It is the Fourth of July here in America but our trips are celebrating worldwide!! This blog is celebrating the accomplishments of all of our students and leaders out there in the field. So put on your party hats, blow your party horns, and enjoy the pictures of all the fun being had around the world!
Skip to a Specific Trip: AXA, AXB, CRM, CRMC, CSVI, DEX, ECC, MCCE, NEMC, NWMC, PC, PMC, VM
Alps Explorer A (AXA)
After yesterday’s monster day of Tour du Mont Blanc trekking, AXA was back at it for Day Two. Starting their day with a climb up to the picturesque Lac Blanc, they finished their (short but steep) mileage for the day and arrived to their lakeside campsite in plenty of time to enjoy a well-deserved dip, Tonight, they will be treated to an authentic, home-cooked meal in the nearby rifugio – bon appetit!
Alps Explorer B (AXB)
Coming off a cozy night in their first rifugio of the trip, home-cooked French dinner and all (considered a highlight of the trip so far by many in the group), AXB’s third stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc was no match for Ellie and Sophie’s group of tenacious hikers. Reports from the field include phrases like “so much laughter and smiles.” And we hope you don’t think they would forgo celebrating the 4th of July just because they’re out of the country – they donned red, white, and blue balloons as they trekked into Chamonix and enjoyed celebratory gelato!
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
The Coloradans gave their feet a little rest today and got off the trail and onto some rapids. With some epic hiking behind them, our adventurers took on some white water rafting and explored the quaint and endearing town of Estes Park, CO. They weren’t able to snap any pictures off during the rafting activity, but they did grab this one after a late picnic lunch in a nearby park. Our crew is looking stellar and ready for their final full day of adventure.
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
Today, the group spent the morning building a new trail to a beautiful waterfall for their service project. Afterward, they took their daily river dip in one of the cleanest rivers in Latin America, enjoyed lunch, and joined Mauricio for an ecology walk through the rainforest. They even harvested bananas to make banana chips and are looking forward to making tortillas together later this evening. We’re hoping to have more photos of their adventures to share tomorrow!
Caribbean Service Virgin Islands (CSVI)
On their last day of volunteering with The Nature Conservancy, our St. Croix crew finished the work they started yesterday to clear a wetland pond (they reported that they couldn’t even see the fence when they started yesterday due to all the brush!). They then painted the trim for the new porch that is to be constructed at The Nature Conservancy’s Virgin Islands headquarters. After lunch, they hopped on a short ferry to the lovely Protestant Cay Beach, where they spent the afternoon relaxing and playing games with an unobstructed view of the Christiansted boardwalk! Sounds like just another day in paradise to this humble blogger…
Europe Coast to Coast (ECC)
A day to explore Bruges and spend time together off the bikes was just what the doctor ordered. The weather was perfect for wandering, Belgian waffles were devoured, and sights were thoroughly sighted! Back at camp, they celebrated the Fourth with a classic burger and corn on the cob feast, and what looks like a solid attempt at a human pyramid. The bikes also got some TLC in preparation for the next four-day riding stretch into France. We caught up with Jocie and Finnegan by phone – they told us it’s a great group of kids and that the crew is a very solid bunch!
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
The Maine Coast College Essay squad kicked off their Fourth of July with a focused but fun morning writing session with Jack DeAngelis. In true creative spirit, they declared it ‘Jack Appreciation Day’ and all wore hats in his honor. After a yummy lunch, the group headed to Reid State Park for a lovely beach day, complete with a giant watermelon and Fourth of July treats. Bubbles, football, spikeball, an egg toss, and an ‘Apogee’s Got Talent’ show were among the afternoon festivities. Fireworks are still to come!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)
We know, dear parents of DEX’rs, that you’re eager for photos of your kids—and believe us, we’d love to share them! But today, the crew is deep in the woods of Baxter State Park, far from cell service and Wi-Fi. That said, we did hear from the leaders this morning via our trusty Garmin device. The plan? After their multi-day backcountry trek along the Appalachian Trail, today was all about recharging—think short hike, possible swim, plenty of snacks, and a solid night’s sleep. Tomorrow they attempt a summit of Mount Katahdin! Stay tuned…
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
After a week of hiking, rafting, and general exploration in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the NEMC crew migrated to the Maine Coast for their last few days together. After expending some energy with some rowdy games on the Bowdoin College quad (joined by several other off-duty Apogee leaders), Lucie, Sara, and Zach’s crew spend the afternoon paddling along the coast and cooling off with a dip in the ocean. Tonight calls for a barbecue back at camp, followed by a 4th of July fireworks show!
Northwest Mountains & Coast (NWMC)
Our Northwest Mountains and Coast friends wrapped up their kayaking adventures today after a fun-filled few days on the water, where they spotted a minky whale with seals. Highlights since our last blog included boiling seaweed and enjoying a fudge bag for dessert! To celebrate the Fourth, the group created festive decorations for the van. They ended the day with games and a relaxing evening in Bay View.
Pacific Coast (PC)
Rest day for our west coast rippers! I’m sure it felt great to have a day off bike, especially since they got to spend it hanging out with adorable puppies!! Today, they volunteered at the South Coast Humane Society, walking dogs all morning before having a 4th of July party back in camp where they grilled up some burgers and dogs. It’s back on the bikes tomorrow as they continue to cruise their way down the coast towards Cali baby!!!
Pyrenees Mountains & Coast (PMC)
The Pyrenees Mountains and Coast group awoke in the morning to beautiful mountain views and had a day filled with silly car games, tasty snacks, and plenty of Apogee-worthy moments. Even in Spain, they were feeling the Fourth of July spirit, but they didn’t let the afternoon drizzle rain on their parade. They are in camp for the evening tucked safe and sound, super stoked to start hiking tomorrow on the Carros de Foc!
Vermont to Montreal (VM)
The VMers cruised out of Burlington this morning, leaving the city behind as they pedaled toward the sparkling waters of Lake Champlain. They hopped on the scenic bike ferry, soaking in some truly stunning lake views along the way. After a delicious lunch to refuel, they rolled onto the iconic causeway, taking in the beauty of the ride before making it to their final stop: Grand Isle. To celebrate the 4th of July, the crew had a hot dog roast in camp!!!
