Day 42: Hitchhiker’s Guide to Apogee

There’s a story that says one day on a small planet in a small galaxy within a ginormous universe, a supercomputer decided the answer to life’s biggest questions was 42. So today, on Apogee’s 42nd day of summer adventuring, we’ve brought you a showcase of all the natural wonders that this very small planet has to offer. From sea to almost shining sea (go ACC!), Apogee Adventures’ students continue to make new friends, see new things, and accomplish new challenges! 

Skip to a Specific TripCI, NEMCANEMCB, CS, MCP, DEXA, DEXB, VLCAVLCBCRMC, GSA, CMCAKMCA, AKMCB, AKMCC, NWXA, NWXBPC, ACC1, ACC2

Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)

Traveling to the East Coast, we’ve got our fierce CI’ers ferrying over Vineyard Sound to their next campground on Martha’s Vineyard. They rocked an 11 mile ride today, and are excited to explore their new surroundings! No blog pic as of press time but we look forward to seeing pictures from Martha’s Vineyard tomorrow!

New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)

Spotted: NEMCA hanging out under the waters of Arethusa Falls in New Hampshire. The group took a quick pit stop for water and pictures before continuing their trek through the Frankenstein Cliffs. Where will we find them next? (Hint: water is closer than it appears!)

 

New England Mountains & Coast B (NEMCB)

Also in New Hampshire, NEMCB did their own exploring of the White Mountains before they spent the afternoon rafting down Dry River. Doing as NEMCB does, we can expect that they had an absolute blast! Splashes and shenanigans abound! 

 

Caribbean Service (CS)

Just a few thousand miles south, our CS trip spent the day learning about the Mangrove Project, where they painted a future laboratory and cafeteria for the growing Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust research center. Bonus: a picture of a friend (amongst many) they met along the way! 

Maine Coast Photo (MCP)

Pictured: Maine Coast Photo’s reaction to 42 being the ultimate answer to all life’s questions. Not pictured: MCP’s smiling faces as they meet for the first time. Wishing you all a week of new friendships, fresh perspectives and clean lenses. 

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)

Back to the Maine wilderness, our DEXA adventurers spent their second and final night in the backcountry. We can’t wait to hear from them tomorrow about their many campfire stories and see their smiling faces! 

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)

It was DEXB’s turn to welcome the sun this morning, waking up before dawn to be some of the very first people in the US to watch the sun peek over the Atlantic. After their sunrise hike at the summit of Beech Mountain Fire Tower in Acadia, the group made their way to Bangor for an afternoon poolside and prepping for the backcountry tomorrow. Woods and waters, LOOK OUT!

 

Vermont & Lake Champlain A (VLCA)

And so the odyssey continues for VLCA! Today they ShelBurnt some rubber, and sped (at a safe speed) all the way into Shelburne, Vermont – a whopping 25 miles! Impressive stuff, travelers!

Vermont & Lake Champlain B (VLCB)

VLCB also stayed on the “hey why don’t we get up, eat breakfast and then yeet some miles” train today, as they crushed another great ride through the truly wonderful hills of Vermont. Did they see a cow? Probably? A field? Certainly. Ben? Jerry? We really hope so!

Yeet: (verb) to excitedly and passionately throw oneself or an object into the great beyond.

Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)

Our Costa Rican adventurers left their rain forest eco lodge today and trekked back to cell service! Good to see ya, CRMC! They headed straight for the coast, where they look forward to days of snorkeling and surfing upcoming.

Golden State Adventure (GSA)

Now in the great state of California (way out west), our GSA’ers spent their third day in Santa Barbara along the coastline on a hike around Cachuma Lake. Sure looks like a ~movie~!

California Mountains & Coast (CMC)

Beach day, best day for CMC. Nate and Lila’s group took in the beauty of California’s Coast today on some coastal hikes in the Half Moon Bay area.!

Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)

Up in the tundras of Alaska, AKMCA got to see the homecoming parade in Seward for Olympic gold medalist Lydia Jacoby! Did someone say USA! USA! AKMCA! 

Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)

And into the wilds of Alaska went AKMC B! They kicked off their three night backcountry circuit today, and looked darn prepped for it! Happy trails AKMCB!

Alaska Mountains & Coast C (AKMCC)

The group doused a healthy dose of sauce on their EGGs (Exit Glacier Guides) and it made for a pretty sweet tasting adventure! New friends, new views, keep it climbing!

Northwest Explorer (NWXA)

NWXA continues to roll through the backcountry, and if we can all take a quick moment, let’s picture this: our group steps out the trees, and before them spans an alpine meadow; flowers, grasses, sunlight… quite striking. An audible gasp emerges from members of the group as they take in the glory of the Pacific Northwest, and as one, they fist bump.

Did anyone else get chills? I did.

Northwest Explorer (NWXB)

Inspired by the events in Tokyo, NWXB is immersing themselves in the Olympics of Washington State! Towering trees, glorious streams, and sights and smells unique to just where they are greeted our dedicated Olympians (yes, we can call them that) as they pushed through their backcountry hike!

Pacific Coast (PC)

The final push to San Francisco has officially begun. Muscles are strong, morale is high. San Francisco, get ready. PC is now only three days away from their grand arrival, and they still have time for sweet treats and even sweeter views along all the California Coast!

America Coast to Coast 1 (ACC1)

First San Diego sign! GLORY GLORY GLORY! Another day of pedaling, and all of a sudden, ACC1 is within shouting distance of San Diego. Breakout those swim trunks, her majesty, La Pacifica, awaits tomorrow!

America Coast to Coast 2 (ACC2)

What they say is true. ACC2 has crossed the California border. Sleep sweet and sleep fast, ACC2 – you’re up before the rooster crows tomorrow as you continue your trek West. The Pacific is glistening with excitement!

 

As we bring this blog to a close, this blogger says: “so long, and thanks for all the fish.” (if you know, you know)