No matter what we set out to do in life, there is always a starting point. Today, we celebrate all of our brave students who take their courageous first strides into the amazing world of Apogee Adventures. As Northwest Mountains & Coast and Maine’s Downeast Explorer step onto their respective trails, our students on Alps Explorer A+B, Caribbean Service Virgin Islands, Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, New England Mountain & Coast, and Vermont to Montreal step off their planes, trains, and automobiles to embark on an odyssey of a lifetime.
Skip to a Specific Trip: AXA, AXB, CRM, CRMC, CSVI, DEX, NEMC, NWMC, VM
Alps Explorer A (AXA)
“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” – Richard Lingard
As students began to touch down in Geneva, they enjoyed some playful hours together before their two train rides to Zermatt (all aboard!). Activities included (but were not limited to) lively card games, a vigorous hacky sack circle, and a drawing session that produced work rivaling that of the famous 18th Century Swiss artist, Angelica Kauffman. After bringing the fun from the airport to the train, these Alps explorers enjoyed a delicious and nutritious dinner as they fuel up for a day hike tomorrow!
Alps Explorer B (AXB)
“The sound of the train whistle is a call to adventure, a promise of new sights and experiences waiting just around the bend.” – Monisha Rajesh
Scrumptious snacks, timely transit, and sizeable smiles – can you really ask for much more on Day 1 for our Alps Explorers? Morale was high as group members converged with one another following smooth travel to the Geneva airport. As the group commenced on two successful train rides to their campsite, students’ adventurous spirits rose as high as the approaching Matterhorn. An adventure of Alps-sized proportions awaits these eager explorers!
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
“Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb.” – Greg Child
The Front Range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains loomed large in the west as students flew into Denver International Airport. Excitement rose to levels rivaling the mountain peaks as students met each other, and before long, the crew was headed through Denver towards the Rockies that grew taller by the second. Following the group’s joyous van ride into the mountains, they broke for camp in Grand Lake. As tents went up and delectable food found plates, these mountaineers looked high up to peaks they will soon summit!
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
“At the beach, life is different. Time doesn’t move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun.” – Sandy Gingras
We have boots on the ground in Costa Rica! ¡Qué chiva! The group quickly began to bond and get to know one another in the airport before heading from Alajuela to their accommodations near Manuel Antonio National Park. With a big day of beach and wildlife exploration on the docket for tomorrow, the group set its sights on sharing a scrumptious dinner and enjoying a relaxing evening together. Just as the rain nurtures the lush Costa Rican rainforests, this group seeks to nurture one another with connection and exploration throughout the trip!
Caribbean Service Virgin Islands (CSVI)
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Poised to serve the island of St. Croix while enjoying its beautiful nature and rich culture, the students of CSVI are officially on island time! After a successful airport meetup, the group traveled to its lodging accommodations where they got their orientation from our superstar liaison, Ty. Bonding ensued with games and crews as the students began to find themselves at home amongst the lovely palm trees of this delightfully quaint island. Meaningful and enriching experiences await these students in the week to come!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)
“Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.” – John Ruskin
Our durable DEXers had a busy day of transit, hiking, and, most importantly, bonding, as they arrived in Acadia National Park. Thanks to an efficient breakdown of camp in the morning, the group dodged a downpour as they ducked into the cozy confines of their trusty steed (otherwise known as their 15 passenger van). The group braved the Maine elements during their afternoon day hike along the Beech Cliff Trail, taking a brief detour to see views of beautiful Echo Lake. Momentum is mounting for these mettled explorers!
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
“A smile is the universal welcome.” — Max Eastman
Few things signal sky-high Day 1 vibes better than a group of smiling students flanked by leaders throwing enthusiastic thumbs-ups. With smiles that big this early in the trip, these students are destined for connective laughs, horizon-expanding exploration, and confidence-spurring experiences. After rounding up the squadron in Massachusetts, these shiny smiles boarded the fun bus to the White Mountains where they enjoyed some bonding games while en route. They eagerly await their moment to get on trail tomorrow!
Northwest Mountains & Coast (NWMC)
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.” – John Muir
Following a successful day of settling in with fun games and nourishing food, these expeditioners of the great Northwest set forth for Olympic National Park! Their trip to one of America’s most famous national parks included an afternoon hike on Hurricane Ridge, featuring positively stunning views of mountain peaks. With lush trees covering massive mountains as far as the eye can see, the group dreams of their future adventures and experiences in the Olympic Mountains of Washington State!
Vermont to Montreal (VM)
“The paradox: there can be no pilgrimage without a destination, but the destination is also not the real point of the endeavor. Not the destination, but the willingness to wander in pursuit characterizes pilgrimage.” – Patricia Hampl
Much like you have to walk before you run, this biker gang must drive before they bike! Following the group’s formation at drop-off in Massachusetts, they drove north into the mountains of Vermont where they set up camp for the evening. As the group fine-tunes their bicycles, packs up their panniers and fuels themselves with a delectable dinner, they anticipate first pedals of their Montreal pilgrimage tomorrow. Fueled by the prospect of a massive achievement just beyond the Canadian border, these bikers eagerly await the upcoming challenge!
