Across mountains, coastlines, and quiet farm fields, our Apogee groups were out making the most of another incredible day. Whether hiking, biking, paddling, writing, or volunteering, each crew embraced their unique experiences with energy, curiosity, and big smiles. From challenge day hikes to rest days in the city, today was full of the kind of memories that make Apogee so special.
Skip to a Specific Trip: AXA, AXB, CRM, CRMC, CSVI, DEX, ECC, MCCE, NEMC, NWMC, PC, PMC, VM
Alps Explorer A (AXA)
GOOOOD MORNING campers, and welcome to the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc. A very early morning and winding bus ride through the mountains has landed our Alps explorers at the trailhead of the TMB. Today is the start of their epic loop around her majesty, Mont Blanc, and this group looks ready to rumble. Blue skies, green grass, and a whole lotta smiles looks like the perfect start to this tour.
Alps Explorer B (AXB)
Do you ever wake up craving chocolate croissants and impeccable views of the Alps skyline? (I do almost daily) Well today, AXB got just that and they were kind enough to share a few stellar flicks of their adventures. Snowcapped peaks, a beautiful alpine lake and even a leader selfie!?!? I don’t know what we did to deserve pictures like this but woweee does it look incredible out there. Another day of the TMB in the books and not a frown in sight.
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
Today, our intrepid crew took on a nearly 9-mile round-trip hike, climbing close to 1,500 feet in elevation to reach stunning Fern Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. According to Kate, Ethan, and Molly, the hike definitely pushed everyone in the group, including the three of them, but the reward at the top (and the sense of accomplishment) was well worth every step. Next up: whitewater rafting! Because what better way to follow up a mountain hike than by charging down a river?
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
Into the rainforest they go! Our Costa Rican explorers are hiking into the eco-lodge today, where they’ll spend three serene nights at their accommodations perched high above a beautiful rushing river. Home cooked meals from their ecolodge hosts and the soothing rainforest sounds await them – enjoy the Pura Vida life, CRMC! We will just have to use our imagination today to picture how much fun CRMC is having off the map and out of cell service. Picture updates coming ASAP.
Caribbean Service Virgin Islands (CSVI)
Under the palm trees on the lovely island of St Croix, Wyatt, Cleo, and their hearty crew worked with the team at the Nature Conservancy property just outside of Christiansted. The team cleared bushes and helped to create an accessible walkway to one of the property’s ponds. The Conservancy is home to an outstanding coral research lab – and researchers there treated our group to a lab tour after their trail work was done for the day. The sunset picture you see is a bonus shot from last night with the turtles at Sandy Point.
Europe Coast to Coast (ECC)
Today, our ECC crew conquered their longest ride of the trip – 118 km (or 73.32 miles, for the conversion enthusiasts out there) – to reach the fairy-tale city of Bruges, Belgium. Speaking of Bruges…if you’re into quirky comedies with a touch of dark humor, In Bruges is a must-watch. The weather gods were clearly in a good mood today, giving our riders a mixture of sun and clouds, highs in the low 70s, and a gentle tailwind nudging them along – basically the cycling equivalent of a red carpet. Tomorrow, the gang gets their first day off the bikes to sleep in, soak up the sights of Bruges, and give their trusty steeds a little TLC before pedaling off toward France on Saturday.
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
Another successful day on the Maine Coast for our essay writers! After a focused and productive morning of writing, the group enjoyed lunch together complete with delicious sandwiches and Oreos for dessert. In the afternoon, they headed to Growing to Give for a rewarding volunteer session, where they weeded beds and heard from college interns about their work and current projects on the farm. A little rain rolled in, but it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)
Our DEX’rs emerged from the backcountry this morning with epic stories, impressively stinky socks, a collection of bug bites, and most importantly, fantastic spirits! They spent the afternoon in Millinocket, Maine (just outside Baxter State Park), doing laundry, resupplying, and indulging in some well-deserved treats before heading back into the woods. The forecast for tomorrow and Saturday in northern Maine is looking pretty perfect for adventure – sunshine with highs in the 70s and low 80s – just the kind of weather you’d order up for a Mt. Katahdin summit attempt!
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
After a triumphant (but let’s be honest—leg-burning) day of hiking Mt. Washington yesterday, our NEMC crew had their sights set on a mellow morning of swimming and exploring North Conway. But alas, Mother Nature had other plans, and a string of thunderstorms rolled through to shake things up. Ever adaptable, the crew pivoted and headed to the Franconia Notch Visitor Center, where they caught a short film about the history of the White Mountains. Spirits were high… until they learned about the tragic collapse of New Hampshire’s beloved Old Man of the Mountain in 2003. As you can see in the pictures, there were smiles before the film—followed by collective heartbreak once the Old Man’s fate was revealed. But fear not! This hearty group of hikers forged ahead, making the most of improving weather with an afternoon of frisbee, basketball, and more North Conway exploration. Next up: the coast of Maine!
Northwest Mountains & Coast (NWMC)
Island camping, paddling through pristine waters, Mount Baker majestically rising in the background, sunsets over the ocean… we could go on, but my goodness are we jealous! Our NWMC crew spent today exploring the wonders of Puget Sound as they paddled around the San Juan Islands. After a final night of camping on this pristine island beach, they’ll head back to the mainland tomorrow as they prepare to head inland to the beautiful North Cascades National Park.
Pacific Coast (PC)
Today’s glorious ride rewarded our PC crew with some astoundingly beautiful views and photo opportunities as they made their way further down the Oregon coast and ever closer to the California border. Their proximity to California might have distracted other groups, but even though they only have one more day of riding until they reach California, they remained determinedly focused on today’s ride. And it was a good thing, too – the challenge of conquering the climb over Cape Sebastian this afternoon was not an easy one, but the group made quick work of it, spurred on by the allure of a rest day tomorrow. The squad is looking forward to their community service project tomorrow and exploring during their off day! Soon they’ll be basking in the distinctly Californian sunshine, but in the meantime one more Oregon night lies in wait!
Pyrenees Mountains & Coast (PMC)
These folks made the most of their final day on the Mediterranean before heading to the charming village of Espot in the high Pyrenees tomorrow! Our Catalonian hikers arose early and got out for some hiking along the stunning Cap de Creus (see above photo, which justifies the use of “stunning”). They finished their romp along the Cap de Creus with a swim in the sparkling Mediterranean – an excellent way to celebrate a nice 10 km hike. Slightly less exciting, but still necessary, the group crushed a couple of loads of laundry this afternoon as they made their preparations for backpacking the Carros de Foc. While we like stinky Apogee hikers, good smelling Apogee hikers are even better!
Vermont to Montreal (VM)
Our VM group enjoyed a well-earned rest day from biking with a fun-filled morning exploring the streets of Burlington. They relaxed with a picnic lunch in the park before tackling the iconic Vermonster, a true team effort and sugar rush to remember. While a few may have experienced the JAMS (Just Ate, Must Sleep), they took to the water for an afternoon of stand-up paddleboarding. Spirits are high, laughter is plentiful, and the group is excited to hit the bikes again tomorrow!
