Day 5: Look Alive!

On the fifth day of Apogee my true love gave to me… 24 amazing trips (don’t overthink it). Welcome back, Apogee enthusiasts! We are more than halfway through our first week of summer, and things are heating up. Whether it is looking for muskox in the Alaskan backcountry or practicing Spanish in the Costa Rican countryside, this week has had a little bit of something for everyone. Stick with us while we follow our Apo family as they seek adventure in every corner of the globe.

Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMCANEMCB, CRMGSA, CS, MCCEDEX, VM,  CRLSCRMCCMCA, CMCB, AKMC, NWXA, NWXB, PCA, PCBAX, PMC, ECC1, ECC2, ACC

Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)

These young pioneers enjoyed their last day in Acadia with an early day hike and some more exploring. Parting (with the National Park) is such sweet sorrow – but not when you’re headed to an awesome lighthouse in Midcoast Maine!

Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)

These non-stop navigators spent the whole day riding through Nantucket, where they stopped at more than one beautiful beach. Looks like this group left behind a little beach surprise for the next person. Apogee represent!

New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)

Is that Bigfoot or did Jesse grow out his beard? NEMCA got to the bottom of this age-old mystery as they logged some serious hiking in the White Mountains this afternoon. They made it all the way up to Arethusa Falls!

New England Mountains & Coast B (NEMCB)

NEMCB became certified guides of the White Mountains today (well, not exactly, but they did do some major exploration). They packed in the miles while still having time to crack a joke or ten!

Nothin’ beats a waterfall selfie

Colorado’s Rocky Mountains A (CRM)

Today, CRM found the gold at the end of rainbow, or, more accurately, the lake at the end of the hike. After a day packed full of their biggest treks yet, CRM spent a well deserved evening relaxing with a gorgeous view.

Golden State Adventure (GSA)

GSA was stoked to be getting on the water and headed straight for the Channel Islands. Maybe there was a celebrity sighting, or, more likely, an island fox spotting! Fingers crossed for photographic evidence soon.

Caribbean Service (CS)

CS spent their day logging service hours working on the gorgeous, wild Tanama River. This day provided some of the coolest jungle spots around, and definitely proved worth the hype. Also, more puppy pictures from yesterday! Because… puppies!

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)

Dear MCCE fans,

Today our students met with professional writing instructor Colin to workshop their essays, and get crack-a-lackin’ on their drafts. They then headed to campus for an admissions workshop, all the while reaping the benefits of their stunning Maine surroundings. What a day!

Love, The Office Staff

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)

DEX was on to their second day of ‘yaking (short for kayaking, all the kids are saying it!). Rumor has it they even spotted a mermaid, or maybe it was just Cole splashing around. Island life means no photos for us today, but we can’t wait for the influx of pics when they come ashore!

Vermont to Montréal (VM)

After a night full of ultimate frisbee and laughs, the VM squad made great time as they pedaled through the hills of Vermont. They took a quick stop to explore picturesque Middlebury. Go Panthers!

Costa Rica Language & Service (CRLS)

Our CRLS crew had another day of service work at the Hogar de Ancianos and the Hogar de Indigenas. Today was their last day in the area, so they were sure to soak up the good times (including some Salsa dancing!)

Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)

CRMC started things on a high note (get it?) as they took off on Central America’s longest zip line. Rumor has it, this group got an awesome geo lesson from Parker after flying through the treetops!

Is that a tropical bird? Nope, it’s just Emmaline flying through the treetops!

California Mountains & Coast (CMCA)

Yeehaw! These young trekkers have touched down in Yosemite National National Park. They spent the day hiking and taking in the beautiful views!

The good news: Yosemite is stunningly beautiful. The bad news: Yosemite has minimal cell service. Fingers crossed we get a pic soon!

California Mountains & Coast (CMCB)

“When I say whoa, I mean whoa!” Yosemite Sam, anyone? Our CMCB had a great day of hiking in Yosemite, before relaxing at their idyllic camp.

The good news: Yosemite is stunningly beautiful. The bad news: Yosemite has minimal cell service. Fingers crossed we get a pic soon!

Alaska Mountains & Coast (AKMC)

AKMC is back and better than ever as they take on their second trip into the backcountry. Today, in the lumberjack capital of the world, our voyagers took on the Willawaw Lakes Loop! Happy trails, mountaineers – we can’t wait to see your post-backcountry photos!

Northwest Explorer (NWXA)

They should call NWXA the Backstreetcountry Boys (and Gals), because today they left the front country behind and headed for their first night in the backcountry! They’re flexing – both literally and figuratively.

Northwest Explorer (NWXB)

After a fantastic day of rafting, NWXB got back on land and spent the day preparing for their upcoming nights in the backcountry. In addition to their prep work, they mixed in some capture the flag and made delicious no-bake cookies to keep the good times rolling.

Pacific Coast (PCA)

PCA took off for a big day of riding to Humbug Mountain, a quintessential Oregon staple. No one was saying “bah humbug” with these killer views, human pyramids, and awesome riding!

Pacific Coast (PCB)

Ch-ch-ch-changes! PCB was on the road again and biked towards beautiful Bullards Beach, and made the most of their time in the sand and surf. This group knows how to make good time into camp!

Alps Explorer (AX)

Our Alps Explorers moved on to Fiesch today, and rumor has it they took a cable car to get up to the Alps! Would you look at this gregarious group?Incroyable!

Pyrenees Mountains & Coast (PMC)

PMC has been trekkin’ along at a great pace these past couple of days, and today was no exception. They ended the day looking out over the Alpine Lakes, playing some zesty games, and even celebrating a birthday! Not a bad way to spend an evening.

Europe Coast to Coast 1 (ECC1)

Bumpity, bump, bump! ECC started the day off with a ferry ride, before cruising through a quintessential Dutch town with lots of cobblestone roads. Word is, they crushed some MAJOR headwinds today and still ended the day laughing.

Europe Coast to Coast 2 (ECC2)

After a long day of traveling yesterday, ECC2 was thrilled to start exploring! They made their way to Wassenaar, NL, where they could read, chat, and even flex their cooking skillz. Check out those dessert grins!

YUM!

America Coast to Coast (ACC)

“Georgia on my mind…” Well, it was definitely on the mind of our ACC crew who cycled their way through the sweet Georgia pines into Sandersville, GA.