Believe it or not, we’re officially 30 days into our summer! As previewed in yesterday’s blog intro, a few members of our office staff have turned 30 recently. While those of us still basking in the youthful glow of our 20’s occasionally like to poke fun at the more aged among us, we can’t help but agree that there is something special about 30. For many, 30 is when you reach big milestones, develop a strong sense of self, and learn how to truly enjoy the best of what life has to offer— and the same can most definitely be said for our Apogee trips on the 30th day of Summer 2022!
Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMCA, NEMCB, CRM, CS, MCCE, DEXA, DEXB, VMA, VMB, CRMC, CMC, AKMCA, AKMCB, NWX, PC, AXA, AXB, ECCA, ECCB, PMC
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
Today our MCJ crew started their great adventure! They played name games and practicing setting up their tents (they are going to be pros in no time!). Everyone loved learning about their new tripmates during the air conditioned drive to Brunswick. This crew is SUPER excited to make new friends and start their week of fun in the sun.
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
Today was the first full day for these excited bikers! The temperatures were high but their spirits were even higher. This hard-working crew biked 14 miles today – broken up in the middle by a beautiful ferry ride out to Martha’s Vineyard! That wasn’t enough for these fun-loving folks, either. After the ferry, they headed to the beach for what will undoubtedly be the first of many beach days!
New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)
NEMCA had their first day of hiking and (surprise!) it was great! They had a great view of Mt Washington from their trail today and crossed all of their fingers with hopes that their weather will be favorable later this week for their Challenge Day! While their feet headed up the mountain, the crew also took this opportunity to practice their bird calls! We’ll expect to see a very wise owl returning to civilization with them at the end of their trip!
New England Mountains & Coast B (NEMCB)
NEMCB kicked off this morning with everybody’s favorite breakfast – Cheerios! They did their first hike in the White Mountains and got some truly stellar views over their 4.4 miles – that’s a good first day of hiking! After hiking, it was time for some well-deserved showers! This group has such a good attitude that they are already looking down the trail to their next adventure in the Whites!
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
Today, our CRM crushed it on the first hike in Grand Lake and then ate a picnic lunch in town. Afterwards, they explored the town of Grand Lake and decided that they already have a favorite game: Jedi Juice! They are pretty excited to head to Estes Park tomorrow where they get to stay for the next five nights!
Caribbean Service (CS)
After watching the most beautiful sunrise down on the pier, this crew made an homage to Jack Johnson with some banana pancakes. After eating to their hearts content, they took the ferry over to San Juan where they had a truly delicious Final Dinner and shared their appreciation for each other! Some bittersweet goodbyes for this crew will come tomorrow!
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
Today our intrepid MCCEers gathered at the yurts to begin a week filled with fun, friendship, and flowery phrases! They cooled off with a dip in the pond and had fun getting to know one another. We can’t wait to hear about all the adventures that this group gets up to!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)
Today was the first day of DEXA’s overnight sea kayaking adventure! They not only crushed their kayaking, but they swam in a lovely old quarry full of fresh water. They had tasty penne with spinach and chickpeas and showcased their quick wit with a comedy stand up show on the beach. We can’t wait to hear the jokes they return with!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)
DEXB came out of the backcountry today with miles on the Appalachian Trail under their belt! This now-seasoned group of troopers crushed almost 15 miles with ease (and many of them were backpacking for the first time)! Today they resupplied and will head to Baxter State Park to try their hand at an even bigger hike tomorrow, Mt. Katahdin!
Vermont to Montreal A (VMA)
Today our VMA crew enjoyed a beautiful 16-mile ride to their campsite in Quebec. After crushing the day’s itinerary and getting into camp early, the group played a game of human knot (a true classic), went swimming in the camp ground’s swimming pool, and enjoyed a tasty dinner. We’re SO excited for this group to make it to Montreal tomorrow!
Vermont to Montreal B (VMB)
Folks, our VMB team has made it to Canada! After a scenic and flat day of riding, the group crossed the boarding and settled down at their campsite for the evening. Look at those smiles! We can’t wait to see this group conquer their next few days of riding before celebrating Canadian-style in the beautiful city of Montreal.
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
Could Costa Rica look any more picturesque? Turns out, it will if you’re looking at shore from a surfboard on the ocean! Our CRMC crew had their surfing lesson today! They got started bright & early at 8am and what a beautiful day. The winners of their two-day long Iron Chef event got to pick out their Prized Souvenirs to bring home as well before they headed back to Alajuela for a delicious but bittersweet Final Dinner.
California Mountains & Coast (CMC)
Today was a big day for CMC! They got their heads off the pillows pretty early and headed on down near Santa Cruz for some pretty stellar surfing. Afterwards, our CMCers stopped in the beautiful town of Capitola for a picnic lunch and some exploring, before heading to Half Moon Bay to camp by the beach.
Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)
Another stellar day in Alaska! AKMCA tackled Exit Glacier today with ice tools in hand and crampons on their feet! The sun peaked out for them and illuminated the beautiful blue of the glacier! What with the time difference between Alaska and England, we have not received their photos from today as of yet, but we’ll be excited to update with them tomorrow!
Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)
AKMCB emerged from the backcountry with big smiles and a new appreciation for shower water pressure! They spent two nights and three days in the Chugach backcountry enjoying the wildflowers and some truly spectacular views. They are gearing up for community service tomorrow on their last full day in Alaska!
Northwest Explorer (NWX)
This group is all smiles on Day 2! They enjoyed a delicious breakfast in Manchester State Park and then traveled to Olympic National Park. They crushed a hike on Hurricane Ridge and enjoyed amazing visibility. We can’t wait to see what they get up to next!
Pacific Coast (PC)
Our crew is cruising! We started off today at Umpqua Lighthouse SP with an early breakfast and our bike safety check! We learned how to pack panniers and get our bikes ready to rock. We are about to cross Coos Bay Bridge and enjoy a nice lunch on the other side!
Alps Explorer A (AXA)
No pictures from our AXA group today (we suspect they’re just trying to build anticipation for tomorrow’s stunning shots), but leaders Hannah and Tommy said the group had a beautiful day of hiking around Zermatt in preparation for starting the TMB. They capped their day in the mountains off with some banana splits and group bonding. We can’t wait to hear about what they do next!
Alps Explorer B (AXB)
Our AXB group is getting their hiking legs prepped and ready for the TMB! They enjoyed blue bird skies and amazing views of the alpine terrain they’re going to conquer over the next few weeks.
Europe Coast to Coast 1 (ECC1)
It’s hard to believe it, but our ECC1 crew is nearing the end of their journey across the continent! This group had a big climb to start off their day, but after coasting into camp, they enjoyed a lovely dip in a lake to cool off. Jealous is an understatement!
Europe Coast to Coast 2 (ECC2)
Italy is no match for our ECC2 crew! Look at those smiles and stunning Italian vistas. This group enjoyed a mostly flat ride today (which they’ve certainly earned after biking up the Alps!) and a tasty dinner to cap off a day well spent.
Pyrenees Mountains and Coast (PMC)
We can’t believe that our PMC crew is so close to the end of their journey! The group enjoyed a scenic, downhill hike, did some laundry, and are now dreaming of the adventures that await them in Barcelona. We’re so proud of what these folks have accomplished (and jealous of the stunning views they got to enjoy today)!
