Day Ten was full of surprises for our groups! Some crews crossed borders, others celebrated birthdays in style, and a few said their first Apogee goodbyes – indeed, the very first goodbyes of the Apogee summer! From mountain trails to beach sunsets, everyone made the most of the day. Read on to see what each trip got up to.

Skip to a Specific Trip: AXA, AXB, CRM, CRMC, CSVI, DEX, ECC, MCCE, NEMC, NWMC, PC, PMC, VM

Alps Explorer A (AXA)

Kendall and Otto’s crew wrapped up Day 4 on the TMB in fine fettle today and are enjoyed their evening in the Val d’Isère before their big push uphill tomorrow to the meadows (and exceptional cheese) of Les Chapieux!

Alps Explorer B (AXB)

Sophie and Ellie’s Alpengroup is high above the  Isère River tonight, sleeping amid wildflowers and the sound of cattle in the meadows nearby. Les Chapieux is probably the most remote spot on the TMB, and, as such, they weren’t able to get out post-hike photos today. They are bidding au revoir to France tomorrow as they cross the border into Italia bella, though, and we are sure to have pictures to share as they descend into Courmayeur for a much-anticipated day off in the valley. Pizza is a certainty.

Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)

Parting is such sweet sorrow, but what a great trip it has been! This crew of CRMers loaded up and headed to the airport this morning where they waved goodbye to new friends and eagerly headed towards loved ones!

Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)

CRMC is out of the jungle and off to their next great adventure in the playas near Uvita. After a scenic hike out, they enjoyed a fun van ride with local empanadas, tunes, and stunning views. They headed to the coast, watched an epic game of local Costa Rican soccer, and after getting settled in their new casa, hit la playa! All in all, it was a pretty great day to be in Costa Rica!

Caribbean Service Virgin Islands (CSVI)

So long! Farwell! The CSVIers said goodbye. After a final morning in St. Croix these hard working CSVIers said bye to friends and started their travels home to loved ones! 

Europe Coast to Coast (ECC)

Bonjour from France! Our crew of ECCers crossed into France today, taking a photo at the border for proof! They toasted a new country with some tasty hot coco before jumping back on their bikes and heading into camp. We wouldn’t be surprised if our crew got mistaken for the Tour de France riders in the next few days with the speed and skill that they entered France with! 

 

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)

With essays all written and new friendships formed, our MCCE crew enjoyed one final morning together. After breakfast and packing they said goodbyes and headed towards home! 

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)

After the victorious adventures of yesterday our DEX crew is on the road again! They traveled from the mountains of Baxter to the stunning coastline of Maine. They got ready for their kayaking voyage and enjoyed a restful swim at their new camp! 

New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)

It’s a bittersweet day for our fabulous NEMCers. Bitter, as they had to say goodbye to friends near and dear! But oh so sweet, as they were soon to be reunited with loved ones! Farewell photos usually just make us sad, so instead here’s a bonus picture from yesterday’s final celebration, getting some well-deserved ice cream!

Northwest Mountains & Coast (NWMC)

Ain’t no mountain high enough for this NWMC crew! The group was excited to get out and hike today after being on the water for the previous leg of their journey. Today they tackled their challenge hike and took the Cascades by storm. They were rewarded with epic views and amazing memories (oh and maybe a yummy snack or two along the way).

Pacific Coast (PC)

Our PC crew got to celebrate not one but TWO birthdays today. The party started bright and early with decorations around camp. They rode in style, decked out in their party hats, making this birthday party a mobile one. They rode past stunning coastal views and even got to stop and see the trees of mystery… What is that you may be asking? Even after all these years of our groups stopping here, we still aren’t entirely sure – but we sure do look forward to the epic photos of Babe the Blue Ox and Paul Bunyan that impress and delight us each summer! It certainly looks like a great place to celebrate a birthday either way, if you ask us!

 

Pyrenees Mountains & Coast (PMC)

Way over there in the high Spanish Pyrenees, Sarah and Nellie’s crew were not stymied by the threat of a rain drop or two – instead, they donned their pack covers, summited the Pic del Portarró, made a number of bovine buddies – and that was all before lunchtime. They’re psyched for tonight’s new refugi and the Catalan treats on tap for dinner!

Vermont to Montreal (VM)

As our crew of VMer’s approach Montreal, the excitement continues to build. Today they enjoyed a beautiful (and speedy) ride through the countryside of Quebec. They cruised through the miles in order to enjoy a sunny afternoon at the waterpark! They rode down water slides, played in the lake, and did tricks off of the diving board. They then readied their bikes for their final day of riding and ate a delicious dinner before heading off to dream of Montreal and the day ahead of them!