Day 35: In-it-to-Win-it Wednesday

“Who are we: Apogee! Where are we going? To the top!” This chant is one of many classic Apogee phrases our groups use to boost team morale before a big challenge – whether that’s summiting a peak, biking to the top of a big hill, or finishing that last bit of leftover mac n’ cheese. Take a look at all of the amazing things our groups have been up to and gain inspiration to conquer whatever challenges come your way today! You can do it!

Skip to a Specific Trip:  CI, CSDEXA, DEXB, VMAVMBCRMCCMCA, CMCB, AKMC, NWXA, NWXB, PCA, PCBSH, AX, PMCACC

Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)

Another beautiful day on the Cape! Today, our CI crew had boatloads of fun, as they traveled from Martha’s Vineyard over to Nantucket. They rode a nice nine miles and even had some extra time to chill out on the beach, sand sculptures and all!

Caribbean Service (CS)

Our CS crew spent their day doing some stellar community service at the Tanama River, which they were lucky enough to take a quick dip in after. Tomorrow they’ll be hitting the water again, but this time – surfing! Good work team!

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)

Today was the first full day for our DEX squad  – and what a full day it was! They started off the morning with a day hike through Camden Hills, complete with beautiful scenery, blue skies, and a lookout tower. The rest of the day was spent preparing for their island adventure starting tomorrow. More good things to come!

Vermont to Montréal A (VMA)

What a nice pop of color! VMA had a great day as they rode 17 miles through Middlebury. As a bonus, they’ve got Apogee photographer, Jack, with them! He’s been taking lots of photos of them, so according to leader Zach, they took one of him in return. Good work today, team!

Vermont to Montréal B (VMB)

What a stellar day for VMB! Not only did they conquer one of the biggest challenges of the trip – the “WALL” – but they also rode through one of Vermont’s classic covered bridges. What better way to keep morale high and express their excitement than with *jazz hands* and some delicious s’mores!

Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)

A caption straight from our CRMC leader, Parker: “Great morning at Manuel Antonino National Park! We saw monkeys, cool bugs, lizards, iguanas, a laughing hawk (super rare!), and several sloths – including one that was doing the classic sloth hanging from a tree pose… how cool! We followed up our tour with some awesome time playing in the surf and some ice cream to cool off :)”

Sounds like a fabulous day to us, here in the office!!

California Mountains & Coast (CMCA)

CMCA got the best of both worlds today, as they spent time both on land and at sea! First, they paddled in from their kayaking adventure and later, still had time for an awesome day hike. Go team!

California Mountains & Coast (CMCB)

CMC? More like CMSea! Today, Jeff and Anna’s squad hit the water for their epic overnight sea-kayaking adventure in Point Reyes. Bonus: some lovely shots from this crew’s awesome community service work with Empire Food Bank yesterday!

Alaska Mountains & Coast (AKMC)

Today’s the day we’ve all been waiting for… the first day in the Alaskan backcountry! While I’m sure Garth and Olivia’s dream team is seeing some absolutely incredible scenery, we’ll have to wait to see it with our own eyes until after they return.

Northwest Explorer (NWXA)

NWXA is now on day two of the North Cascades backcountry! With no cell service at the moment, we will just need to imagine the picturesque snow capped peaks, wildflower filled meadows, and babbling brooks that are filling their surroundings. Can’t wait to see all of their incredible photos when they return!

Northwest Explorer (NWXB)

Is that a purple starfish I see…? Well, then it must be NWXB! This group of salty seafarers finished up their last day on the water in the San Juan Islands and is now headed for the Olympics (National Park, that is). Tomorrow they’ll have the opportunity to recharge and resupply before heading back into the magical oasis that is the backcountry!

Pacific Coast (PCA)

Hooray for a PCA rest day! Domi and Daryl’s crew put down their bikes and got some much appreciated rest & relaxation, with a side of community service, of course! They did their stellar work with Food for People, a food bank in Eureka, CA. Tomorrow they’ll be back on the road and headed south towards San Fran!

Pacific Coast (PCB)

Looks like PCB rolled into hydration station! This crew rode a whopping…wait for it… 54 miles today to Eureka(!!), CA! Along the way, they soaked in the sunlight and salty sea breeze and made sure to drink lots of water. Game plan for tomorrow? Rest day!

Scottish Highlands (SH)

Our Scottish Highlands group hiked several miles along Loch Lomond and made their way to some cozy accommodations in Inversnaid for the night! To add to the excitement, they also put on their detective caps and searched for the elusive Lochness Monster (aka Nessie) along the way. Good work team – keep your eyes peeled!

Alps Explorer (AX)

Another amazing day in the land of cheese, mountains, and chocolate! Today, our AX crew was surrounded by stunning scenery on the TMB (per usual), including views of the Aiguille de Bionassy glacier. Tomorrow, they finish up their time in France and will soon head into Italy. What an exciting European adventure!

Pyrenees Mountains & Coast (PMC)

Wow, a day in the life of PMC… who could ask for more beautiful blog photos?? Our photogenic Pyrenees squad had a solid 8 km hike through Carros De Foc, which they will be exploring for the next three days. Lookin’ good everyone!

America Coast to Coast (ACC)

Did someone say, “REST DAY?” ACC had a well deserved chance to chill-out in Phoenix today, which was filled with lots of sleep, snacking, and service (nice hair nets, ‘coasters)! Tomorrow, they’ll be back in business and ready to cruise their way towards the Pacific.