From the island of St. Croix to the base of Mont Blanc, our Apogee Adventures are moving, grooving, and having a grand ol’ time. Today we highlight the finer things in Apogee life, from the highest point in Maine to the backcountry of Spain and everywhere in between.
Skip to a Specific Trip: AXA, AXB, CRM, CRMC, CSVI, DEX, ECC, MCCE, NEMC, NWMC, PC, PMC, VM
Alps Explorer A (AXA)
Just in case hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc isn’t hard enough, Kendall and Otto’s crew decided that they should dedicate some trail time to… memorizing the period table of elements? Reports from the field suggest they have 20 locked down with 98 to go… meanwhile, their third day of backpacking is now in the books after a lovely 10+ km hike today led them to the popular ski town of Chamonix, where they did a bit of exploring before settling into camp for the night.
Alps Explorer B (AXB)
When we think of AX, two things immediately come to mind: Mont Blanc (obviously) and French fries. Well, maybe that’s not the usual combination, but for Day 4 of the TMB, Sophie and Ellie reported that their 18km hike included some charming French villages, gorgeous sunshine, close-up view of Mont Blanc.. And French fries! What more could you ask for?
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
This Colorado Rockies crew is out of the Mountains and celebrating a trip full of memories with new friends (who at this point seem old). They started their day with some community service, helping to clean up some of the trails that they have been using for the past week. After all that good work was done they headed into Boulder to explore the city and celebrate with a spectacular final dinner!
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
Costa Rica is still out in the jungle living the dream. Reports today from leaders say the group spent a enriching morning helping with trail maintenance. The crew was rewarded with an afternoon of swimming, cooking lessons, and some relaxing time in a sweat lodge. We are so green with envy that we would blend right into that Costa Rican paradise!
Caribbean Service Virgin Islands (CSVI)
The CSVIer’s know how to start a day off right, and that’s volunteering with puppies. We really can’t think of a more fun way to start the day than by doing some meaningful community service with adorable dogs. They continued the day with yet another snorkeling adventure. After drying off, they treated themselves to an at-home spa day. When all that relaxing was done they headed out to one last meal together on the beach. The cherry on top of a truly wonderful day.
Europe Coast to Coast (ECC)
Our ECC group made a midday stop in Deinze, Belgium for lunch and dinner supplies. And who happened to show up at the grocery store to welcome the crew? The mayor of Deinze himself! He even gifted everyone a balaclava (or buff) with the city’s logo on it—if you zoom in on the picture, you might spot the “D”! One of the best parts of traveling by bike is how curious and kind people can be—offering directions, encouragement, and, if you’re lucky, branded balaclavas! Jocie said it was a super fun day of riding. Tomorrow: France!
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
After a morning of final edits and finishing touches on these scholars’ essays, their hard work—and this wonderful trip—began to wind down. They celebrated the completion of both their writing and their journey with a delicious final dinner in Portland, some city exploration, and one last reading of their essays overlooking beautiful Casco Bay.
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)
Let’s be honest. All you really need to know is that everyone made it to the top of Katahdin this morning—and spirits are sky-high (in case the photos don’t make that crystal clear)! Tomorrow they emerge from Baxter State Park and head to the coast for some outstanding kayaking in Isle au Haut Bay starting on Monday. What a trip!
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
On their last full day together, our NEMC crew rolled up their sleeves to volunteer with a fantastic Maine-based organization called Growing to Give. Since Apogee groups travel through so many amazing places and use local resources, we always try to include a service project in our itineraries. It’s a great way to introduce the spirit of volunteering and support a local nonprofit at the same time! After their time with Growing to Give, the crew enjoyed lunch, went swimming, played games, and headed into Portland for a final dinner—BBQ style!
Northwest Mountains & Coast (NWMC)
After several epic days on the water this adventurous crew is on the move, heading from the coast back into the mountains for the final few days of their epic adventure. Their transit day included many miles of road trip games, several musical interludes, and really stunning views. They even stopped for ice cream and got to stretch their legs on a little hike this afternoon! This crew is showing us all that even a transit day can be truly spectacular on an Apogee trip.
Pacific Coast (PC)
Get ready to queue all of the songs that mention the Golden State, because our bikers have officially made it into California! Our Pacific Coasters have left the stunning Oregon coast in their rearview mirrors and are cruising ahead toward California’s towering redwoods. They’re completing miles on the road like there’s no tomorrow, and from the looks of it, they’re having a pretty great time together…
Pyrenees Mountains & Coast (PMC)
This crew of absolute CRUSHERS started out on their first day of the Carros de Foc! They tackled the first climbs of their epic four day loop and were rewarded with amazing views. They got to their first Refugi and were welcomed with cozy beds and a delicious hot meal. The group played many rounds of cards, took a few napogees, and studied the maps of their upcoming days of adventure. The crew is ready for another epic day on the trail tomorrow!
Vermont to Montreal (VM)
Ohhhh Canada, the land they call their home (for the next few days). Our speedy VMers cruised today, crossing into Canada for their final leg of this epic journey. After a smooth and speedy border crossing they settled into their first campsite in Canada. They then spent the afternoon swimming and hanging out at camp. Sounds like a dreamy day to us!
