"This trip was a huge confidence booster. When I reached the top of the steepest hills, I thought I could do anything!"
- Jonathan Lewis
Barrington, RI
Barrington, RI
Blog
8/6/2010
Day 41 - Sign-Off
Dear Reader, of our four trips in the field, everyone is enjoying their last full day together today exploring big, beautiful cities on the West Coast. Of our Pacific Coasters, now firmly ensconced on the south side of the Golden Gate, Alex and Lidia's gang is, as I type, urging the driver of their double-decker tour bus to take on Lombard Street's tight turns. Rachel and Sam's group is just...
Day 41 - Sign-Off
Dear Reader, of our four trips in the field, everyone is enjoying their last full day together today exploring big, beautiful cities on the West Coast. Of our Pacific Coasters, now firmly ensconced on the south side of the Golden Gate, Alex and Lidia's gang is, as I type, urging the driver of their double-decker tour bus to take on Lombard Street's tight turns. Rachel and Sam's group is just...
8/5/2010
Day 40 - Almost There
It’s official, ladies and gentlemen. Our 2010 bicycle riding has concluded. With ACC now chowing down on fish tacos and working on their non-biker tans at the beach in San Diego, and (as of about ten minutes ago) both of our Pacific Coast groups over the Golden Gate, we are calling it a wrap! The ACC gang has already boxed up their bikes and shipped them home – then they were driving (??) over...
Day 40 - Almost There
It’s official, ladies and gentlemen. Our 2010 bicycle riding has concluded. With ACC now chowing down on fish tacos and working on their non-biker tans at the beach in San Diego, and (as of about ten minutes ago) both of our Pacific Coast groups over the Golden Gate, we are calling it a wrap! The ACC gang has already boxed up their bikes and shipped them home – then they were driving (??) over...
8/4/2010
Day 39 - Auspiciousness
Any regular reader of our humble little blog knows that today is the big day. As I type, our cross-country riders have seen the ocean, have felt the misty breeze blowing up from the coast and into Poway and Ramona, and are right now snaking down through El Cajon’s urban jungle. They’re likely overwhelmed by the sheer number of cars and traffic lights, but the euphoria and endorphins popping like...
Day 39 - Auspiciousness
Any regular reader of our humble little blog knows that today is the big day. As I type, our cross-country riders have seen the ocean, have felt the misty breeze blowing up from the coast and into Poway and Ramona, and are right now snaking down through El Cajon’s urban jungle. They’re likely overwhelmed by the sheer number of cars and traffic lights, but the euphoria and endorphins popping like...
8/4/2010
Day 39 - Part II - They're In
And - they made it! At 4:45 PM local time, and after a mere 2700 miles since June 25, our intrepid cross-country dynamos hit the water at Ocean Beach in San Diego! Two quick shots of several of the gang are below. We'll put more up shortly when we've got some good non-cell phone shots to post!
Day 39 - Part II - They're In
And - they made it! At 4:45 PM local time, and after a mere 2700 miles since June 25, our intrepid cross-country dynamos hit the water at Ocean Beach in San Diego! Two quick shots of several of the gang are below. We'll put more up shortly when we've got some good non-cell phone shots to post!
8/3/2010
Day 38 - West Coast Style
All of the action is now officially on the West Coast for Apogee. With a mere five days left, our groups are squeezing every last drop out of their trips before the sun drops into the Pacific on Saturday. Rather remarkably, we’ve heard from all four groups in the last 24 hours. Both of our Pacific Coast trips are doing great. Lidia and Alex were in Gualala, CA for lunch today, which appears...
Day 38 - West Coast Style
All of the action is now officially on the West Coast for Apogee. With a mere five days left, our groups are squeezing every last drop out of their trips before the sun drops into the Pacific on Saturday. Rather remarkably, we’ve heard from all four groups in the last 24 hours. Both of our Pacific Coast trips are doing great. Lidia and Alex were in Gualala, CA for lunch today, which appears...
8/2/2010
Day 37 - Quick Update
A very quick update for you from the field today, friends. Our very last Cape trips of the summer wrapped up this morning in Boston. I had the privilege of being down there to say hi to a few families and to ride back with our leaders. Not only did I get to listen to all of the Top 40 they had been singing with their kids for the last couple of weeks, but I also got to hear some fantastic stories...
Day 37 - Quick Update
A very quick update for you from the field today, friends. Our very last Cape trips of the summer wrapped up this morning in Boston. I had the privilege of being down there to say hi to a few families and to ride back with our leaders. Not only did I get to listen to all of the Top 40 they had been singing with their kids for the last couple of weeks, but I also got to hear some fantastic stories...
8/1/2010
Day 37 - Quiet Sunday?
A quietish Sunday across the Apogee Empire today – folks were touring Fenway park, walking the Charles River, spotting otters from kayaks in Mendocino, escaping from forest fires in the Cascades, and riding 110 miles across the Mojave. Pretty quiet, right? Our Cape Cod folks are enjoying their last full day together today, exploring Boston and its many delights. Lucas and Danika sent in a lovely...
Day 37 - Quiet Sunday?
A quietish Sunday across the Apogee Empire today – folks were touring Fenway park, walking the Charles River, spotting otters from kayaks in Mendocino, escaping from forest fires in the Cascades, and riding 110 miles across the Mojave. Pretty quiet, right? Our Cape Cod folks are enjoying their last full day together today, exploring Boston and its many delights. Lucas and Danika sent in a lovely...
7/31/2010
Day 36 - Summer Stunner
Dear Reader, I don’t know about where you are, but it was a stunner up here in the beautiful Mid-Coast region of Maine. Seventy-odd degrees, gentle breeze, and sun shining down through a cloud-dappled sky. Ahh, Maine in the summer… Or Cape Cod in the summer – or the Northern Coast of California – or Washington’s Cascades – or, umm, the Mojave in the summer… All lovely spots on this 31st of July! Our...
Day 36 - Summer Stunner
Dear Reader, I don’t know about where you are, but it was a stunner up here in the beautiful Mid-Coast region of Maine. Seventy-odd degrees, gentle breeze, and sun shining down through a cloud-dappled sky. Ahh, Maine in the summer… Or Cape Cod in the summer – or the Northern Coast of California – or Washington’s Cascades – or, umm, the Mojave in the summer… All lovely spots on this 31st of July! Our...
7/30/2010
Day 35 - The Ball Still Rolls
The ball still rolls, friends. The ball still rolls. (Does that read with the air semi-detached melancholy I’m shooting for? I hope so.) As of this afternoon, we’ve said good-bye to another three trips – with only another six in the field before we are done for the summer. I know, I know, we’ve already gone on about how quickly all of this comes and goes in this little blog, but it’s just so...
Day 35 - The Ball Still Rolls
The ball still rolls, friends. The ball still rolls. (Does that read with the air semi-detached melancholy I’m shooting for? I hope so.) As of this afternoon, we’ve said good-bye to another three trips – with only another six in the field before we are done for the summer. I know, I know, we’ve already gone on about how quickly all of this comes and goes in this little blog, but it’s just so...
7/29/2010
Day 34 - Fond Farewell
So this Saturday, yours truly (Kevin) is catching an early morning flight to San Diego. I’ll be slinging loads of water and salty snacks to our ACC group as they cross a particularly hot and dry part of the country – the Mojave Dessert. I’ll also stick around to watch the group reach the Pacific Ocean in San Diego next Wednesday. It’s a pretty cool/inspiring/wonderful thing to witness. 6 weeks...
Day 34 - Fond Farewell
So this Saturday, yours truly (Kevin) is catching an early morning flight to San Diego. I’ll be slinging loads of water and salty snacks to our ACC group as they cross a particularly hot and dry part of the country – the Mojave Dessert. I’ll also stick around to watch the group reach the Pacific Ocean in San Diego next Wednesday. It’s a pretty cool/inspiring/wonderful thing to witness. 6 weeks...
7/28/2010
Day 33 - The Hour Draws Nigh
We’re coming to the tail end of the summer, Devoted Reader. In fact, one set of fearless leaders, Drew and Rachel, currently of Downeast Explorer fame, will be wrapping it up for the year when DEX concludes in Freeport tomorrow. O, how bittersweet is the passing of time! But beauty would not beauty be if beauty did not fade, right? Indeed. OK, melancholic rhapsodizing concluded for the afternoon,...
Day 33 - The Hour Draws Nigh
We’re coming to the tail end of the summer, Devoted Reader. In fact, one set of fearless leaders, Drew and Rachel, currently of Downeast Explorer fame, will be wrapping it up for the year when DEX concludes in Freeport tomorrow. O, how bittersweet is the passing of time! But beauty would not beauty be if beauty did not fade, right? Indeed. OK, melancholic rhapsodizing concluded for the afternoon,...
7/27/2010
Day 32 - Part 1 - Return of the Cornball!
Well, then. After several days of celebrity guest bloggers, you’ve got boring old Chad steering the mighty Apogee Blog this afternoon. Advance apologies are in order for a return to corny jokes, bad puns and half-expressed thoughts! But with the material I have, what can you expect? Consider Exhibit A, this picture from Chrissy and Wyatt’s ferry ride over to Nantucket this morning – what am...
Day 32 - Part 1 - Return of the Cornball!
Well, then. After several days of celebrity guest bloggers, you’ve got boring old Chad steering the mighty Apogee Blog this afternoon. Advance apologies are in order for a return to corny jokes, bad puns and half-expressed thoughts! But with the material I have, what can you expect? Consider Exhibit A, this picture from Chrissy and Wyatt’s ferry ride over to Nantucket this morning – what am...
7/27/2010
Day 32 - Part 2 - Return of the Cornball!
And just to the West – our New England Mountains and Coast folks crushed the highest, nastiest mountain in the Northeast today, roaring up and down Mt. Washington in near-record time. They sent in this shot from the summit – it may be sweltering at home in New Jersey, but it was a winter hat morning on the summit, with a fierce wind blowing and temps in the 40s.
Day 32 - Part 2 - Return of the Cornball!
And just to the West – our New England Mountains and Coast folks crushed the highest, nastiest mountain in the Northeast today, roaring up and down Mt. Washington in near-record time. They sent in this shot from the summit – it may be sweltering at home in New Jersey, but it was a winter hat morning on the summit, with a fierce wind blowing and temps in the 40s.
7/26/2010
Day 31 - Guest Blogger - Part 1
Hello Apogee followers around the globe! Yet another guest blogger today! Susie Hufstader (yours truly) is one of two support staff working for Apogee this summer. This is my first summer with Apogee (as a staff member), but I was a student on the Cape and Islands, Coast to Québec, and Vermont to Boston trips in ’04, ’05, and ’06. Enough of that; we all know that you are here to read about your...
Day 31 - Guest Blogger - Part 1
Hello Apogee followers around the globe! Yet another guest blogger today! Susie Hufstader (yours truly) is one of two support staff working for Apogee this summer. This is my first summer with Apogee (as a staff member), but I was a student on the Cape and Islands, Coast to Québec, and Vermont to Boston trips in ’04, ’05, and ’06. Enough of that; we all know that you are here to read about your...
7/26/2010
Day 31 - Guest Blogger - Part 2
David and Anna of NEMC just called to say they are walking around North Conway after waking up for a beautiful sunrise hike. They plan on hiking Mt. Washington tomorrow, which, in my opinion, is the best hike (or at least in the top five!) in New England.
Day 31 - Guest Blogger - Part 2
David and Anna of NEMC just called to say they are walking around North Conway after waking up for a beautiful sunrise hike. They plan on hiking Mt. Washington tomorrow, which, in my opinion, is the best hike (or at least in the top five!) in New England.
7/25/2010
Day 30 - A Day of Pictures - Part 1
Let’s face it, when you get on your computer in the late afternoon to check our blog or the Apogee Facebook Fan Page (btw, if you’re not a Fan yet, please become one), it’s not to read our well written prose, our amusing anecdotes, or entertaining commentary on trip life (although that’s a major bonus). You want to see pictures of your kids…albeit often grainy, pixilated and shadowed pictures…but...
Day 30 - A Day of Pictures - Part 1
Let’s face it, when you get on your computer in the late afternoon to check our blog or the Apogee Facebook Fan Page (btw, if you’re not a Fan yet, please become one), it’s not to read our well written prose, our amusing anecdotes, or entertaining commentary on trip life (although that’s a major bonus). You want to see pictures of your kids…albeit often grainy, pixilated and shadowed pictures…but...
7/25/2010
Day 30 - A Day of Pictures - Part 2
Some of Sam and Rachel’s PC group enjoyed a game of Ninja (never heard of it before...) during a quick break yesterday. The group is actually surfing today in Crescent City, CA.
Day 30 - A Day of Pictures - Part 2
Some of Sam and Rachel’s PC group enjoyed a game of Ninja (never heard of it before...) during a quick break yesterday. The group is actually surfing today in Crescent City, CA.
7/24/2010
Day 29 - Quick Updates
Good morning, Apogee-aniacs! After yesterday's late-night posting, I suppose I'm trying to balance things out with an AM post today. My sense of balance and order aside, I'm also addressing the reality that with another Massachusetts trip-start today, I'm not likely to be able to sit down at the computer again today. Just a few quick reports have come in so far this morning... Our soon-to-be...
Day 29 - Quick Updates
Good morning, Apogee-aniacs! After yesterday's late-night posting, I suppose I'm trying to balance things out with an AM post today. My sense of balance and order aside, I'm also addressing the reality that with another Massachusetts trip-start today, I'm not likely to be able to sit down at the computer again today. Just a few quick reports have come in so far this morning... Our soon-to-be...
7/23/2010
Day 28 - Late Night Musings
As I start this entry, it is 11:24 PM - it's been a long day in the wide world of Apogee... Our indomitable leaders, and Kevin and I, started our last Cape trip of the summer today, which is always a delight. Less of a delight today, however, was the four hours it took to get from Falmouth, Mass. to Danvers, Mass after the trip start - and I was supposed to be going against traffic, for crying out...
Day 28 - Late Night Musings
As I start this entry, it is 11:24 PM - it's been a long day in the wide world of Apogee... Our indomitable leaders, and Kevin and I, started our last Cape trip of the summer today, which is always a delight. Less of a delight today, however, was the four hours it took to get from Falmouth, Mass. to Danvers, Mass after the trip start - and I was supposed to be going against traffic, for crying out...
7/22/2010
Day 27 - The Rewards to Training - Part 2
Northwest Explorer is gearing up for a short backcountry hike in the Olympics. Mike sent in the below shot before they headed out.
Day 27 - The Rewards to Training - Part 2
Northwest Explorer is gearing up for a short backcountry hike in the Olympics. Mike sent in the below shot before they headed out.
7/22/2010
Day 27 - The Rewards to Training - Part 1
On June 15, our 23 leaders and support staff arrived in Brunswick for 10 days of leader training. It’s one of my favorite parts of our season…but also one of the most exhausting. Chad and I run ourselves a bit ragged making sure that our leaders get the most out of our time together. We put our heart and souls into training, hoping the energy we put into the experience for our leaders will translate...
Day 27 - The Rewards to Training - Part 1
On June 15, our 23 leaders and support staff arrived in Brunswick for 10 days of leader training. It’s one of my favorite parts of our season…but also one of the most exhausting. Chad and I run ourselves a bit ragged making sure that our leaders get the most out of our time together. We put our heart and souls into training, hoping the energy we put into the experience for our leaders will translate...
7/21/2010
Day 26 - No News is Good News
No news, as they say, is good news. And as it happens, I don’t have a lot to report tonight – so we’ve got lots of good news. Pete and Jess’ group of Coast to Quebecers were helping out at the Coastal Mountain Land Trust today – picking up where Corley and Andy’s group left off yesterday. They spent their “off” day hiking up a mountain, hauling signage. This is all part of a strategy to make...
Day 26 - No News is Good News
No news, as they say, is good news. And as it happens, I don’t have a lot to report tonight – so we’ve got lots of good news. Pete and Jess’ group of Coast to Quebecers were helping out at the Coastal Mountain Land Trust today – picking up where Corley and Andy’s group left off yesterday. They spent their “off” day hiking up a mountain, hauling signage. This is all part of a strategy to make...
7/20/2010
Day 25 - Part 1 - Lots of Sunset/Sunrise Shots
This is likely to be another Two-Part Tuesday, as we have a lot of pictures from across the country to fit in to today’s blog - a surprising number of which involve either the sunrise or the sunset. The sun never sets on the Apogee empire - at least figuratively. Speaking of the empire, we’re now fully bi-coastal again, with trips operating on within sight of both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts...
Day 25 - Part 1 - Lots of Sunset/Sunrise Shots
This is likely to be another Two-Part Tuesday, as we have a lot of pictures from across the country to fit in to today’s blog - a surprising number of which involve either the sunrise or the sunset. The sun never sets on the Apogee empire - at least figuratively. Speaking of the empire, we’re now fully bi-coastal again, with trips operating on within sight of both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts...
7/20/2010
Day 25 - Part 2 - Lots of Sunset/Sunrise Shots
All the way over on the shores of Puget Sound, Mike and Annie’s Northwest Explorers enjoyed a great first night together (replete with an epic game of “Giants, Wizards & Elves” (how come these groups all play games I’ve never heard of?)) and shoved off today for Olympic National Park. They’ll be doing a combination of day hikes and backcountry hiking over the next few days through the temperate rainforest...
Day 25 - Part 2 - Lots of Sunset/Sunrise Shots
All the way over on the shores of Puget Sound, Mike and Annie’s Northwest Explorers enjoyed a great first night together (replete with an epic game of “Giants, Wizards & Elves” (how come these groups all play games I’ve never heard of?)) and shoved off today for Olympic National Park. They’ll be doing a combination of day hikes and backcountry hiking over the next few days through the temperate rainforest...
7/19/2010
Day 24 - Not So Quiet
How about a virtual round of applause for our celebrity guest blogger? None other than Kevin Cashman was steering you around the wide world of Apogee yesterday – and if you ask me, he did a terrific job. So much so that I think we should see more of him in the blog – don’t you agree? I think everyone should email Kevin and demand that he write more often. Much more often… Another huge day for...
Day 24 - Not So Quiet
How about a virtual round of applause for our celebrity guest blogger? None other than Kevin Cashman was steering you around the wide world of Apogee yesterday – and if you ask me, he did a terrific job. So much so that I think we should see more of him in the blog – don’t you agree? I think everyone should email Kevin and demand that he write more often. Much more often… Another huge day for...
7/18/2010
Day 23 - The Quiet
As the father of a 3 and 1 year old, there’s not a lot of quiet or down time at our house right now. Diapers need to be changed, books need to be read, baths need to be drawn, hungry boys need to be fed… It’s busy to say the least. And when I get to the office these days, the pace typically doesn’t slacken. Trips starting, trips ending, correspondence with parents and leaders, paperwork to be...
Day 23 - The Quiet
As the father of a 3 and 1 year old, there’s not a lot of quiet or down time at our house right now. Diapers need to be changed, books need to be read, baths need to be drawn, hungry boys need to be fed… It’s busy to say the least. And when I get to the office these days, the pace typically doesn’t slacken. Trips starting, trips ending, correspondence with parents and leaders, paperwork to be...
7/17/2010
Day 22 - Around the Horn
Another busy day around the Apogee horn, friends. No trip starts today, but all sorts of movement around these United States related to our humble trips. To the field! On the Cape, both of our groups are, as I type, done with the bike-riding portion of their trip. Lucas, Danika and their group powered up and over the biggest hills of the trip on their way in to Provincetown to catch the ferry...
Day 22 - Around the Horn
Another busy day around the Apogee horn, friends. No trip starts today, but all sorts of movement around these United States related to our humble trips. To the field! On the Cape, both of our groups are, as I type, done with the bike-riding portion of their trip. Lucas, Danika and their group powered up and over the biggest hills of the trip on their way in to Provincetown to catch the ferry...
7/16/2010
Day 21 - The Cheese Factor
Well, Dear Reader, my “desh-tiny” line from yesterday fell a little flat at home – my wife has threatened to move out unless I tone down the cheese factor in this blog. What’s that bumper sticker? “Man, I’m gonna miss her” – or something like that? Because cheese, friends, is the only thing I know how to do – it got me through college, dang it (I once wrote a ten-page paper in a religion course...
Day 21 - The Cheese Factor
Well, Dear Reader, my “desh-tiny” line from yesterday fell a little flat at home – my wife has threatened to move out unless I tone down the cheese factor in this blog. What’s that bumper sticker? “Man, I’m gonna miss her” – or something like that? Because cheese, friends, is the only thing I know how to do – it got me through college, dang it (I once wrote a ten-page paper in a religion course...
7/15/2010
Day 20 - Deshtiny Calls!
Another day, another destiny. So sings Jean Valjean (actually when he sings it on my parents’ recording, it sounds much more like “another day, another desh-tiny…”). And indeed, here in the Intergalactic HQ, those words ring true every day during the summer. Kevin and I had the always pleasant experience of being present for another trip start today – this time our new Downeast Explorer trip....
Day 20 - Deshtiny Calls!
Another day, another destiny. So sings Jean Valjean (actually when he sings it on my parents’ recording, it sounds much more like “another day, another desh-tiny…”). And indeed, here in the Intergalactic HQ, those words ring true every day during the summer. Kevin and I had the always pleasant experience of being present for another trip start today – this time our new Downeast Explorer trip....
7/14/2010
Day 19 - Laws of the Universe
Is this blog the right place to comment on a National League win in the All-Star Game? What other Laws of the Universe are up for re-writing this week? Ohhh, you want to know about Apogee trips. Apologies. OK – to the matter at hand! We started up the third, yes, third, iteration of our New England Mountains & Coast today in a light rain down in Weston, Massachusetts. Not put off by slightly-soggy...
Day 19 - Laws of the Universe
Is this blog the right place to comment on a National League win in the All-Star Game? What other Laws of the Universe are up for re-writing this week? Ohhh, you want to know about Apogee trips. Apologies. OK – to the matter at hand! We started up the third, yes, third, iteration of our New England Mountains & Coast today in a light rain down in Weston, Massachusetts. Not put off by slightly-soggy...
7/13/2010
Day 18 - Transcendental Blogging
Ahh, summer. Unfolding in refulgent splendor all around us! Let us soak in the deep greens of summer time and store them away for the iron grey of February! OK – Emersonian rhapsodizing done for the day – let’s get down to business. Here at Apogee Intergalactic HQ, we are in the briefest of summer lulls today, with only four trips in the field today… And of those trips, one comes to an end...
Day 18 - Transcendental Blogging
Ahh, summer. Unfolding in refulgent splendor all around us! Let us soak in the deep greens of summer time and store them away for the iron grey of February! OK – Emersonian rhapsodizing done for the day – let’s get down to business. Here at Apogee Intergalactic HQ, we are in the briefest of summer lulls today, with only four trips in the field today… And of those trips, one comes to an end...
7/12/2010
Day 17 - Charging On
Greetings, Apogee-ea! After some rocky weather, we’re enjoying a delightful, true summer day up here today. I was able to sneak away from the computer long enough to test the lovely waters of Casco Bay this morning and can attest that, yes, indeed, Maine remains the best State in the Union (at least in July). When I last heard from our Puerto Rico groups, Mike, Annie, Alex & Lidia were waiting...
Day 17 - Charging On
Greetings, Apogee-ea! After some rocky weather, we’re enjoying a delightful, true summer day up here today. I was able to sneak away from the computer long enough to test the lovely waters of Casco Bay this morning and can attest that, yes, indeed, Maine remains the best State in the Union (at least in July). When I last heard from our Puerto Rico groups, Mike, Annie, Alex & Lidia were waiting...
7/11/2010
Day 16 - More Wheels in Motion
This Sunday, an intermittently wet one up here in Brunswick, was a day of transition all over the Wide World of Apogee. Three trips wrapped up today – we were awash in hugs in Freeport as our Coast to Quebec group said goodbye in the same spot where, two weeks, more than four hundred miles, and thousands of memories ago, the group came together for the first time. I snuck a picture of Pete and Emily’s...
Day 16 - More Wheels in Motion
This Sunday, an intermittently wet one up here in Brunswick, was a day of transition all over the Wide World of Apogee. Three trips wrapped up today – we were awash in hugs in Freeport as our Coast to Quebec group said goodbye in the same spot where, two weeks, more than four hundred miles, and thousands of memories ago, the group came together for the first time. I snuck a picture of Pete and Emily’s...
7/10/2010
Day 15 - Part 1 - The Gyre Turns
Alright, Dear Reader, we’re officially back in the saddle after yesterday’s egregious neglect of the blog. But – the good news is that two new Cape trips are up and running. And, as one cycle begins, so must another end – so says Basho. Or maybe not. In any case, as the Cape trips are just getting going, our second New England Mountains and Coast trip is finishing up tonight. I was able to...
Day 15 - Part 1 - The Gyre Turns
Alright, Dear Reader, we’re officially back in the saddle after yesterday’s egregious neglect of the blog. But – the good news is that two new Cape trips are up and running. And, as one cycle begins, so must another end – so says Basho. Or maybe not. In any case, as the Cape trips are just getting going, our second New England Mountains and Coast trip is finishing up tonight. I was able to...
7/10/2010
Day 15 - Part 2 - The Gyre Still Turns
In Puerto Rico, our groups are enjoying their penultimate day together in fine form. Mike, Annie and their group are enjoying a final day of hiking in El Yunque. They sent in the first shot of several of their lads taking in the scenery from the Yokahu Tower in the rainforest. Alex, Lidia and Co. spent their day surfing with Ramses near Rincon. See the second shot below. Lidia reported that everyone...
Day 15 - Part 2 - The Gyre Still Turns
In Puerto Rico, our groups are enjoying their penultimate day together in fine form. Mike, Annie and their group are enjoying a final day of hiking in El Yunque. They sent in the first shot of several of their lads taking in the scenery from the Yokahu Tower in the rainforest. Alex, Lidia and Co. spent their day surfing with Ramses near Rincon. See the second shot below. Lidia reported that everyone...
7/8/2010
Day 13 - Time Warp
Does it strike anyone else as baffling that we are just about two full weeks into the season? Perhaps you, Dear Reader, are not keeping track of days passing quite to the extent that we are up here, but we are convinced (convinced, I tell you!) that time has actually accelerated and Einstein’s Theory of Relativity has come undone. But, yes, we are nearly two weeks in. In fact, though it seems like...
Day 13 - Time Warp
Does it strike anyone else as baffling that we are just about two full weeks into the season? Perhaps you, Dear Reader, are not keeping track of days passing quite to the extent that we are up here, but we are convinced (convinced, I tell you!) that time has actually accelerated and Einstein’s Theory of Relativity has come undone. But, yes, we are nearly two weeks in. In fact, though it seems like...
7/7/2010
Day 12 - We Caved
Confessions are due, Dear Reader. Apogee, bastion of clean living, sentinel of energy efficiency, bard of green things (I’m running out of ideas here…), has plugged in. The air conditioner is sitting in the window. And you know what? It’s great. It’s wonderful. The collective mood of Apogee Intergalactic Headquarters has up-ticked by at least 25% since we’ve plugged that sucker in. Life is...
Day 12 - We Caved
Confessions are due, Dear Reader. Apogee, bastion of clean living, sentinel of energy efficiency, bard of green things (I’m running out of ideas here…), has plugged in. The air conditioner is sitting in the window. And you know what? It’s great. It’s wonderful. The collective mood of Apogee Intergalactic Headquarters has up-ticked by at least 25% since we’ve plugged that sucker in. Life is...
7/6/2010
Day 11 - The Jungle, and Maine, is Hot.
Man, I don’t know about where you are, Dear Reader, but it is hot up here at Apogee central. Jungle hot. And that, my friends, is not something the little hamlet of Brunswick, Maine is set up to handle very well. Nonetheless, sweat-soaked though we may be up here in our air-conditioning-less office, we will bring you the news from around the horn. Let’s start off in Puerto Rico today, maybe...
Day 11 - The Jungle, and Maine, is Hot.
Man, I don’t know about where you are, Dear Reader, but it is hot up here at Apogee central. Jungle hot. And that, my friends, is not something the little hamlet of Brunswick, Maine is set up to handle very well. Nonetheless, sweat-soaked though we may be up here in our air-conditioning-less office, we will bring you the news from around the horn. Let’s start off in Puerto Rico today, maybe...
7/5/2010
Day 10 - Candids
Well, then - we (the royal we) are back in the saddle. Freshly full of ribs, corn, watermelon, and a fantastic crab/avocado soup my mom whipped up, I’m ready for another week of blogging the Apogee nation. First – to Montana – our group very much enjoyed a day out of the saddle today. After dealing with 45-mile an hour headwinds yesterday that literally prevented them from riding, they were very...
Day 10 - Candids
Well, then - we (the royal we) are back in the saddle. Freshly full of ribs, corn, watermelon, and a fantastic crab/avocado soup my mom whipped up, I’m ready for another week of blogging the Apogee nation. First – to Montana – our group very much enjoyed a day out of the saddle today. After dealing with 45-mile an hour headwinds yesterday that literally prevented them from riding, they were very...
7/4/2010
The Fourth
Happy Fourth folks. Hoping you’re all enjoying this splendidly hot day (at least it’s hot here in Maine). So our regular wordsmith, Mr. Chad Olcott, is enjoying a day away from the office. Which means you have me…a Geology major…to fill his shoes. So in true science fashion, here’s the data we’ve collected so far. America Coast to Coast crushed their mileage today and made it to their Alabama...
The Fourth
Happy Fourth folks. Hoping you’re all enjoying this splendidly hot day (at least it’s hot here in Maine). So our regular wordsmith, Mr. Chad Olcott, is enjoying a day away from the office. Which means you have me…a Geology major…to fill his shoes. So in true science fashion, here’s the data we’ve collected so far. America Coast to Coast crushed their mileage today and made it to their Alabama...
7/3/2010
Day 8 - Time Zones and Lizards
A quick, AM entry today, Dear Reader, before I leave the blog in the capable hands of Kevin “The Blog Doctor” Cashman for the next day or so. To the South – another auspicious, if invisible, set of lines crossed while most of us were still in bed this morning. Our cross-country crew sailed over the Alabama border (as evidenced below), which also marks the end of Eastern time. They’re now an...
Day 8 - Time Zones and Lizards
A quick, AM entry today, Dear Reader, before I leave the blog in the capable hands of Kevin “The Blog Doctor” Cashman for the next day or so. To the South – another auspicious, if invisible, set of lines crossed while most of us were still in bed this morning. Our cross-country crew sailed over the Alabama border (as evidenced below), which also marks the end of Eastern time. They’re now an...
7/2/2010
Day 7 - Red, White, and Apogee
Pausing briefly to reflect on this Friday before the Fourth, it’s quite a thought to think that little Apogee has trips spanning the U.S. – between Boston, Georgia, Montana, Maine and Puerto Rico, if we aren’t red, white, and blue, I don’t know who is! Lots of good reports in from the field today. First – our first New England Mountains & Coast trip wrapped up today. David and Anna were very,...
Day 7 - Red, White, and Apogee
Pausing briefly to reflect on this Friday before the Fourth, it’s quite a thought to think that little Apogee has trips spanning the U.S. – between Boston, Georgia, Montana, Maine and Puerto Rico, if we aren’t red, white, and blue, I don’t know who is! Lots of good reports in from the field today. First – our first New England Mountains & Coast trip wrapped up today. David and Anna were very,...
7/1/2010
Day 6 - Good Times Had By All
Another beautiful day in Maine and over the hill and dale of the Fiefdom of Apogee! Nick, our twice-over leader of the Coast to Coast trip, called in before two this afternoon to let us know that they had cruised through over eighty miles to get in to La Grange, Georgia well ahead of schedule. The group is enjoying the many warm, welcoming people they’re meeting along their route, and really looking...
Day 6 - Good Times Had By All
Another beautiful day in Maine and over the hill and dale of the Fiefdom of Apogee! Nick, our twice-over leader of the Coast to Coast trip, called in before two this afternoon to let us know that they had cruised through over eighty miles to get in to La Grange, Georgia well ahead of schedule. The group is enjoying the many warm, welcoming people they’re meeting along their route, and really looking...
6/30/2010
Day Five - Part I - Smooth Sailing (or hiking, biking or ferrying, as it were)
Days like today, Dear Readers, are why we do this! Though I would love to say otherwise, given the nature of our business, we can’t always report clear sailing. Today, however, is one of those wonderful days – sparkling Maine summer weather here in Brunswick, and tranquility in the field! What more could a director ask for? Corley and Andy’s group sailed into Camden on a gorgeous Maine afternoon...
Day Five - Part I - Smooth Sailing (or hiking, biking or ferrying, as it were)
Days like today, Dear Readers, are why we do this! Though I would love to say otherwise, given the nature of our business, we can’t always report clear sailing. Today, however, is one of those wonderful days – sparkling Maine summer weather here in Brunswick, and tranquility in the field! What more could a director ask for? Corley and Andy’s group sailed into Camden on a gorgeous Maine afternoon...
6/30/2010
Day Five - Part II - More Smooth Sailing, Etc.
Our Montanans continue to take themselves way too seriously, as the below picture demonstrates…
Day Five - Part II - More Smooth Sailing, Etc.
Our Montanans continue to take themselves way too seriously, as the below picture demonstrates…
6/29/2010
Day Four - Part 1 - Good Snapshots
Lots of good snap shots coming in from the field today, my fellow Apogee-aniacs! Getting right to it, our Vermonsters, Drew, Rachel and Co. – sent in the below pics of a post-hike game of Frisbee-500 in the summer-warm waters of Emerald Lake. Below that is a shot of the action during a fierce watermelon-eating contest. They head into the backcountry tomorrow and will spend five days on the...
Day Four - Part 1 - Good Snapshots
Lots of good snap shots coming in from the field today, my fellow Apogee-aniacs! Getting right to it, our Vermonsters, Drew, Rachel and Co. – sent in the below pics of a post-hike game of Frisbee-500 in the summer-warm waters of Emerald Lake. Below that is a shot of the action during a fierce watermelon-eating contest. They head into the backcountry tomorrow and will spend five days on the...
6/29/2010
Day Four - Part 2 - And ... More Good Snapshots
Wyatt and Chrissy’s Cape group rolled through Orleans today, sounding good and looking forward to a round of mini-golf after today’s bicycling was done. [As an aside, with a shout-out to our great parents, and a small dose of self-promotion – we received a great comment from their surfing instructor. He told Kevin today, “I don’t know where you get your kids, but year after year they are fantastic....
Day Four - Part 2 - And ... More Good Snapshots
Wyatt and Chrissy’s Cape group rolled through Orleans today, sounding good and looking forward to a round of mini-golf after today’s bicycling was done. [As an aside, with a shout-out to our great parents, and a small dose of self-promotion – we received a great comment from their surfing instructor. He told Kevin today, “I don’t know where you get your kids, but year after year they are fantastic....
6/28/2010
Day Three - Moving Parts!
Lots of moving parts today, Dear Blog Readers! First, a quick update from our intrepid coast-to-coasters. Nick, Cait & Co. veritably sailed into Walterboro, South Carolina last night. Nick, who as you may recall is leading the trip for the second time, noted that they made it in a full two hours ahead of the same day last year. Cait reported high spirits as the group crossed into Georgia today...
Day Three - Moving Parts!
Lots of moving parts today, Dear Blog Readers! First, a quick update from our intrepid coast-to-coasters. Nick, Cait & Co. veritably sailed into Walterboro, South Carolina last night. Nick, who as you may recall is leading the trip for the second time, noted that they made it in a full two hours ahead of the same day last year. Cait reported high spirits as the group crossed into Georgia today...
6/27/2010
Day Two - World Domination
Just back from the start of our Coast to Quebec trips, I’m very happy to tell you that we have ten trips in the field right now – which, for us, is a full slate. Apogee groups are putting away many pounds of macaroni and cheese tonight, my friends! It’s all a part of our “World Domination Through Hiking, Bicycling and Community Service” Plan. Down in Freeport this afternoon, it was a scene...
Day Two - World Domination
Just back from the start of our Coast to Quebec trips, I’m very happy to tell you that we have ten trips in the field right now – which, for us, is a full slate. Apogee groups are putting away many pounds of macaroni and cheese tonight, my friends! It’s all a part of our “World Domination Through Hiking, Bicycling and Community Service” Plan. Down in Freeport this afternoon, it was a scene...
6/27/2010
Day Two - Part II - World Domination Continues
Out west, Rachel and Sam’s group was a just a couple miles outside of Townsend when they checked in. Sam sent this somewhat dark, somewhat arty candid of the group getting going this morning. It’s bit grainy, but that is Montana’s beautiful Front Range in the background.
Day Two - Part II - World Domination Continues
Out west, Rachel and Sam’s group was a just a couple miles outside of Townsend when they checked in. Sam sent this somewhat dark, somewhat arty candid of the group getting going this morning. It’s bit grainy, but that is Montana’s beautiful Front Range in the background.
6/26/2010
Day One - The Clean Clothes Issue
Greetings, Summer Blog Readers! Today was the first day for several of our trips and the first full day for several more. As the first day, it is probably the last day where clean clothes figure prominently in each of the pictures below…. Kevin, our loyal and hardworking support staff, and I have been bouncing all over New England over the last 24 hours getting trips started in various locales....
Day One - The Clean Clothes Issue
Greetings, Summer Blog Readers! Today was the first day for several of our trips and the first full day for several more. As the first day, it is probably the last day where clean clothes figure prominently in each of the pictures below…. Kevin, our loyal and hardworking support staff, and I have been bouncing all over New England over the last 24 hours getting trips started in various locales....
6/26/2010
Day One - Part II - More Clean Clothes
I think that last blog entry, almost certainly our largest so far, challenged the technical capacity of our humble little blog. Thus, this Part Deux. Back briefly to our Lidia & Alex's Caribbean Service Adventure group: see the fine shot below several of our lads - the gent in the middle is enjoying his birthday as it should be – in a reflective vest, with shovel in hand, surrounded by jungle...
Day One - Part II - More Clean Clothes
I think that last blog entry, almost certainly our largest so far, challenged the technical capacity of our humble little blog. Thus, this Part Deux. Back briefly to our Lidia & Alex's Caribbean Service Adventure group: see the fine shot below several of our lads - the gent in the middle is enjoying his birthday as it should be – in a reflective vest, with shovel in hand, surrounded by jungle...
6/21/2010
Meet Anna Minckler - Hawaii to Florida to Apogee!
A sophomore at Lafayette College, Anna Minckler was born on Kauai, Hawaii and has loved the outdoors from day one. After stints in California and Michigan, her family settled in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she has now lived for sixteen years. Anna grew up biking to the beach to swim, surf and skim board, passions that continue to this day. A natural teacher, Anna loves working with kids and...
Meet Anna Minckler - Hawaii to Florida to Apogee!
A sophomore at Lafayette College, Anna Minckler was born on Kauai, Hawaii and has loved the outdoors from day one. After stints in California and Michigan, her family settled in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she has now lived for sixteen years. Anna grew up biking to the beach to swim, surf and skim board, passions that continue to this day. A natural teacher, Anna loves working with kids and...
6/21/2010
A Note on Our Blog Policy
As many of you know, during the summer season, we try to update our blog daily with “real-time” information about our trips in the field. The blog has proven to be enormously popular, and we’re looking forward to getting it up and running again this summer. Several families have asked us the very good question about what precautions we take regarding the identification of our students over the course...
A Note on Our Blog Policy
As many of you know, during the summer season, we try to update our blog daily with “real-time” information about our trips in the field. The blog has proven to be enormously popular, and we’re looking forward to getting it up and running again this summer. Several families have asked us the very good question about what precautions we take regarding the identification of our students over the course...
6/14/2010
Meet Nick "Digger" Smith - He's So Crazy, He's Leading ACC Again!
A 2009 graduate of Bowdoin College, veteran Apogee leader Nick Smith is fired up to lead our America Coast to Coast trip...for the second time! Yes, it’s true; Nick can’t get enough of the ACC and the incredible young people it attracts. He knows the ins and outs of Apogee’s route and can’t wait to share every bit of it with a new group. Nick did, however, take a little time out of the saddle over...
Meet Nick "Digger" Smith - He's So Crazy, He's Leading ACC Again!
A 2009 graduate of Bowdoin College, veteran Apogee leader Nick Smith is fired up to lead our America Coast to Coast trip...for the second time! Yes, it’s true; Nick can’t get enough of the ACC and the incredible young people it attracts. He knows the ins and outs of Apogee’s route and can’t wait to share every bit of it with a new group. Nick did, however, take a little time out of the saddle over...
6/7/2010
Meet Danika Robison - a Hard-Swinging, Cape-Conquering Skidmorian
The only child of a tight-knit family, Danika Robison grew up in South Burlington, VT and is now a rising senior at Skidmore College where she majors in International Affairs. When not studying, Danika spends a lot of her time on the tennis court. A dedicated athlete, she is captain of Skidmore’s varsity tennis team and is the top ranked player. In high school Danika was also a member of the Nordic...
Meet Danika Robison - a Hard-Swinging, Cape-Conquering Skidmorian
The only child of a tight-knit family, Danika Robison grew up in South Burlington, VT and is now a rising senior at Skidmore College where she majors in International Affairs. When not studying, Danika spends a lot of her time on the tennis court. A dedicated athlete, she is captain of Skidmore’s varsity tennis team and is the top ranked player. In high school Danika was also a member of the Nordic...
6/3/2010
Guest Blog Entry by Papa Mike
Hello, followers of the Apogee blog! This is a special blog appearance by Mike Lessard – I’m a third-year leader for Apogee. This coming summer, I have the privilege to lead the brand-new Caribbean Service Adventure trip along with the exciting Northwest Explorer. Needless to say, I am eager to get the trips started! I’m also interning for Apogee this spring and working on some pretty interesting...
Guest Blog Entry by Papa Mike
Hello, followers of the Apogee blog! This is a special blog appearance by Mike Lessard – I’m a third-year leader for Apogee. This coming summer, I have the privilege to lead the brand-new Caribbean Service Adventure trip along with the exciting Northwest Explorer. Needless to say, I am eager to get the trips started! I’m also interning for Apogee this spring and working on some pretty interesting...
6/2/2010
Meet Lucas O'Neil - A Singing, Dancing, Strength-Conditioning Maestro
A native of South Portland, Maine, Lucas O’Neil is a rising junior at Bowdoin College. Lucas is majoring in English and American studies, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his long list of interests and talents. In high school Lucas was a serious athlete; he played a sport every season, captained three of his teams and received the Student Athlete award. At Bowdoin, Lucas...
Meet Lucas O'Neil - A Singing, Dancing, Strength-Conditioning Maestro
A native of South Portland, Maine, Lucas O’Neil is a rising junior at Bowdoin College. Lucas is majoring in English and American studies, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his long list of interests and talents. In high school Lucas was a serious athlete; he played a sport every season, captained three of his teams and received the Student Athlete award. At Bowdoin, Lucas...
5/24/2010
Cait Bradley = Cross-Country Superwoman
Back for her third summer with Apogee, Cait Bradley is taking, shall we say, the long route this summer. She and her fellow third-year alum Nick Smith are leading our America Coast to Coast trip – pedaling from Charleston, South Carolina, over the river and through the woods, passing grandmother’s house, climbing up and over the occasional mountain range and desert, all the way to the cool Pacific...
Cait Bradley = Cross-Country Superwoman
Back for her third summer with Apogee, Cait Bradley is taking, shall we say, the long route this summer. She and her fellow third-year alum Nick Smith are leading our America Coast to Coast trip – pedaling from Charleston, South Carolina, over the river and through the woods, passing grandmother’s house, climbing up and over the occasional mountain range and desert, all the way to the cool Pacific...
5/17/2010
Meet Mr. Baseball - Andy Janiga
Apogee’s only aspiring dentist this summer, Andy Janiga is a man of many talents and many interests. Andy is a rising Senior at Trinity College, where he majors in Chemistry and volunteers with the local Best Buddies program. At Trinity, Andy is a cornerstone member of the College’s varsity baseball team and was selected as the NESCAC Player of the Week in March. One of Andy’s best memories from...
Meet Mr. Baseball - Andy Janiga
Apogee’s only aspiring dentist this summer, Andy Janiga is a man of many talents and many interests. Andy is a rising Senior at Trinity College, where he majors in Chemistry and volunteers with the local Best Buddies program. At Trinity, Andy is a cornerstone member of the College’s varsity baseball team and was selected as the NESCAC Player of the Week in March. One of Andy’s best memories from...
5/11/2010
Meet Corley - She's Been There and Done That
Explorer. Teacher. Scientist. Environmentalist. Athlete. Coach. Leader. Devotee of salt and vinegar potato chips. There is very little that Corley Bell won’t take on. Corley is a rising senior at Bucknell University where she is majoring in Anthropology, coaches lacrosse, lifeguards, and participates in student government. Born in London, Corley has not stopped traveling since she was born....
Meet Corley - She's Been There and Done That
Explorer. Teacher. Scientist. Environmentalist. Athlete. Coach. Leader. Devotee of salt and vinegar potato chips. There is very little that Corley Bell won’t take on. Corley is a rising senior at Bucknell University where she is majoring in Anthropology, coaches lacrosse, lifeguards, and participates in student government. Born in London, Corley has not stopped traveling since she was born....
5/3/2010
Meet Our Rugged Renaissance Man, Pete Lauro
A rising junior at Hamilton College, Pete Lauro is looking forward to riding up the coast and through the Great North Woods of Maine this summer as one of our esteemed Coast to Quebec leaders. At Hamilton Pete is a leader for the Hamilton Outing Club, and was selected to lead Hamilton’s intensive Adirondack Adventure programs. A man of varied interests, Pete is the president of SK Films, an organization...
Meet Our Rugged Renaissance Man, Pete Lauro
A rising junior at Hamilton College, Pete Lauro is looking forward to riding up the coast and through the Great North Woods of Maine this summer as one of our esteemed Coast to Quebec leaders. At Hamilton Pete is a leader for the Hamilton Outing Club, and was selected to lead Hamilton’s intensive Adirondack Adventure programs. A man of varied interests, Pete is the president of SK Films, an organization...
4/19/2010
Meet Reef-Walking, Trail-Crushing, Bug-Eating Rachel Lynch
Immediately after this picture was taken, this koala became significantly less cute and second-year leader Rachel Lynch narrowly escaped with her life. Escape she did, however, and we are all the beneficiaries! We are delighted to have Rachel back with us for her second Apogee summer in 2010. Along with co-leader Drew Korns, Rachel will prove to be an indomitable force on our Vermont Hiker and...
Meet Reef-Walking, Trail-Crushing, Bug-Eating Rachel Lynch
Immediately after this picture was taken, this koala became significantly less cute and second-year leader Rachel Lynch narrowly escaped with her life. Escape she did, however, and we are all the beneficiaries! We are delighted to have Rachel back with us for her second Apogee summer in 2010. Along with co-leader Drew Korns, Rachel will prove to be an indomitable force on our Vermont Hiker and...
4/13/2010
Meet "Papa Mike" Lessard
Returning for his third straight Apogee summer, Mike Lessard is working the airlines hard this summer. He will be leading the Caribbean Service Adventure in Puerto Rico and then radically shifting gears and heading to Washington State to lead our Northwest Explorer trip. Before his bi-coastal (does that apply when one of the “coasts” is an island?) summer excursions get underway, Mike will be graduating...
Meet "Papa Mike" Lessard
Returning for his third straight Apogee summer, Mike Lessard is working the airlines hard this summer. He will be leading the Caribbean Service Adventure in Puerto Rico and then radically shifting gears and heading to Washington State to lead our Northwest Explorer trip. Before his bi-coastal (does that apply when one of the “coasts” is an island?) summer excursions get underway, Mike will be graduating...
4/6/2010
Meet Chrissy Cantore
I’m delighted to introduce the next leader in our “Meet the Leaders” blog series, Ms. Chrissy Cantore. This summer will be Chrissy’s first with Apogee – and we are looking forward to the cheerful and dynamic spirit that she will bring to our Cape Cod & the Islands trips. A rising junior at Amherst College, Chrissy hails from Hershey, Pennsylvania. A varsity field hockey player at Amherst, Chrissy...
Meet Chrissy Cantore
I’m delighted to introduce the next leader in our “Meet the Leaders” blog series, Ms. Chrissy Cantore. This summer will be Chrissy’s first with Apogee – and we are looking forward to the cheerful and dynamic spirit that she will bring to our Cape Cod & the Islands trips. A rising junior at Amherst College, Chrissy hails from Hershey, Pennsylvania. A varsity field hockey player at Amherst, Chrissy...
3/30/2010
Leader Profiles - First in a Series
As we really start to gear up for the summer, we thought our loyal Apogee Blog readers might enjoy getting to know some of this summer’s leaders in advance. Without further ado, today we’ll start the first of several leader profiles with one of this summer’s New England Mountains and Coast leaders, Mr. David Cutler. New to Apogee this summer, David is a rising junior at Bates College in Lewiston,...
Leader Profiles - First in a Series
As we really start to gear up for the summer, we thought our loyal Apogee Blog readers might enjoy getting to know some of this summer’s leaders in advance. Without further ado, today we’ll start the first of several leader profiles with one of this summer’s New England Mountains and Coast leaders, Mr. David Cutler. New to Apogee this summer, David is a rising junior at Bates College in Lewiston,...
3/12/2010
On Leadership
If you’ve attended one of our seasonal slide presentations, you know that Kevin and I firmly believe that a critical difference between a great tour organization and a merely good one is the quality of its leaders. It’s certainly important to plan great biking and hiking itineraries for students in spectacular outdoor settings. But it is equally important to find just the right people to lead those...
On Leadership
If you’ve attended one of our seasonal slide presentations, you know that Kevin and I firmly believe that a critical difference between a great tour organization and a merely good one is the quality of its leaders. It’s certainly important to plan great biking and hiking itineraries for students in spectacular outdoor settings. But it is equally important to find just the right people to lead those...
3/3/2010
Teen Summer Bike Trip Across America
Amy W. of Concord, MA joined our America Coast to Coast teen bike trip last summer, and wrote a piece about her experience that we included in our 2010 printed catalog. We wanted to post it here on our blog. It does a great job in capturing the essence of the trip! Had we really just biked across the...
Teen Summer Bike Trip Across America
Amy W. of Concord, MA joined our America Coast to Coast teen bike trip last summer, and wrote a piece about her experience that we included in our 2010 printed catalog. We wanted to post it here on our blog. It does a great job in capturing the essence of the trip! Had we really just biked across the...
2/22/2010
America Coast to Coast Video
Nick Smith, leader extraordinaire, led our 2009 America Coast to Coast Adventure, and he'll be back to do it again in 2010. While passing through Roswell, NM last summer with his group, he decided to visit a Best Buy and invest in a camcorder. He recently put the finishing touches on a video of the trip, and...
America Coast to Coast Video
Nick Smith, leader extraordinaire, led our 2009 America Coast to Coast Adventure, and he'll be back to do it again in 2010. While passing through Roswell, NM last summer with his group, he decided to visit a Best Buy and invest in a camcorder. He recently put the finishing touches on a video of the trip, and...
2/17/2010
Brand-makin'!
Mid-winter greetings, friends! It's that time of year where we're taking stock of where we are and where we've been over the course of the last season and even last few seasons. In that vein, we thought you might like to see how our logo took shape a couple of years ago. Our indomitable designer,
Brand-makin'!
Mid-winter greetings, friends! It's that time of year where we're taking stock of where we are and where we've been over the course of the last season and even last few seasons. In that vein, we thought you might like to see how our logo took shape a couple of years ago. Our indomitable designer,
1/28/2010
Apogee Mountain Hardwear Hats!
Shameless though it may be to feature cute kids, here's the indomitable youngsters Sam and little brother Jack Cashman sporting the very cool Mountain Hardwear winter hats that you, too, can proudly don if you apply for an Apogee adventure before January 31st!
Apogee Mountain Hardwear Hats!
Shameless though it may be to feature cute kids, here's the indomitable youngsters Sam and little brother Jack Cashman sporting the very cool Mountain Hardwear winter hats that you, too, can proudly don if you apply for an Apogee adventure before January 31st!
1/4/2010
Slide Show Schedule
Happy New Year, one and all! We certainly hope that you have all had a warm, wonderful holiday season. Kevin and I hit the road later this week to do a series of slide shows/info sessions about our 2010 programs. The month will take us all over the eastern half of the country, from Freeport, Maine, down to Atlanta, out to St. Louis, and to many points between. We are excited to see a number of...
Slide Show Schedule
Happy New Year, one and all! We certainly hope that you have all had a warm, wonderful holiday season. Kevin and I hit the road later this week to do a series of slide shows/info sessions about our 2010 programs. The month will take us all over the eastern half of the country, from Freeport, Maine, down to Atlanta, out to St. Louis, and to many points between. We are excited to see a number of...
12/7/2009
Welcome to Blog 2.0.
With our new look to the website up and running, we wanted to try and be more diligent about keeping our blog current. After all, the vase is only as good as the flowers inside of it, right? Isn't that the old Ming era proverb? If it isn't, I think it should be. In this holiday season, we've got the Apogee Intergalactic Headquarters decorated and ready to go. We're also working on our info...
Welcome to Blog 2.0.
With our new look to the website up and running, we wanted to try and be more diligent about keeping our blog current. After all, the vase is only as good as the flowers inside of it, right? Isn't that the old Ming era proverb? If it isn't, I think it should be. In this holiday season, we've got the Apogee Intergalactic Headquarters decorated and ready to go. We're also working on our info...
11/16/2009
The Off-Season?
A little news about what we're up to here at Apogee Global Headquarters in the off-season. As you explore the website, you'll see that we've put up information about next summer's trips - including our new Downeast Explorer and Caribbean Service Adventure. Be sure to check out our updated itineraries for our two West Coast adventures - Pacific Coast and Northwest Explorer. We are really excited...
The Off-Season?
A little news about what we're up to here at Apogee Global Headquarters in the off-season. As you explore the website, you'll see that we've put up information about next summer's trips - including our new Downeast Explorer and Caribbean Service Adventure. Be sure to check out our updated itineraries for our two West Coast adventures - Pacific Coast and Northwest Explorer. We are really excited...
8/10/2009
ACC You Tube Videos
So I flew my friend, Guybe Slangen, down to San Diego from the bay area last week to document the arrival of our America Coast to Coast group. He took some pictures of the group and did some impromptu video interviews with the kids. You can check out: Ryan & Sam, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOhgYYsCD8c Amy...
ACC You Tube Videos
So I flew my friend, Guybe Slangen, down to San Diego from the bay area last week to document the arrival of our America Coast to Coast group. He took some pictures of the group and did some impromptu video interviews with the kids. You can check out: Ryan & Sam, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOhgYYsCD8c Amy...
8/7/2009
My, oh, my!
Apogee Empire! Greetings once again! I’m tanned, rested and ready after spending the last week or so with our Coast to Coasters in the desert of Arizona and California. Well, I'm definitely tanned, at least.
My, oh, my!
Apogee Empire! Greetings once again! I’m tanned, rested and ready after spending the last week or so with our Coast to Coasters in the desert of Arizona and California. Well, I'm definitely tanned, at least.
8/5/2009
They did it!!
At 4 PM PST, our America Coast to Coast trip reached the Pacific Ocean!! 12 to 15 parents/family members, 2 TV stations (Fox and CBS), Chad, my friend Guybe (who's taking photos), and about 20 surfer dudes witnessed the elation of our group dropping their bikes in the sand, pulling off their front wheels and running into the water. Chad, who professes not to get emotional very often, admits that,...
They did it!!
At 4 PM PST, our America Coast to Coast trip reached the Pacific Ocean!! 12 to 15 parents/family members, 2 TV stations (Fox and CBS), Chad, my friend Guybe (who's taking photos), and about 20 surfer dudes witnessed the elation of our group dropping their bikes in the sand, pulling off their front wheels and running into the water. Chad, who professes not to get emotional very often, admits that,...
8/5/2009
Don't forget Northwest Explorer!
What the ACC group achieved today was monumental, but it shouldn't overshadow our NWX group. Mike, Rachel and crew had a great day off in Bellingham yesterday. Mike sent me a text saying, "On our day off we ate french toast for breakfast, took showers, got mail, and ate mac and cheese by the water." His message went on to say something about all the kids dressing up as ninjas later in the day...but...
Don't forget Northwest Explorer!
What the ACC group achieved today was monumental, but it shouldn't overshadow our NWX group. Mike, Rachel and crew had a great day off in Bellingham yesterday. Mike sent me a text saying, "On our day off we ate french toast for breakfast, took showers, got mail, and ate mac and cheese by the water." His message went on to say something about all the kids dressing up as ninjas later in the day...but...
8/3/2009
Monday, Monday
So yes, with Chad gone I have completely slacked on keeping the blog updated. He set a high bar from the outset of the summer with daily posts (lot of pressure there). It’s not that I don’t have a good excuse, though. Since Thursday I’ve logged over 1200 miles in van shuttles for our Cape Cod and Coast to Quebec groups…and I have to drive to Boston this evening to finish our Cape trips tomorrow....
Monday, Monday
So yes, with Chad gone I have completely slacked on keeping the blog updated. He set a high bar from the outset of the summer with daily posts (lot of pressure there). It’s not that I don’t have a good excuse, though. Since Thursday I’ve logged over 1200 miles in van shuttles for our Cape Cod and Coast to Quebec groups…and I have to drive to Boston this evening to finish our Cape trips tomorrow....
7/31/2009
Wrapping Up
Our final Coast to Québec trips finished up today, which means the end of the Apogee season for leader pairs Meaghan & Mike, Cait & Evan. In two vans we left Québec City early this morning and made the trek back to Freeport. Both groups seem to have had hugely successful trips and it was fond farewells all around. From my initial debrief with the leaders, they all reported having had a super time...
Wrapping Up
Our final Coast to Québec trips finished up today, which means the end of the Apogee season for leader pairs Meaghan & Mike, Cait & Evan. In two vans we left Québec City early this morning and made the trek back to Freeport. Both groups seem to have had hugely successful trips and it was fond farewells all around. From my initial debrief with the leaders, they all reported having had a super time...
7/28/2009
Swan Song
This, faithful Apogee blogarissimi (as our Italian friends might say – well, ok, they probably wouldn’t), is very likely my final blog posting of the summer. Tomorrow, I fly to San Diego and will make my way east to meet our Coast to Coasters in Prescott, Arizona. Not that they need me, but I will be there as a Plan B of sorts through the worst of the desert. I’ll be a rental car full of oranges,...
Swan Song
This, faithful Apogee blogarissimi (as our Italian friends might say – well, ok, they probably wouldn’t), is very likely my final blog posting of the summer. Tomorrow, I fly to San Diego and will make my way east to meet our Coast to Coasters in Prescott, Arizona. Not that they need me, but I will be there as a Plan B of sorts through the worst of the desert. I’ll be a rental car full of oranges,...
7/26/2009
The Quick and Dirty Part II
Dear faithful readers: So Chad has developed quite the blog following this summer with his witty words and colorful commentary. Unfortunately he’s off for the next two days…which leaves yours truly to pick up the slack. Creative writing was never my strength (I was a Geology major in college), so I’m going to keep it short and stick to the facts. Our Maine Mountain Explorers with Drew...
The Quick and Dirty Part II
Dear faithful readers: So Chad has developed quite the blog following this summer with his witty words and colorful commentary. Unfortunately he’s off for the next two days…which leaves yours truly to pick up the slack. Creative writing was never my strength (I was a Geology major in college), so I’m going to keep it short and stick to the facts. Our Maine Mountain Explorers with Drew...
7/24/2009
Final Friday! - Well, almost...
Apologies, Apogee Empire – but there is neither poetry nor drama in this evening’s post. Kevin and I have been busy today getting ready for our last “departure” of the season – our two Cape and Islands trips leaving tomorrow. Cliché though it may be, it’s very hard to believe just how quickly the summer has flown by! We checked in briefly with Rachel and Drew’s mighty Mountaineers – they are...
Final Friday! - Well, almost...
Apologies, Apogee Empire – but there is neither poetry nor drama in this evening’s post. Kevin and I have been busy today getting ready for our last “departure” of the season – our two Cape and Islands trips leaving tomorrow. Cliché though it may be, it’s very hard to believe just how quickly the summer has flown by! We checked in briefly with Rachel and Drew’s mighty Mountaineers – they are...
7/23/2009
Yesterday - Poetry; Today - Drama!
It was a day of high adventure for Apogee-aniacs across the country (for our long time readers, do you think that “Apogee-aniacs” is my most tortured mutilation of “Apogee” this summer? I think it is in the running, if nothing else)! Jess and Colby’s Mountains and Coasters were quite literally high off of the ground as they spent a day on the high ropes course in New Hampshire. Nothing like...
Yesterday - Poetry; Today - Drama!
It was a day of high adventure for Apogee-aniacs across the country (for our long time readers, do you think that “Apogee-aniacs” is my most tortured mutilation of “Apogee” this summer? I think it is in the running, if nothing else)! Jess and Colby’s Mountains and Coasters were quite literally high off of the ground as they spent a day on the high ropes course in New Hampshire. Nothing like...
7/22/2009
Poetry Class
This will very likely be our most creative blog posting of the summer – as we’re including art and, umm, poetry. Meaghan and Mike sent a picture of a couple of their students on the way up to Camden hanging out at the world-famous recycled art center near Waldoboro (well, maybe not world-famous, per se, but certainly Waldoboro-famous). They also sent along the following piece of verse: Yo, check...
Poetry Class
This will very likely be our most creative blog posting of the summer – as we’re including art and, umm, poetry. Meaghan and Mike sent a picture of a couple of their students on the way up to Camden hanging out at the world-famous recycled art center near Waldoboro (well, maybe not world-famous, per se, but certainly Waldoboro-famous). They also sent along the following piece of verse: Yo, check...
7/21/2009
Sing, O Muse, of Things Apogeeian!
Good evening, Apogee Empire! Apologies for the late post today, but I was away from the computer for most of the day. I had the privilege of joining Lidia and Cyrus in Boston today as they wrapped up their trip. It is always special to watch students who, two weeks ago, had no idea who their fellow trippers would be give big hugs all around and join their folks in waiting cars – alternating between...
Sing, O Muse, of Things Apogeeian!
Good evening, Apogee Empire! Apologies for the late post today, but I was away from the computer for most of the day. I had the privilege of joining Lidia and Cyrus in Boston today as they wrapped up their trip. It is always special to watch students who, two weeks ago, had no idea who their fellow trippers would be give big hugs all around and join their folks in waiting cars – alternating between...
7/20/2009
Just the Quick and Dirty Today
Good afternoon, Apogee! Just a quick update from the field today. We did not hear from either of our Coast to Quebec trips today – and that is a good thing! That means they are problem-free and cruising through another beautiful day. Our only current Cape trip is wrapping up today – I will be driving to Boston tomorrow morning to join Lidia and Cyrus as they bid adieu to their crew (a little...
Just the Quick and Dirty Today
Good afternoon, Apogee! Just a quick update from the field today. We did not hear from either of our Coast to Quebec trips today – and that is a good thing! That means they are problem-free and cruising through another beautiful day. Our only current Cape trip is wrapping up today – I will be driving to Boston tomorrow morning to join Lidia and Cyrus as they bid adieu to their crew (a little...
7/19/2009
(Another) Super Sunday
Sunday salutations to all! Days like today make it look easy. Sunny skies and cool temperatures like today’s are precisely what I would order up every day were weather decisions left to your humble scribe. After a fair amount of apprehension about today’s ride, our Capers roared into Provincetown before noon today – easily conquering the hills that lay between today’s starting point in Wellfleet...
(Another) Super Sunday
Sunday salutations to all! Days like today make it look easy. Sunny skies and cool temperatures like today’s are precisely what I would order up every day were weather decisions left to your humble scribe. After a fair amount of apprehension about today’s ride, our Capers roared into Provincetown before noon today – easily conquering the hills that lay between today’s starting point in Wellfleet...
7/18/2009
News From the Field!
We had a bit of a soggy start to the day here in the midcoast area, faithful readers. But fear not, the clouds have lifted and Maine is putting on her best mid-July Chamber of Commerce face this evening! This is somewhat pertinent as we have three trips in relatively close proximity this evening – Mike and Meaghan aced their warm-up ride with their soon to be Quebecois; Evan and Cait set out down...
News From the Field!
We had a bit of a soggy start to the day here in the midcoast area, faithful readers. But fear not, the clouds have lifted and Maine is putting on her best mid-July Chamber of Commerce face this evening! This is somewhat pertinent as we have three trips in relatively close proximity this evening – Mike and Meaghan aced their warm-up ride with their soon to be Quebecois; Evan and Cait set out down...
7/17/2009
The Sun Shines On Apogee-ia
The Sun Shines on Apogee-ia! A beautiful summer day up here in Maine, dear readers. Kevin and I had the privilege to start our second round of Coast to Quebec trips today. Mike and Meaghan, and Evan and Cait, had their groups bikes packed up and ready for the short ride to their first campground. If any of you have been following our humble blog since its inception, you may remember that it...
The Sun Shines On Apogee-ia
The Sun Shines on Apogee-ia! A beautiful summer day up here in Maine, dear readers. Kevin and I had the privilege to start our second round of Coast to Quebec trips today. Mike and Meaghan, and Evan and Cait, had their groups bikes packed up and ready for the short ride to their first campground. If any of you have been following our humble blog since its inception, you may remember that it...
7/16/2009
Still Soliciting Snappy Titles - Running Low Here!
Another unpardonable absence from the blog, my faithful friends! I apologize – but I do not hesitate to lay blame squarely at the feet of Mr. Cashman. I take off for one day and the blog falls apart – I tell you what, you just can’t find good help these days! In any case, I have some great pictures to post today. Cyrus sent me a very artsy shot of his group’s bikes at sunset. I’m tentatively...
Still Soliciting Snappy Titles - Running Low Here!
Another unpardonable absence from the blog, my faithful friends! I apologize – but I do not hesitate to lay blame squarely at the feet of Mr. Cashman. I take off for one day and the blog falls apart – I tell you what, you just can’t find good help these days! In any case, I have some great pictures to post today. Cyrus sent me a very artsy shot of his group’s bikes at sunset. I’m tentatively...
7/16/2009
More press coverage for ACC!!
Another great story about our intrepid Coast to Coasters. A big thanks to the ACC Mom who forwarded me the article. View the story here
More press coverage for ACC!!
Another great story about our intrepid Coast to Coasters. A big thanks to the ACC Mom who forwarded me the article. View the story here
7/14/2009
Today's Submitted Title:
My goodness, what a great summer day up here in Brunswick – brilliant blue sky dappled with passing clouds (to cool you off a bit and make you appreciate the sun all the more), sweet clover smells blowing in the window, and laughing kids all over the place! (For those of you who have been following our little blog all summer, it is sooo nice to be starting today’s posting with a nod to beautiful...
Today's Submitted Title:
My goodness, what a great summer day up here in Brunswick – brilliant blue sky dappled with passing clouds (to cool you off a bit and make you appreciate the sun all the more), sweet clover smells blowing in the window, and laughing kids all over the place! (For those of you who have been following our little blog all summer, it is sooo nice to be starting today’s posting with a nod to beautiful...
7/14/2009
ACC on TV!
Not sure how long this link will be up and running, but our Coast to Coasters made the evening news tonight in northern TX! Copy and paste the below link into your internet browser to see a brief clip of the group in action: http://www.kxii.com/home/headlines/50794322.html
ACC on TV!
Not sure how long this link will be up and running, but our Coast to Coasters made the evening news tonight in northern TX! Copy and paste the below link into your internet browser to see a brief clip of the group in action: http://www.kxii.com/home/headlines/50794322.html
7/13/2009
Accepting Snappy Blog Titles!
Faithful blog-readers (now that our Coast to Coasters are working their way through Texas, I’m tempted to try out the term “bloggeroos,” but I’m not sure how well that would go over…), it was a quiet day in Apogee-ia. Today and tomorrow are about the quietest days of the summer, in fact, as we have only four trips in the field. Our most recently launched trip, Mike, Emily and Aviva’s Mountains...
Accepting Snappy Blog Titles!
Faithful blog-readers (now that our Coast to Coasters are working their way through Texas, I’m tempted to try out the term “bloggeroos,” but I’m not sure how well that would go over…), it was a quiet day in Apogee-ia. Today and tomorrow are about the quietest days of the summer, in fact, as we have only four trips in the field. Our most recently launched trip, Mike, Emily and Aviva’s Mountains...
7/12/2009
Starting, Ending - Where's T.S. Eliot when we need him?
Sunday salutations to one and all! Well, I don’t know about where you are today, but it is finally resplendent, refulgent summer up here in the ol’Midcoast Maine area! Green trees (my word, they better be Jolly-Green-Giant-green after all of the rain we’ve had!), blooming wildflowers, the tang of a little sweat on the brow, and cold milkshakes on at least one corner in every little Maine town –...
Starting, Ending - Where's T.S. Eliot when we need him?
Sunday salutations to one and all! Well, I don’t know about where you are today, but it is finally resplendent, refulgent summer up here in the ol’Midcoast Maine area! Green trees (my word, they better be Jolly-Green-Giant-green after all of the rain we’ve had!), blooming wildflowers, the tang of a little sweat on the brow, and cold milkshakes on at least one corner in every little Maine town –...
7/11/2009
If Elton were here, he'd say
First – to our faithful readers – a hearty apology for our egregious failure to post yesterday! Truth be told, yours truly was enjoying a day away from the computer and out on the water. Indeed, it was an astonishing day to be paddling through Casco Bay yesterday. And, as it happens, Rachel and Drew’s Mountains and Coasters are enjoying the very same Casco Bay waters today. They’re out on the...
If Elton were here, he'd say
First – to our faithful readers – a hearty apology for our egregious failure to post yesterday! Truth be told, yours truly was enjoying a day away from the computer and out on the water. Indeed, it was an astonishing day to be paddling through Casco Bay yesterday. And, as it happens, Rachel and Drew’s Mountains and Coasters are enjoying the very same Casco Bay waters today. They’re out on the...
7/9/2009
The Tables Have Turned
By George, the skies have cleared, the sun is shining, and we are all once again reminded of why Maine in the summer has been long touted as representing the Way Life Should Be. I would only add to that a small parenthetical – “The Way Life Should Be (on at least three days a year).” From what we’ve gathered from the trips we’ve heard from today, the change in the weather has had a great effect...
The Tables Have Turned
By George, the skies have cleared, the sun is shining, and we are all once again reminded of why Maine in the summer has been long touted as representing the Way Life Should Be. I would only add to that a small parenthetical – “The Way Life Should Be (on at least three days a year).” From what we’ve gathered from the trips we’ve heard from today, the change in the weather has had a great effect...
7/8/2009
Wet, Wild Wednesday
Friends, I would dearly love to tell you all that the rain up here in New England has stopped, that it did not pour as though the oceans had been inverted, and that my poor dog does not look like a drowned rat – but all of that would be a malicious lie. Yes, indeed, it was another wet one up here. As a director of a small company that runs trips in the great outdoors, that’s about my least favorite...
Wet, Wild Wednesday
Friends, I would dearly love to tell you all that the rain up here in New England has stopped, that it did not pour as though the oceans had been inverted, and that my poor dog does not look like a drowned rat – but all of that would be a malicious lie. Yes, indeed, it was another wet one up here. As a director of a small company that runs trips in the great outdoors, that’s about my least favorite...
7/7/2009
Not Again!
Forgive me, faithful followers of the blog, if you detect a note of dour grumpiness in this afternoon’s posting. The rain, the wretched rain, is back. After several beautiful days wherein we joyously recalled the ghosts of summers past, the clouds filled in, the mist descended and your humble author’s spirits followed closely. It is also sad to see trips end – as we did today. Kevin and I...
Not Again!
Forgive me, faithful followers of the blog, if you detect a note of dour grumpiness in this afternoon’s posting. The rain, the wretched rain, is back. After several beautiful days wherein we joyously recalled the ghosts of summers past, the clouds filled in, the mist descended and your humble author’s spirits followed closely. It is also sad to see trips end – as we did today. Kevin and I...
7/6/2009
What are deodorant, mimes, and hills, Alex?
Well, Gentle Reader – it’s been another fantastic summer day across the Apogee empire! I’m delighted to report that we have touched base with our Vermont Hikers – they emerged from the woods today, way, way up in the Northeast Kingdom. Before her cell phone cut out due to the poor reception in the area, Rachel reported that everyone is healthy and happy. We heard that in addition to some pretty...
What are deodorant, mimes, and hills, Alex?
Well, Gentle Reader – it’s been another fantastic summer day across the Apogee empire! I’m delighted to report that we have touched base with our Vermont Hikers – they emerged from the woods today, way, way up in the Northeast Kingdom. Before her cell phone cut out due to the poor reception in the area, Rachel reported that everyone is healthy and happy. We heard that in addition to some pretty...
7/5/2009
Post-Fourth Recap
As our Italian friends say, “saluti a tutti!” Apogee Central certainly hopes that each of you had a great Fourth of July. The heavens finally parted here in New England, and just about each of our trips up in this neck of the woods enjoyed beautiful sunshine over the weekend (coupled with the occasional passing shower). Our Coast to Quebec trips have both definitively finished with the Coast...
Post-Fourth Recap
As our Italian friends say, “saluti a tutti!” Apogee Central certainly hopes that each of you had a great Fourth of July. The heavens finally parted here in New England, and just about each of our trips up in this neck of the woods enjoyed beautiful sunshine over the weekend (coupled with the occasional passing shower). Our Coast to Quebec trips have both definitively finished with the Coast...
7/3/2009
Here Comes the Sun
Yes, after almost two weeks of constant cloud cover and rain, the sun shined down on Maine this afternoon (or at least parts of Maine). It was a wonderful thing, and I’m hopeful we’ve turned a corner as far as weather patterns go. But do you know where the weather has been non-stop beautiful? Montana. Every time I speak with Jess or Colby I ask about the weather. Their consistent response: “spectacular.”...
Here Comes the Sun
Yes, after almost two weeks of constant cloud cover and rain, the sun shined down on Maine this afternoon (or at least parts of Maine). It was a wonderful thing, and I’m hopeful we’ve turned a corner as far as weather patterns go. But do you know where the weather has been non-stop beautiful? Montana. Every time I speak with Jess or Colby I ask about the weather. Their consistent response: “spectacular.”...
7/2/2009
Do the Un-Rain Dance.
Speaking of broken records, as we did yesterday, it was another wet day here on the coast of Maine. While we presume this is doing good things for the flowers, we are frankly ready to trade our right arms (and consider throwing in our left, too) for a day of sunshine. And – though we have long since ceased to believe such rosy forecasts - we’re told that the change is coming, and just in time for...
Do the Un-Rain Dance.
Speaking of broken records, as we did yesterday, it was another wet day here on the coast of Maine. While we presume this is doing good things for the flowers, we are frankly ready to trade our right arms (and consider throwing in our left, too) for a day of sunshine. And – though we have long since ceased to believe such rosy forecasts - we’re told that the change is coming, and just in time for...
7/1/2009
July!
Dear readers, it has been a quiet day here at Apogee Central – and in this business, no news is good news. We did hear from Mike and Emily’s Cape trip on their way to Martha’s Vineyard – they are looking forward to a few days out on the islands. Over on Nantucket, Cyrus and Lidia's trip conquered the island with a huge forty-mile day! That's a couple of laps out to Siasconset, over to Madaket...
July!
Dear readers, it has been a quiet day here at Apogee Central – and in this business, no news is good news. We did hear from Mike and Emily’s Cape trip on their way to Martha’s Vineyard – they are looking forward to a few days out on the islands. Over on Nantucket, Cyrus and Lidia's trip conquered the island with a huge forty-mile day! That's a couple of laps out to Siasconset, over to Madaket...
6/30/2009
Super Tuesday
You know, it’s pretty neat to be here at HQ with trips out in the field and hear the stories that filter in on a day to day basis. We get to live vicariously as our trips struggle up their first hills, eat ice cream after a tough hike, and visit misty Maine lighthouses. After hearing from Cyrus and Lidia yesterday, we were able to get them to send us a couple of pictures of their time out on Martha’s...
Super Tuesday
You know, it’s pretty neat to be here at HQ with trips out in the field and hear the stories that filter in on a day to day basis. We get to live vicariously as our trips struggle up their first hills, eat ice cream after a tough hike, and visit misty Maine lighthouses. After hearing from Cyrus and Lidia yesterday, we were able to get them to send us a couple of pictures of their time out on Martha’s...
6/29/2009
Monday, Monday!
Good afternoon, World of Apogee! Well, it’s still pretty damp up here at Apogee headquarters – it appears Mother Nature is determined to make the start of this season a wet one. Apogee-ers (sp?), however, are nothing if not resilient. Our two Coast to Quebec trips, which both started their first day of riding today, are damp, but spirits are high. They may be even higher after they heard that...
Monday, Monday!
Good afternoon, World of Apogee! Well, it’s still pretty damp up here at Apogee headquarters – it appears Mother Nature is determined to make the start of this season a wet one. Apogee-ers (sp?), however, are nothing if not resilient. Our two Coast to Quebec trips, which both started their first day of riding today, are damp, but spirits are high. They may be even higher after they heard that...
6/28/2009
And We're Off!
Good morning, everyone! Four of our trips got underway yesterday! Out on Cape Cod, two trips started up under sunny skies (that, admittedly, turned a bit showery as the night wore on). Everyone is enthusiastic, however, and we heard reports of kids up at 5:30 this morning getting ready to hit the road! Well to the south in Charleston, South Carolina, Maggie and Nick’s America Coast to Coast...
And We're Off!
Good morning, everyone! Four of our trips got underway yesterday! Out on Cape Cod, two trips started up under sunny skies (that, admittedly, turned a bit showery as the night wore on). Everyone is enthusiastic, however, and we heard reports of kids up at 5:30 this morning getting ready to hit the road! Well to the south in Charleston, South Carolina, Maggie and Nick’s America Coast to Coast...
6/28/2009
A Rainy Day in New England
Despite a wet start this afternoon, Coast to Quebec 1A & 1B looked great and are off and running. I followed both groups to their campground, and everyone arrived safely. Forecast is calling for more scattered showers over the next couple of days. We're hopeful conditions will start to improve soon. In the southeast, Maggie and Nick called in to say they arrived a little before 5 PM. 68 miles...
A Rainy Day in New England
Despite a wet start this afternoon, Coast to Quebec 1A & 1B looked great and are off and running. I followed both groups to their campground, and everyone arrived safely. Forecast is calling for more scattered showers over the next couple of days. We're hopeful conditions will start to improve soon. In the southeast, Maggie and Nick called in to say they arrived a little before 5 PM. 68 miles...
6/26/2009
The Leaders Have Flown!
Just a note to let our America Coast to Coast and Montana Service Adventure families know that our leaders are in place, geared up and ready to go! Maggie and Nick (ACC) and Jess and Colby (MSA) left Portland this morning at a very, very, very early hour to get to Charleston and Bozeman, respectively, this afternoon. The final details are falling into place and they can't wait to meet their groups...
The Leaders Have Flown!
Just a note to let our America Coast to Coast and Montana Service Adventure families know that our leaders are in place, geared up and ready to go! Maggie and Nick (ACC) and Jess and Colby (MSA) left Portland this morning at a very, very, very early hour to get to Charleston and Bozeman, respectively, this afternoon. The final details are falling into place and they can't wait to meet their groups...