It is nearly impossible to sum up an Apogee day in just a few sentences. How do you say that we have trips on the water and biking through islands? Trips winding through valleys and trips summiting mountains? Trips volunteering with service partners while others raft down rivers? Perhaps our best hope is to focus on the commonalities of shared experiences, new challenges, and stunning locales. All with a healthy reminder that all of the above is happening at the same time new friendships are formed and grow as we learn from one another.
Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMCA, NEMCB, MCCE, VLCA, VLCB, GSA, NWXA, NWXB, PC, ACC1, ACC2
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
It was a warm and beautiful day in Maine and MCJ got to spend it sea kayaking in Casco Bay! They excitedly took to the water and peacefully paddled while taking in the picturesque scenery of Orr’s Island. Afterwards, they piled into the van and made their way to Acadia National Park, to set up camp and prepare for their next few days of hiking!
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
Our CI’ers said goodbye to Martha’s Vineyard and hello to Nantucket! Did you know that Nantucket was originally referred to as Shelburne until it was formally changed in 1755? Meg, Ben, and their crew had an action-packed day enjoying the ferry ride and exploring the neat old whaling town. Then they wrapped up with some beach time after lunch. What a swell time!
Nice mermaid!!
New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)
NEMCA took to the mountains with zesty gusto as they completed their first day hike! Did you know there are over 700 named peaks in the White Mountains of New Hampshire? That’s a whole lot of apogees! We wish this crew immaculate views and happy hiking as they continue their hiking adventures in the days to come. It seems that Chase & Jared have just enough service to let us know that they’re in camp, but not quite enough to get a blog picture out.
New England Mountains & Coast B (NEMCB)
Did you hear that, NEMCB? The Whites are calling! Our crew spent the day doing their first real day hike in the White Mountains and the views surely did not disappoint. It’s no wonder that that part of New Hampshire is nicknamed the Switzerland of America! Much like NEMCA, it seems that Jonathan & Savannah have just enough service to let us know that they’re in camp, but not quite enough to get a blog picture out.
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
Team morale continues to soar and the ink continues to flow as the crew enjoys some serene Maine coastal days. Today, MCCE started their day with a group workshop focusing on their essay outlines with the help of the wonderful Sage and Chuck before taking to the beach for a little creative inspiration. Best of luck with the writing process!
Vermont & Lake Champlain A (VLCA)
Day nine – how divine! These VLCA’ers are pros by now as they biked almost 30 miles to Grande Isle. Did you know that Vermont’s oldest standing home and the oldest log cabin in New England can also be found in Grand Isle, Vermont? Tomorrow is their last day of biking – we know they will enjoy it!
Silly pictures are my favorite <3
Vermont & Lake Champlain B (VLCB)
Do you know what two presidents are originally from Vermont? If you guessed my buddies Calvin Coolidge and Chester Arthur, you win! On a more important note, look at these rock stars! VLCA crushed today’s biking and made the most of a nice afternoon relaxing at their campsite, where they could see Canada in the distance. We wish them luck as they take on their longest ride tomorrow!
Peak the pure laughter at a snack break on Lake Champlain
Golden State Adventure (GSA)
Our Golden State Adventurers packed up camp and spent the morning completing a community service project. Afterwards, they did laundry so that all their gear is squeaky clean for their incredible time in the Channel Islands in a few days. The Channel Islands are known as the Galapagos of North America and one of the nation’s emptiest national parks, so our GSA’ers will soon be frolicking in their own personal paradise!
GSA’s service focused on invasive species removal.
All smiles anticipating The Channel Islands!
Northwest Explorer (NWXA)
The good news is that we were able to get a picture before NWXA headed into the backcountry with no cell service. We may not receive pictures for a few days as they trek through an unimaginably beautiful and remote area with wildflowers for days and nearly untouched wilderness! Have the best time Fanpires!
Pre-backcountry pitstop in Forks: Home of Bella Swan and all things Twilight
Northwest Explorer (NWXB)
NWXB went for a lovely sunrise hike before paddling back to Guemes this morning. It was a beautiful day and the ferry back to the mainland offered NWXB some amazing views. Next up: preparing for the backcountry!
Sunrise hike on Cypress Island!
Pacific Coast (PC)
Today PC put in some great miles on their longest ride yet; just under 40 miles! They had the luxury of riding through quintessential Oregon scenery and checking out the beautiful rocky beach close to their campsite. Tonight they’ll be getting some well-deserved rest in preparation for a more challenging but GORGEOUS day of riding tomorrow!
America Coast to Coast 1 (ACC1)
Rinse, rest, relax, repeat. The fitting mantra of a reasonable rest day. Our awesome ACC1 team deserved a dynamite day of doing nothing in New Mexico. Besides grabbing some heartfelt mail from their folks back home, of course! Tomorrow, they will be heading to Pie Town. Yum!
America Coast to Coast 2 (ACC2)
With a decidedly out-of-this world vibe, ACC2 spent most of their day steadily climbing, topping out at 6,965 feet of elevation, before a much appreciated downhill finish into their accommodations for the night. All in all, they climbed about 3,800 feet and descended nearly 1,500 feet (almost all of the descent as part of their ride into camp). Right on! One more day of riding before their next rest day!
These kids are outta this world!