Whether you’ve been reading the blog since the beginning of the summer (Hi, ACC parents!) or are new around here, there’s something for everyone in the photos and write-ups below. We were feeling groovy today and wanted to share the No. 1 songs on THIS DAY in history – we hope you recognize a few and sing along! The full list of referenced songs is at the bottom of the post, too. From new beginnings to final destinations, our students are exploring the world with hiking boots, bike shoes, sneakers, and/or water shoes afoot. Whether you only read the blurb you came here for or find yourself catching up on all of today’s activities, we hope this brings a little ray of sunshine to your day (or evening)!
Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMCA, NEMCB, CRM, CS, MCCE, CRMC, CMC, AKMCA, AKMCB, AKMCC, GSA, NWXA, NWXB, PC, ACC1, ACC2
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
Last (full) day, best day for the kids at MCJ! On this beautiful July day, these folks spent the morning engaging in a community service project with a local organization, Growing to Give, working on the farm and in the garden. After a morning of dirt-under-fingernails, laudable service, and a baby blue sky, MCJ headed to beautiful Freeport to see the biggest bean boot known to humankind and share a delicious last dinner together. Back home tomorrow… I’m In My Feelings as another trip comes to a close shortly.
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
I Gotta Feeling that today was a phenomenal day for our CI’ers because they biked a challenging 25 miles to the neat town of Provincetown (Or if you are cool, which you totally are, you can call it P-town). They were looking forward to getting their legs pumping again after such a relaxing rest day yesterday. Tomorrow they head to Boston – how fun!
New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)
After a top notch breakfast, our NEMC team hit the Androscoggin River for an exciting day of whitewater rafting. Did they look good doing it, too? You better believe it. And did they sing Eye of the Tiger as they rode down the rapids? Of course.
“It’s the eye of the tiger
It’s the thrill of the fight
Rising up to the challenge of our rival” – Survivor
New England Mountains & Coast B (NEMCB)
“We Belong Together like peanut butter and jelly” – Mariah Carey. Our NEMCB group definitely belongs together (Check out our photo evidence). This morning, they played kickball and wiffle ball to start off the day. After lunch, they headed to the movies on this rainy day – enjoy!
Caribbean Service (CS)
Day one of service! CS spent the day working on the incredible, wild Tanama River in Angeles with the one and only, Roberto! The Tanama River Valley is one of the least-developed areas on the island and Roberto is the man who “started it all” in keeping Tanama the spectacular area it is today. Well done, CS’ers! Starting off your trip strong with some hard work, sweat and smiles! After the hard work, the group traveled to Cueva Ventana and were excited for the captivating caverns and beautiful views! While in Puerto Rico, we hope they play Waterfalls by TLC!
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
It’s the day we’ve all been waiting for! After seven days of intense workshopping, editing, and reflection, the folks at MCCE spent their last full day together in the best way possible: an essay reading! This was a powerful day–the group spent time presenting their brilliant work and celebrating with one another. After an afternoon of beautiful words and prose, the MCCE’ers headed into Portland for a wonderful final dinner together. Great job to all, we are so excited to see all that you accomplish! Call Me Maybe when you are famous?
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
Day Two – what’s new! This morning, our lovely CRMC’ers experienced a guided tour of the Manuel Antonio National Park, and saw animals galore including sloths, lizards, monkeys – oh my! Following, they hung out at a gorgeous beach with calm waters. It may be Hot in Herre (yes, spelled with two “r”s!), but the refreshing swim was perfecto!!
California Mountains & Coast (CMC)
After a restful first night in their tents, CMC woke up energized and ready to spend the day sea kayaking in the warm California sun. They paddled to their beach campsite, where they will enjoy listening to the crashing waves of the Pacific as they drift to sleep and prepare for a day packed with more kayaking and day hikes along the scenic rocky coast! As BTS sings in Butter, “Get it, let it roll” in those kayaks!
Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)
AKMCA took off for the backcountry today after packing up camp and enjoying breakfast. They backpacked through the illustrious Chugach State Park and were able to get their first taste of the wonderful views the Alaskan wilderness has to offer. Unfortunately, the Alaskan wilderness means not being able to send photos – but we should have photographic proof of the adventures soon enough! See you on the other side, Wild Thing(s)!
Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)
“I Swear by the moon and the stars in the skies” that tomorrow’s kayaking trip shall not disappoint! Today, AKMCB packed up camp in the morning and drove to the coastal town of Seward. While driving, they were able to enjoy the stunning views of the Turnagain Arm and Chugach National Forest. After exploring downtown Seward, they set up camp and did final gear-checks to prepare for tomorrow!
Alaska Mountains & Coast C (AKMCC)
Each member of AKMCC is definitely a Rockstar as they began their backcountry excursion in Chugach State Park. It promises spectacular views of the mountains and valleys as well as the opportunity to spot some wildlife! And since they likely won’t have the service to send us photos while in the backcountry, here are a few they sent from last night and this morning as they got ready to hike!
Golden State Adventure (GSA)
Surf City, here we come! Today our GSA students enjoyed their last day doing what they do best – having an absolute blast. They spent the day surfing in the great state of California, before drying off for one last, celebratory night together exploring the Santa Monica pier! We know they will enjoy their final dinner and final A’s and P’s! And, as promised, check out these amazing photos from the last few days out on the Channel Islands!
Post-surfing photo shoot!
Northwest Explorer (NWXA)
NWXA spent the day sea kayaking in the San Juan Islands! Their wonderful guides are dear to the Apogee family and rolled out the red carpet. What a way to spend a day! After a week of hiking and backcountry camping, today and tomorrow’s kayaking adventure will be a great change of pace for these folks. As Beyoncé sings in her number 1 single, “I’m warmed up now, let’s go,” NWXA is definitely warmed up for the next few days!
Northwest Explorer (NWXB)
Hey There Delilah, welcome back to your van, NWXB! After three days in the magnificent backcountry of North Cascades National Park, these folks headed back towards civilization–hot showers, laundry (important), and more supplies for the coming days. To reward themselves for a job well done, the NWXB fam treated themselves to some delicious pizza pies! With happy stomachs and happy hearts, these folks are ready to take on the next great adventure of their trip…rafting tomorrow! Great stories await!
Pacific Coast (PC)
Back on the road again!! After a day off yesterday, this group got back on their bikes and continued their ride through beautiful California – and crushed their 32 miles before Noon! They passed through Del Norte Redwoods State Park, cruising through the dappled shadows of the magnificent redwood forest. Sounds like a dream! As Katy Perry sings in California Gurls,
“You could travel the world
But nothing comes close
To the golden coast”
[Unfortunately cell service was lacking today so we couldn’t get a photo – but hopefully double photos tomorrow!]
America Coast to Coast 1 (ACC1)
Today our ACC team rode a mere 54 miles (a piece of cake for them by now!) through Tonto National Forest to Payson, Arizona! Payson is called “the heart of Arizona” which means they’re about halfway across the state! OMI is their biggest Cheerleader, so he wrote a song just for our ACC’ers!
Word is: The first 25 miles were uphill but the rest was (mostly) downhill!
America Coast to Coast 2 (ACC2)
ACC is the apple (pie) of our eye! They made the most of their stretch into Pie Town yesterday and enjoyed pies that were delivered right to their door! Not only did they make it to the continental divide, but today they wheeled their way into Arizona – their penultimate state! How is it their one month-versary? They are Rock(ing) Around The Clock!
Bonus pics from last night!
Number 1 songs on July 30th –
1955 – Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley and His Comets
1963 – Surf City by Jan and Dean
1966 – Wild Thing by The Troggs
1982 – Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
1994 – I Swear by All-4-One
1995 – Waterfalls by TLC
2002 – Hot in Herre by Nelly
2003 – Crazy in Love by Beyoncé featuring Jay Z
2005 – We Belong Together by Mariah Carey
2007 – Hey There Delilah by Plain White T’s
2009 – I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas
2010 – California Gurls by Katy Perry
2012 – Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen
2015 – Cheerleader by OMI
2016 – One Dance by Drake
2018 – In My Feelings by Drake
2020 – Rockstar by DaBaby
2021 – Butter by BTS