Buckle your seatbelts folks, because do we have an update for you! It’s Day 22 of the Apogee summer, and let us be the first to say our trips are crushing it out there. From border and bridge crossings to final dinners and birthday celebrations, it has been a truly epic day in the Apo-verse. We’ve got photos to share and updates galore, so read on!
Skip to a Specific Trip: AKMCA, AKMCB, AXA, AXB, CCM, CI, CRM, CRMC, CS, DEXA, ECC1, ECC2, ECC3, IMC, MCCE, MCJ, MCP, NEMCA, NWX, PC, PMC, VMA, VMB
Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)
Our Alaska crew is hitting the town today! Their gear (and bodies) got a bit soggy in the backcountry yesterday, but that didn’t dampen their spirits – they headed to Walmart today to restock and capitalize on a classic (and always very fun) Walmart scavenger hunt! Tonight, they’ll dry their layers and pack up for their next backcountry portion: the Williwaw Lakes Loop!
Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)
This Alaska team pushed off the shore today and hit the water for their first day of kayaking! They kayaked down Resurrection Bay to a stellar peninsula where they’ll get to listen to the crashing waves all night and stare at captivating glaciers across the bay all day. We’ve heard there’s supposed to be some pretty stellar wildlife sighting opportunities on this paddle, too – fingers crossed for some epic photos tomorrow!
Alps Explorer A (AXA)
Today was AXA’s last full day! They spent their morning giving back to the community by doing some work cleaning up the Geneva Botanical Gardens. They then explored Geneva via water taxi, went souvenir shopping, and dipped their toes in the lake. Our Alps Explorers commemorated their adventures with a final dinner celebration and gelato dessert this evening. Hip, hip, hooray, AXA!
Alps Explorer B (AXB)
Our Alps Explorers enjoyed their final day together under blue skies with smiles on their faces! This elite crew completed some community service by picking up trash in the Geneva Botanical Gardens, then splashed around in Lake Geneva. Paracord bracelets were tied to everyone’s wrists after the group’s celebratory final dinner! Way to go, AXB!
California’s Coastal Mountains (CCM)
Our intrepid California team hit the waves today! They spent this morning kayaking across Tomales Bay, then touched down at a backcountry kayaking site with beautiful views and vibes. They set up camp right on the beach and are crossing their fingers that the bioluminescence is out in full force for their evening paddle!
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
Today was a day of celebration for the CI crew! They crushed their 26 mile ride to Provincetown, finishing up their last big day of riding for the trip. If that’s not something to celebrate, I don’t know what is! On top of that, it was the one and only Otto’s birthday today! The group’s day culminated in a Provincetown adventure and an ice cream stop. Tomorrow, they’ll take a ferry ride to their final destination of the trip – Boston!
Caribbean Service (CS)
Today was CS’s last day in Cabo Rojo before they head to Utuado tomorrow! They spent their morning working hard on a beach clean-up, before which they joined the first-ever Aguada beach ecotour conducted by the local government – how cool is that! After their morning of service, they soaked up some beach time and stopped at a local food truck for arepas before heading back to their home base. Tomorrow, they’ll hit the waves for an epic surf lesson before shuttling over to Utuado!
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
Team CRM started out the day by giving back and helping clean the beautiful mountain habitat that has been their home for the past week. After their morning of self-led service in Rocky Mountain National Park, they packed their bags and headed to Boulder! The team took well-deserved showers before heading out for a celebratory final dinner in town to celebrate not only their amazing trip, but also Coco’s birthday!
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
Today was a truly epic day for our CRMC crew, who had the experience of a lifetime as they ziplined on Central America’s longest zipline! We heard it was a beautiful way to take in the views from above. After zipping through the rainforest, the group hit the road for San Gerado de Rivas. They’re spending the night in the “house of the butterfly,” which is guaranteed to be nothing short of magical!
Europe Coast to Coast 1 (ECC1)
After arriving in Germany yesterday, our ECC1 crew got to know their newest home even better with a rest day in Schiltach. After getting the rare luxury of being able to sleep in this morning, this team spent the day taking showers, doing laundry, stocking up on groceries, and tuning up their bikes for their next stretch of riding. Tomorrow, they’ll pedal their way right into Germany’s famous Black Forest!
Europe Coast to Coast 2 (ECC2)
It’s another border crossing day for our outstanding ECC2 team! Today, they zoomed along bike paths as they said au revoir to the French countryside and hallo to Germany! After crushing their mileage early in the day, they met up with the ECC1 crew at camp for card games and story swapping. Tomorrow, they’ll take the day to rest up before they hit the road again!
Europe Coast to Coast 3 (ECC3)
It was ECC3’s last full day in France today, and they sure made the most of it! Reports from the field say they absolutely crushed their morning hill and were rewarded with a beautiful down hill with some epic countryside views. They hopped back onto bike paths this afternoon – the same paths that will take them all the way to Venice!
Iceland Mountains & Coast (IMC)
Our Icelanders were braced for a day of wind, rain, and hard hiking – but they awoke to a clearing up sky and strong legs! The group crushed their 11 mile challenge day hike and had a blast doing it! Reports from the leaders included: “Not sure if they even make views more scenic than that!” After such a big day, the group is diving into a fun dinner night and is looking forward to their well deserved sleep tonight! I mean… just look at those photos! Does it get anymore “Iceland” than that?!?
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
Our Maine Coast College Essay champs ended their week-long journey this morning with a bang! The group worked hard on finalizing their writing yesterday and had some play time in Maine’s beautiful wilderness in between. Best of luck on your future endeavors, MCCE!
Maine Coast Photo (MCP)
Our photographers wrapped up their week of creativity & adventure this morning! These skilled artists leave with improved techniques, new friends and a plethora of Maine-tastic memories – we can’t wait to see what they do next. Ta-ta, MCP!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)
For our DEX group’s first full day together, they bonded over the natural beauty of Acadia National Park! After taking a van ride up the coast this morning, they spent the afternoon getting settled in and exploring the park they’ll call home for the next few days. They took in the sights of Acadia on foot, hiking the low mountains to get views of the coast. They can’t wait to see more of Maine – and we can’t wait to see more of their adventures!
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
Today marked the end of NEMC’s adventure together. After a week of excitement, adventure and exploration, the group said goodbye to their new friends, but left with plenty of memories. Farewell, NEMC!
Northwest Explorer (NWX)
NWX started off their morning strong with a service project, identifying plant and animal species on the shore for the Department of Natural Resources. They got a lesson in marine ecology before bidding their island home farewell and kayaking back to the mainland. Their next adventure? Seattle! Plus, the group is looking forward to having tomorrow to explore the great city of Seattle.
Pacific Coast (PC)
Our Pacific Coasters made it to San Fran, baby!!! This STELLAR CREW rode the last 37 miles of their trip and crossed the Golden Gate Bridge today. Tonight, they celebrate, and tomorrow, they explore the city! Celebrations today consisted of some awesome Apo-families welcoming them across the bridge with cheers and signs galore, and the group is looking forward to a tasty dinner tonight. Way to be, PC – we’re so proud of you!
Pyrenees Mountains and Coast (PMC)
Sunday might be a day of rest for Spain, but it’s not for PMC! Today the crew conquered a challenging nine mile hike up to a 1000-year old monastery, Monasterio de Sant Pere de Rodes, and then to the ruins of a castle, Castell de Verdera. This unstoppable group started early to beat the heat, then had extra time to relax at the beach with some yummy gelato! Way to crush your first day hike, PMC!
Vermont to Montreal A (VMA)
Today was VMA’s first day of riding – yahoo! Unfortunately, their ride was interrupted due to flooding from recent storms, so the crew had to hop in the van and drive around some washed out roads. Shout-out to our lovely, dedicated support staffer, the one and only Henry, for making the day sparkle with some silly van games! The group is excited for a full day in the saddle tomorrow on their 17-mile ride. This squad is settled in and cozy for the evening at camp after enjoying a tasty dinner and some more get-to-know-you games. Fingers crossed for dry skies tomorrow!
Vermont to Montreal B (VMB)
After a trip start day filled with fun introductory games, camp demonstrations, and, of course, travel, this group was eager to hit the ground running – er, pedaling? – today for their first day of riding. They kicked things off with an in-depth safety briefing and check ride, before getting right into it and biking north toward tonight’s campsite on a pristine Vermont lake. These troopers cycled through some wet weather, but they were rewarded for their endeavors with some tasty local doughnuts and cider along the way! Fortunately, the skies brightened in the afternoon, and they were positively, beautifully, blue by the time the group made it to camp! After an evening filled with tasty dinner and some more fun games, this group is settling in for a good night’s sleep in anticipation of another great day of riding tomorrow!
