By: Greg Gallagher
Today was an action packed day for Apogee all over the world. Our groups did every type of activity you can think of – hiking, biking, kayaking, rafting, swimming and more! A well-rounded day for Apogee is in the books!
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ1): An early morning for MCJ started a full day of hiking and beautiful views in Acadia National Park! One peak is not enough for this adventurous bunch as they ascended multiple mountains throughout the day.
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI1): The CI Crew can do it all! They left camp on their bikes and spent much of their day volunteering at the FARM Institute, a working farm dedicated to sustainable agriculture out there on the Vineyard. After a rewarding job well done, the group spent the afternoon exploring the beach and even had time for a quick swim!
Caribbean Service Adventure (CSA1): Today was the last day at Hacienda Verde for CSA1 and was a day of exploration for the group. Having met their service goals the past few days, the morning was full of breathtaking views of the Rio Grande de Aricebo Valley at La Cueva Ventana!
Vermont to Montreal A (VM1A): A nice day of R&R (rest and relaxation) as the VM1A crew had a relatively easy ride as they gear up for a long day of picturesque farmland tomorrow!
Vermont to Montreal B (VM1B): The “wall,” one of the trip’s toughest ascents, cannot stop this determined bunch! Leaders, Chandler and Anna, practiced safe riding on the scenic downhill. The group celebrated with lunch and games in lovely Branbury.
Maine’s Downeast Explorer A (DEX1A): DEX1A hit the high seas today as they began the kayaking and community service portion of their trip. The group braved the breeze and had a rewarding day cleaning up surrounding islands! [Ed. Note: if history is any guide, we’re not likely to get pictures from these guys until they come off the water on Tuesday.]
Maine’s Downeast Explorer B (DEX1B): Shannon, Jared and their DEX Bravos stretched their legs today in the gorgeous Acadia National Park. As they hiked the Orange and Black Path to the Champlain North Ridge Trail, they were greeted by expansive and beautiful views. The group then headed to the aptly named Sand Beach, followed by a visit to charming Bar Harbor.
Costa Rica Language & Service (CRLS1): Emily, Thomas and their amigos began the day with a booming rendition of Happy Birthday for Ben! The afternoon was full of white water rafting on El Rio Pacure, one of National Geographic’s top 10 river trips in the world. What a great way to spend a birthday!
Coast to Quebec A (CQ1A): Beautiful views on Route 32 as Emily, Kadin & Co. trekked to Camden! Quintessential Maine!
Coast to Quebec B (CQ1B): 28 hilly miles can really work up an appetite! Lunch for Jess and Michael’s crew was an impressive spread of baguettes, greens, avocados, ham, cheese and more. They even found time for an ice cream stop at Pimaquid Lighthouse!
California Mountains & Coast A (CMC1A): Breakfast on the beach for David and Isa’s kayakers was followed by a day full of kayaking the Pacific blue (or, the Tomales Bay blue…)! [Ed. Note: with apologies for the poor quality of these pics, we don’t usually get them at all from this location – we should have better quality pictures tomorrow as the group transitions to the Sierra.]
California Mountains & Coast B (CMC1B): The CMC1B folks explored in Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The park lived up to its name! Today, the group traveled to Yosemite to prepare for the backcountry!
Montana Service Adventure (MSA1): MSA1 met the rolling hills of Montana and absolutely loved it. Smiles were all around as the group settled into camp!
Northwest Explorer (NWX1): It was a stunner of a day in the Olympic National Park high country…
Pacific Coast A (PC1A): PC1A gets to see it all – a beautiful sunset on the beach last night and a great morning ride to continue along the coast!
Pacific Coast B (PC1B): PC1B began their day with a mile-long uphill (ouch!) and continued to work hard during the day’s ride. The hard work paid off as the group ended their day at Sunset Beach!
Scottish Highland Explorers (SHX1): SHX dove right in and hiked 12 miles as they traveled along Loch Lomond towards camp. The final 800 meters looked like a never ending uphill but hot showers awaited our unwavering hikers. They’ll leave Loch Lomond behind tomorrow as they push into the true Highlands.
Alps Explorer (AX1): The Alps crew had an early morning and enjoyed beautiful weather as they hiked up to Sunnega for a pretty good view (ha!) of the Matterhorn!
America Coast to Coast 1 (ACC1): Abby and West’s crew were beating the heat with lunch in the shade by a fountain! Crushing miles in the morning is the name of the game. Lunch was in Bartow, GA today, a great small town in the South!
America Coast to Coast 2 (ACC2): Lucy and Dixie’s Hard Chargers are in full swing as the group begins its journey together! Camp breakdown is a great way to get the muscles moving in the morning!
