Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMC, CRM, CSA, VM, CQA, CQB, MSA, NWXA, NWXB, PCA, PCB, SHX, AXA, AXB, ACC1, ACC2
By Olivia “Blog is Life” Box
The last day of July… but not the last day for the Apogee summer in any regards. In fact, many of our trips are smack dab in the middle of their adventures. We have trips easing into cycling with a 9 mile day, and our longer trips are crushing 70+ days. On the mountain side of things, yours truly has some serious trail envy. Several groups hit summits today, including a 12,000 footer in Colorado at sunrise, and a day hike on the west coast (best coast). Day 33 and the blog is still as alive as ever! Lucky for you folks there’s plenty of Apogee summer left.
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
Our lucky MCJers transited to Acadia today. They’ll be spending their next few days here, and will get a chance to hike the trails and bike the carriage roads that make Acadia so famous. Starting things off on the right foot, they were able to enjoy a short hike after van time this afternoon.
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
CI wasted no time settling into Island life; waving goodbye to the mainland and hopping a ferry to the Vineyard earlier today. They’ll spend the next few days on their bikes exploring Martha’s Vineyard, breathing the sea air, and perhaps taking a swim or two.
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
This trip wrapped up today with an early goodbye in Freeport. Goodbye to the White Mountain’s, Maine’s Seacoast, and camp life! At least for now…
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
An early morning challenge day for these Rocky Mountain Explorers! The team hiked Flattop as the sun was coming up, and was treated to a sweet sunrise over the mountains. They took a 9 mile route to the summit, which tops at 12,324 feet.
Caribbean Service Adventure (CSA)
The last trip start of July! Third round CSA began today with introductions and van time as they transited from the airport in San Juan to Utuado. They’ll spend the next few days in Utuado and start service work tomorrow.
Vermont to Montréal (VM)
It’s day 1 of Vermont biking! They woke up on a lake, rode their bikes for some 20 miles over rolling hills, and then set up camp by another lake. Looks, and sounds, like quintessential Vermont.
Coast to Québec (CQA)
CQA finally and truly saw the coast today! After riding through a number of some of mid-coast Maine’s best sea-side villages, they were able to explore Pemaquid Lighthouse and contemplate the briny deep.
Coast to Québec (CQB)
It’s one of our favorite days for CQB, because they ride right by the Brunswick office! After a quick wave hello (and the obligatory blog pic), they continued on their 28 mile ride to Wiscasset. They’re getting used to days in the saddle, and will be upping that mileage soon!
Montana Service Adventure (MSA)
MSA crushed their 28 mile day and were into camp before lunch! Word is that they also took a dip in the town pool this afternoon to celebrate their accomplishment. By all appearances, they also enjoyed a stunning sunset last night.
Northwest Explorer (NWXA)
The majority of NWXA’s day was devoted to packing and resupply for their five-day backcountry adventure in the Northern Cascades. But of course, they were still able to squeeze in a day hike on Sauk Mountain. Can you see the Cascades from there? (Answer: likely no, but still amazing views).
Northwest Explorer (NWXB)
Out of the woods and onto the water! NWXB had their first day in the kayaks today, and will be paddling around the San Juan Islands again tomorrow. Cross your fingers for more blue skies to match that blue water!
Pacific Coast (PCA)
PCA was back on the bikes today, heading south. They rode 32 miles today, into the redwoods and out of phone service. If Grace and Ryan’s first trip serves as any example, they stand a great chance of seeing elk tonight or tomorrow morning. We have our fingers crossed for photographic proof!
Pacific Coast (PCB)
A day off the bikes and in the ocean for PCB! After PCA surfed yesterday, it was PCB’s turn to hit the waves (catch some gnar, hang loose, you can really pick your favorite surfing phrase here). Lucky for them it was good weather and good wave-riding.
Scottish Highland Explorer (SHX)
The crew is continuing their Highland Jaunt, still rocking the rain gear and the smiles. The views are getting better each and every day, and we imagine their Scottish accents are equally improving. Just one more day on the West Highland Way! We’re willing to bet that they can practically smell that off-day!
Alps Explorer (AXA)
A lower mileage day, but that’s where the low’s of AXA’s day end. They had the privilege of hiking among some stellar peaks with snow caps in the distance! Rest up; tomorrow they will be doubling the distance they hiked today.
Alps Explorer (AXB)
Ah, to be in France and hiking a sweet 16 kilometers! They walked through meadows today with an elevation gain of 1500 feet. Along the way, they passed the Aiguille de Bionassy and scored some views of its glacier. This early into the TMB and they’re definitely living it up!
America Coast to Coast (ACC1)
54 miles, what?! Easy as pie for ACC1! The group experienced some solid elevation gain today, and the views to match. Tomorrow they’ll ride to Phoenix, capital of Arizona, where they will have their LAST rest day of the trip.
America Coast to Coast (ACC2)
Now that they are properly nourished with pie, ACC2 continued riding west. Hello Grand Canyon State! The mileage for the remainder of the trip is just about as steep as the elevation they’re about to experience, but something tells us they’re are ready for it!
[note: ACC2 pictures have become more artistic since entering Arizona. Coincidental or no, Tim and Sherry?]
