What’s got awesome backcountry sections, ocean explorers, meaningful service, and silly students? That’s right, you guessed it: our Apogee trips! From being the first in the US to watch the sunrise to cooling off in alpine lakes, our crews are having some pretty amazing experiences. To find out just what sublime quests each trip embarked upon today read on. As always, check out our Instagram @apogee.adventures to see even more trip highlights sure to make you wish you were on an Apogee Adventure too!
Skip to a Specific Trip: AKMC, AXA, AXB, CRM, CRMC, CSVI, DEX, DMCC, ECC, MCCE, MCJ, NEMC, NWMC, VM
Alaska Mountains & Coast (AKMC)
This troop of backcountry adventures are headed into to the frontcountry today. Their hike out from the lakes was breathtaking with the valley trail taking them between stark mountains on either side of them. They decided to treat themselves to pizza for a successful backcountry journey! This crew spent the rest of their beautiful day getting ready for service tomorrow morning and their kayaking adventures to come!
Alps Explorer A (AXA)
Today, Alps Explorer A took on the first part of their splendid sojourn on the Tour du Mont Blanc! Early this morning, the group left their campsite and boarded the bus, backpacks stuffed full for the adventure ahead. Their bus stop, and the start of their journey, was marked by a pink chapel nestled between beautiful mountains. After an epic photo in front of the church and an even more epic pump-up speech, the group took their first steps on the TMB! They crushed 10.5 miles and were rewarded with stunning views and a relaxing evening at camp before hitting the hay to rest up for Day 2 of the TMB.
Alps Explorer B (AXB)
AXB is on the move today and prepping for the start of the Tour du Mont Blanc. After saying goodbye to their campsite and gorgeous views in Grachen, they boarded a train and headed to Martigny. When they arrived they went to work shopping for food and prepping their packs for the epic adventures that await them tomorrow. They headed off to bed earlier where they dreamed of even more stunning views on the trails tomorrow!
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
Today, this crew conquered a hike with four amazing lakes! The views along the trail were jaw-dropping, as they got to dip their toes in the crystal-clear water. These troopers were incredible today… and even tackled a game of Big Booty while on trail. Afterwards they made their way back to camp to eat a delicious lunch, and then headed over to Rainbow Curve lookout for some gorgeous views! What a dream!
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
Our CRMC crew laced up their hiking boots and hit the trails today for adventures in Chirripó. Derived from the Bribri Indigenous language, Chirripó means “water in motion” or “land of eternal waters.” You may not be able to see the waterfalls in these photos, but let’s just say the trail did not disappoint! The crew hiked in awe of the amazing biodiversity that surrounded them as they traveled through the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve in the Talamanca mountains. They headed back to their accommodation for games and another delectable dinner! We cannot wait to see what adventures are in store for tomorrow.
Caribbean Service Virgin Islands (CSVI)
CSVI got to work helping out at the Nature Conservancy this morning! For a mid morning break, they stopped into the coral lab, where they learned all about the work being done to restore coral reefs around the island. We here in the office are jealous. After a fulfilling morning of service and learning, the crew dominated some afternoon Spikeball at the beach before heading back to their accommodations for dinner and games!
Dolomite Mountains & Croatian Coast (DMCC)
Another day hiking Rifugio to Rifugio for our DMCC crew, and it’s safe to say we’re all a little jealous! The group had a blast soaking up the stunning views of the Dolomites during their trek and celebrated finishing their hike by going for a swim in a nearby lake! After a long day enjoying the Italian outdoors, they tucked into a delicious dinner at their Rifugio before hitting the hay early. We can’t wait to see what adventures (and views) tomorrow’s hike will bring!
Europe Coast to Coast (ECC)
Today our ECC crew continued their trek through the Netherlands. They rolled out of camp in Wassenaar bright and early and bid farewell to The Hague before enjoying a beautiful ride along the coast to Maasluis where they enjoyed their first ferry ride of the trip. After a quick jaunt across the water, they hopped back on their trusty bikes and made their way to camp in the seaside town of Ouddorp. Tomorrow the Netherlands leg of our ECCers journey will come to a close as they make their first country crossing into Belgium!
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
The Maine Coast College Essay crew started their day off with community service at a local farm-based non-profit in Brunswick. After gardening and hanging out with some farm animal friends (hint they are included in the photo), they headed off for a hike. The crew’s hike ended at a beach where they cooled off. Their afternoon brought another fulfilling writing session with Jack. Their evening was full of games, essay editing, and enjoying time all together!
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
MCJ was the early bird that got the worm today, waking up before the sun with a hike as some of the first people to watch the sunrise in the US! After a post-hike nap and an epic brunch, our MCJers headed out to explore Bar Harbor and get some ice cream. Sounds like a pretty dreamy day in Acadia! We cannot wait to see what’s in store for tomorrow.
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)
It is a big day for our Maine’s Downeast Explorers. Not only are they heading into the backcountry for what we are sure will be an amazing adventure but they are also celebrating a birthday! What’s better than a backcountry birthday? We certainly cannot think of anything. They arrive at camp to see a gorgeous lake and stunning views of the mountains around them. Sadly no pictures today, but we are picturing party hats and lots of stoke for our backcountry crew.
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
After the big summit success of yesterday, this New England Mountains and Coast crew took a well earned rest day! They woke up and had a special pancake breakfast before heading into town. There they did a quick food shop before heading to one of Apogee’s favorite swimming spots in the Whites, emerald pools! After cooling off and hanging out by the pools they headed back into town for laundry and cards games. It’s been an awesome, relaxing day for this crew, and they are excited to head into Maine tomorrow!
Northwest Mountains & Coast (NWMC)
Today our incredible Washington explorers embarked on their three-day kayaking excursion in the San Juan Islands! They packed up their gear (and big ol’ bags of GORP), hopped on yet another ferry, met their guide, and set off for quite the adventure. Tonight they will camp on the largest undeveloped island in the San Juan Islands… sounds like the perfect opportunity to see amazing marine wildlife and stargaze at the undisturbed night sky! Over the next few days, they will continue to explore in their kayaks and will give back with a community service project on Cypress Island. Stay tuned for the NWMC adventures to come!
Vermont to Montreal (VM)
Today our VM riders got up and at ‘em for a 12 mile ride into Burlington where they set up camp for the next two nights! They then headed out for an afternoon of community service with Intervale Community Farm. The group spent the sunny afternoon exploring all that summer on the farm has to offer and harvesting red currants for a local CSA. The crew is looking forward to a day off the bikes tomorrow, when they will go for a guided SUPing adventure on Lake Champlain.
