By Shem Dixon
Whew, folks, I must say, I’m not quite sure how Annika does it. I’ve been asked to volunteer to write the blog again today, marking my first back-to-back blog of the summer (wait, my first back-to-back blog ever) and I’m daunted by the task. When all else fails, let the pictures do the talking.
Nota bene: This blog’s title is derived from a phrase our leaders use to express their gratitude to the Apogee office, and our dear Captain Ahab (aka Chad Olcott), in particular. This gratitude stems from the opportunity to work with amazing young people (your kids!) in stunning locales, all with stellar support from the office! You will find that some of our leaders, and many of our students, are quite literally jumping for joy!
[Ed. Note: Chad here. First of all, what in heaven’s name is a “nota bene?” Second of all, Shem’s note fails to mention that “Thanks a heap, Chad!” comes up more often in other contexts – usually when something fails to go according to plan on trip. In fact, I don’t think it’s ever been used in a non-sarcastic context…. I don’t know why or how my co-director, Kevin, has thus far avoided his own “Thanks a heap, Kevin….” And third of all, the Jumping-Picture-Theme-Blog-Entry has become an annual affair ever since I let slip my aversion to the same jumping pictures several summers ago. Thanks a heap, guys!]
VM: What better way to end a trip than with some international flair? That must be the reason why so many of Abby and Reuben’s crew are airborne!
It’s almost like a flip-book…
…but subtle lighting differences indicate…
…that these photos were not taken in sequence!
CMC: After emerging from the backcountry yesterday, Dylan and Emma’s crew relocated to the beautiful California coast for a day or two of exploring and community service work.
Half Moon Bay State Beach habitat restoration work.
Duct (Ducks? No, bats! Wait, mustaches?) tape bracelets.
CSA: Something tells me that this jump for joy is more so in celebration of a new friends and a job well done, and not the imminent good-byes CSA finds themselves contemplating.
Fashion statement or sarcastic photoshoot? I’ll let you be the judge.
CQA: CQA found some time to celebrate the beauty that is bicycle touring in Maine.
Four leaf clovers for leaping good luck!
Word is that the gentlemen tried to slackjaw during this jump. How’d they do?
CQB: Pete and Sherry’s crew was safely into Dexter hours ago, and made the most of a few extra hours this afternoon!
#AlwaysBeJumping #JumpingForJoy #JumpingForCleanClothes [Ed Note: #putsomeclotheson!]
DEX: Waking up early for school? No way! Waking up early to greet the sun in the first place it beams on American soil? Of course!
Is this a mountain-top quaker countdown?
Have you ever seen them so happy at being awake this early?!
MSA: Chris and Hannah are working their group into biking shape in Montana! Tomorrow they ride into Helena, where they’ll have their first scheduled a rest day and their first scheduled service project.
Why do those in Montana jump for joy?
For lunch in the shade, of course!
NWX: John and Izzy’s crew spent today exploring, and also provisioning for their first foray into the backcountry tomorrow. Not that you could tell from these photos, they already look comfortable in the temperate rain forests of Olympic National Park!
Will we be able to take our trailer into the backcountry? Nope! Think twice and pack light.
Bonus: Wildlife Sighting!
PCA: Matt and Jeanne’s crew is enjoying the best of what Oregon has to offer:
From foggy morning rides…
…to sunny afternoon beaches! Ahh, you gotta love the Pacific Coast!
PCB: Service is spotty on the portion of the Oregon coast that Kate and Trevor’s bunch find themselves tonight. Tomorrow is a short riding day and the town they’ll be in is great for exploring, getting ice cream, and sending blog photos to the office!
AX: Can you say picturesque?! Today found AX enjoying glorious sunshine and breathtaking vistas!
That would be the Matterhorn in the background. Yodel-ey-hee-hoo!
Topping off on a little Vitamin D.
ECCA: Jeremy and Mia’s group most definitely took advantage of a rest day in Landeck, Austria.
Sampling some fine cuisine and soaking up the culture.
ECCB: Nick, Christine, and their crew also spent some time in Landeck.
Le château de chapeaux. If only French were the language in Austria, it would be a great play on words!
No students here or below, we include them to give you a sense of the scenery that ECC is pedaling through right now.
ACC1: Josh and Laura’s riders have been pushing through New Mexico like they’re on a schedule or something. Rest day today!
Who can guess why ACC1 is jumping for joy?
MAIL!!!
And lots of it!
ACC2: Did you feel that? I think it was the earth moving slightly in response to the combined power of ACC2’s thighs.
I spy a… shadow squid?
When you look good you just know. Even if the picture is a little blurry…
It looks like ACCB picked up an extra camper while in Roswell. Reports are that this otherworldly visitor was found in a tent… Safe, fun, and worthwhile!