of the lush, rolling hills of Scotland. BRING ON THE RAIN (but not too much…please!!!)
Pyrenees Mountains & Coast (PMC)
By golly, they have done it! They are off of the Carros de Foc (CdF) and back into civilization! Today they were rewarded with an easy downhill days (easy for all, except their knees) and are sleeping in tents tonight! Notable moments from the past four days: building a snowman, jumping in a glacier lake (legally!), en-cow-tering cows (yikes on that pun), and eating delicious Spanish food! As promised, please see below for a giant photo dump! We missed their faces!
Europe Coast to Coast 1 (ECC1)
After a much needed and well deserved rest day yesterday, it took ECC1 absolutely no time to get back after it. They went through three– yes, three!– different countries today! Into the “true Alps”, these bikers experienced some serious grades today and had to dig deep to get up some of the hills. You are awesome!
“Lich Pics” in Lichenstein courtesy of leader, Donovan
In German chocolate bananas is “Schoko Banane”.
I mean, come on. This can’t be real.
Europe Coast to Coast 2 (ECC2)
Rest day rest day! YES A REST DAY! ECC2 celebrated the hard work they have put in so far by taking a day off from biking to explore, devour delicious food and well….rest! However, these motivated students also snuck some trash cleanup in to give back to the community that was graciously hosting them. Great work!
America Coast to Coast (ACC)
Today the Apogee summer turns 22 and so does the ACC group! On day 22 of their enormous adventure, they biked 69 miles all the way to Throckmorton, TX. With a tiny population of about 830 people, our 11 members of ACC make up over 1% of the population today!
More physical exercise? You are unbelievable!