As the title teases — are you ready for more Apogee goodness? Today brings us all sorts of “more” – more trips starting, more friends made, more adventures had. Read on to see what our trips got up to today!
Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMCA, NEMCB, CRM, MCCE, DEX, VMA, VMB, CCM, AKMCA, AKMCB, NWX, AXA, AXB, PMC
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
Ahhh, Acadia – Maine’s green gem of a national park! Our MCJers took on a hike around Jordan Pond this morning (one of Acadia’s finer features)! The group also stopped by Sand Beach to feel the salty air and appreciate the ocean. It was quite an exciting day for this crew for another reason as well… June 28th marked their van’s birthday (aka the date of their van’s registration)! Fun hats and celebratory smiles were in order.
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
This morning the CI crew went to Island Grown Initiative on Martha’s Vineyard to spend a morning doing community service. They spent the morning harvesting lettuce for a CSA and local restaurants. The group learned about hydroponics and had a chance to feed the chickens! After an community-oriented morning, they headed to the beach for an afternoon of swimming, frisbee, and reading. Time to get some shut eye before an exciting day of riding tomorrow as they head off to Nantucket!
Getting together for a group photo post-service!
Workin in the gardens is fun!
Beach time is even more fun!
New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)
Today the NEMCA crew hiked into the clouds from Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and up to Square Ledge. In the words of Andrew, trip leader extraordinaire, they “ate the clouds, named slugs, saw ducklings, and became one with the mud and rain.” They stopped by Emerald Pool this afternoon before returning back to camp – what a day of exploration!
New England Mountains & Coast B (NEMCB)
Our New England Mountains & Coast adventurers started their day with hot chocolate and good vibes! They kept the vibes going with countless riddles and games while they hiked in the White Mountains to a stunning waterfall view! The crew enjoyed a picnic lunch and headed back to camp to get cozy at camp for the evening.
Look at that thunderous waterfall!
Look at how green it is! Gorgeous!
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
Today CRM hit the trails for the first time and explored the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park! On their 5-mile out-and-back hike they saw a waterfall, had lunch by a beautiful river, enjoyed some epic views, and even saw a moose right off trail! They are back at camp taking showers, playing frisbee, and looking forward to a delicious dinner.
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
Not only can our MCCE’ers write, but they can kayak, too! After today’s writing session with their master writing instructor (where we hear some rough drafts were completed!), they headed out to check out Maine’s beautiful coastline by boat. The sun may not have been shining but they had a heck of a time out on the water before returning home to their dorms for a delicious dinner. Hard to believe this trip is already halfway done!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)
This morning, Luke and Lucia’s crew headed “Downeast” to Acadia National Park. After a yummy lunch, they headed to Echo Lake to hike around for some quintessential Maine foggy views. With a bit of rain to greet them at camp, they cozied up under their tarp for hot cocoa before getting cook crew started! A successful Acadia day, if you ask this blogger!
Vermont to Montreal A (VMA)
Our VMers are off with a bang as they prepare to bike north, all the way to… Canada! They began their journey with some group bonding in the form of van games as they drove over to Vermont from their meeting place just outside of Boston, then settled into camp for the evening.
Vermont to Montreal B (VMB)
And they’re off! The riders were in good spirits as they began their journey north after meeting just outside of Boston. They are soaking up the Green Mountain State air this evening at camp, and are excited to tackle their first ride together tomorrow!
California’s Coastal Mountains (CCM)
Today, our CCMers had a great pancake breakfast and did a five mile hike on the Estero Trail in beautiful Point Reyes National Seashore. After returning to camp, they spent their early evening packing and getting ready for their upcoming kayaking journey before eating a delicious dinner. Can’t wait to see ya out on the water tomorrow, CCM!
Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)
Today our AKMCAers hiked into the South Fork Valley and enjoyed lunch by the scenic Eagle River. They’ll be camping by that very same river this evening, reflecting on the epic mountain landscapes they saw on their hikes. Hike on, AKMCA!
Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)
Our AKMC adventurers explored the trails around beautiful Eklutna Lake today. After taking in the peace and serenity of the Alaskan wilderness, the group headed into historic downtown Anchorage to explore the town. Tomorrow it’s onwards to Seward as they prep for some epic kayaking!
Alps Explorer A (AXA)
Our Alps Explorer crew touched down and took a scenic train ride from Geneva to Zermatt, where they will be camping for the night. Train bingo was played, camp games were introduced, and delicious sandwiches (made with fresh baguettes) were eaten. Europe better hang on tight as these explorers take on the trails tomorrow!
Alps Explorer B (AXB)
AX1B is on the move! Off to Zermatt they go! They’re spending the night camping within sight of the spectacular Matterhorn! Due to some flight delays, we didn’t get a picture of the full group today, but we’re sure to get some epic shots tomorrow on their first day of hiking!
Pyrenees Mountains and Coast (PMC)
Our PMC friends got to spend the day kayaking in the Mediterranean! After soaking up the sun by boat, they explored the beautiful Catalonian town of Sitges on foot. Their taste buds also got to explore with some fresh baguettes – yum! The group ended their night with a celebratory dinner & cake in honor of an awesome trip start.
