Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMC, CRM, CSA, MCCE, MCP, DEXA, DEXB, VM, CRLS, CMCA, CMCB, CQA, CQB, MSA, NWXA, NWXB, PCA, PCB, SHX, AXA, AXB, ECCA, ECCB, ACC1, ACC2
By Olivia Box
Each day from around the globe, we receive trusty blog pictures (service dependent) and updates from the field. Given the European and West Coast time differences, it’s a steady stream coming in from our groups; often hikers send pictures from their peaks or valley views, and bikers send plenty of roadside lunch spots and sunrise shots. Across the map, it’s exciting to imagine the mileage and hard work that extends beyond the pictures; there are early wake-up calls that make those peaks possible, there are cook crews that provide those delicious dinners, and there is plenty of laughter from all the camp bonding. The pictures are truly just a snapshot of the good vibes present on Apogee trips, and small as they are, we hope they translate all the good things occurring on trip!
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
The youngest Apogee crew spent the morning volunteering with Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program, helping organize and prep mail. The staff at MCHPP enjoyed the groups’ “positive energy and giggling.” This evening they explored Portland before enjoying a big, celebratory pizza dinner together.
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
Goodbye to the Islands, but hello to Cape Cod! The CI crew biked to the ferry this morning, rode the ferry across Nantucket Sound, and landed in Hyannis and began biking again! The next few days they’ll bike around Cape Cod, all the way to the tip of the Cape!
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
Round 3 of NEMC began today with introductions in Wakefield, MA before heading up to southern Maine for the night. Their trip is jam-packed with hikes in the Whites, rafting and kayaking, and a ropes course tomorrow! Stay tuned for more.
Caribbean Service Adventure (CSA)
A busy travel day for CSA as they transit from Utuado to Vieques, a small island east of the main island. They’ll spend the next six days in Vieques, volunteering with various local organizations and getting to explore the charming beaches.
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
This morning MCCE put pens to paper (well, fingers to the keypad) and continued to outline and draft their essays with their master writing instructor, Jaed. This afternoon, they spent another productive session at Bowdoin, this time focusing on their interview skills. To relax after a busy day, they enjoyed a picnic dinner and swim at Wolfe’s Neck State Park.
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)
It was a beautiful, full day of paddling along Maine’s cherished sea coast for our DEXAers. They’ll spend their second of two nights on the island tonight before paddling back to mainland tomorrow. This afternoon, they did their part by cleaning up the beach (#LeaveNoTrace). No island stay is complete without a swim, and there has been plenty of that!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)
Prize for the earliest morning goes to DEXB! Today was the traditional sunrise hike up Cadillac Mountain, which is the highest point on the North Atlantic Seaboard and, thus, the first place to see the sunrise in New England. Toting their sleeping bags, the crew reached the summit and had some spectacular views (and some spectacular naps to match).
Vermont to Montréal (VM)
A full rest day today for VM, but still a busy day for the Vermonsters! This morning they volunteered with Burlington Parks and Recreation, laying woodchips and helping with landscaping. The afternoon was dedicated to city exploration in Burlington, one of the most vibrant New England cities – oh, and also a visit to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
Costa Rica Language & Service (CRLS)
Viernes! Friday! That means morning Spanish lessons and in the evening, they take their language skills to the dance floor for salsa lessons.
California Mountains & Coast (CMCA)
After paddling back to shore, CMCA transited to Calaveras State Park where they’ll spend the day tomorrow hiking among some of the world’s tallest trees. It’s the perfect opportunity to build those hiking muscles for their upcoming backcountry expedition in Yosemite! And fortunately, we’ve got a plethora of kayaking pictures today!
California Mountains & Coast (CMCB)
It’s Day One of Yosemite! Yesterday they snagged views of El Capitan to hype them for the next few days in one of the country’s best National Parks (in our humble opinion). The next three days will be spent deep in the heart of Yosemite – and we can’t wait to hear all about it in a few days when they return to civilization!
Coast to Québec (CQA)
After enjoying some homemade blueberry buckle, CQA was properly fueled for their “nice and easy” 35 mile ride to Dexter, Maine. Question for CQA: do blueberry desserts encourage fast riding or is fast riding rewarded with blueberry desserts?
Coast to Québec (CQB)
Today, the road turned uphill for Coast to Quebec B; aka Tour de Maine. The riders became familiar with their “granny gears” as they pedaled up the many hills of Maine farm country. Their uphill efforts were rewarded with smooth flowing downhills and splendid panoramic views of the countryside. Arriving at their accommodations for the night, the group enjoyed some well-deserved pizza.
Montana Service Adventure (MSA)
The Big Sky Biker Gang enjoyed a beautiful ride from Browning to St. Mary’s. It was their first taste of Montana mountain splendor. Along with the mountain scenery comes some winding climbs and downhills to match. It’s goodbye to the plains and hello to Glacier National Park and its aspen forests!
Northwest Explorer (NWXA)
Still in the back country of the North Cascades, and still relishing in the scenery, we got word via satellite communication that Joby and Lindsey’s terrific trekkers are “all smiles”! They’re really testing our patience with this whole waiting for pictures thing, though…
Northwest Explorer (NWXB)
After a peaceful rest day, NWXB headed towards the Olympic Peninsula where they’ll begin their five night, six day backcountry section tomorrow. Today was all prep work for their stint in the backcountry, and they’re eager to get hiking!
Pacific Coast (PCA)
PCA’s 37 miles today included some monster hills alongside the Eel River. They’re making great headway down the coast, getting sneak-peeks of the ocean along the way! One more big day of riding before a (well-deserved) rest day! Unfortunately, not quite enough service to send pictures today, but we’ll have more tomorrow!
Pacific Coast (PCB)
After community service yesterday, PCB had a huge 60 mile ride today. They also had the grand opportunity to bike underneath Sequoias as they pedaled through the Valley of Giants (and the valley of cows?).
Scottish Highland Explorer (SHX)
Exploring Scotland in a new way today, this time with a wee little paddle along the Scottish coast! They paddled in Gairlochy Holiday Park with far off views of the Highlands, and up-close views of beaches and greenery.
Alps Explorer (AXA)
AXA crossed into Italy today during their 15 km hike, crossing the Col de la Seigne, and sharing some stunning views. Tonight they’re staying in a rifugio, a mountain hut, one of the many gems of European hiking. They’ll enjoy warm showers and a warm, authentic Italian dinner, though no service for pictures, unfortunately for us.
Alps Explorer (AXB)
It’s a big, small day for AXB. A big day because it’s the only rest day on the TMB, and a small day because it’s a 0 mileage day! They took the bus to Courmayeur and explored the alpine village and it’s vibrant centro. No day in Italy is complete without genuine gelato and authentic pizza!
America Coast to Coast (ACC1)
Freddy and Anna (better known as Franna) led their squad 60 smooth miles into their air-conditioned accommodations before Noon. Where will they spend tomorrow night, you ask? The Golden State of California!
America Coast to Coast (ACC2)
It’s the last rest day for ACC2 before they begin their final push towards San Diego. Today they volunteered with Feed My Starving Children, a local Phoenix organization. The rest of the day was devoted to laundry, stretching, and getting excited for the remaining miles!
