By: Annika Nygren
Helllloooo wide world of Apogee; Happy Fourth of July to you all! Moms, Dads, siblings, grandparents and pets, I’m sure that you are all missing your kids on this holiday, but have no fear! Lots of little Apogee family celebrations are happening on all of our trips. Let’s go check out how our groups are celebrating this country’s birthday! Europe friends- keep reppin’ (Editor’s note: ‘representing’ for those of you not in the know) that red, white and blue. Northeasters (ie. CI, NEMC, DEX & CQ), we are keeping you safe and out of storm Arthur!
Cape Cod and Islands (CI): Some iffy weather did not stop these water riders from surfing this morning! Spirits are high; these guys did not want to miss out on that Cape surf. They are now now safely inside tonight and staying dry (suits).
A little Men (and Women) in Black Posing
Feet shoulder width apart, athletic stance, tighten that core and it’s time to show those waves who’s boss!
New England Mountains and Coast (NEMC): These hikers tried out the red and blue helmet look today as they crushed the rapids during white water rafting this morning! The red life vests were also in the spirit of things and served as good motivation to get up and out before the rain today. Indoor sleeping arrangements have been made tonight with help of our Assistant Director, Shem Dixon. Thanks, Shem!
Vermont to Montreal (VM): OHH Canaaadaaa! These current Canadians rode through some glorious farmland today and according to Accuweather, are at no risk for rain tonight. Lucky ducklings! 
Brace yourself, Canada, for this crew…
California Mountains and Coast (CMC): Backcountry! Backcountry! These guys have left their kayaking and rafting days behind and are now deep in the woods of Yosemite National Park. Emma and Dylan are having trouble finding enough cell service to send pictures, but the group is staying hydrated as they go up into higher altitudes!
Caribbean Service Adventure (CSA): Aloha! A tropical and sunny Fourth of July for Lucy and Will’s Caribbeaners (not sure if this is a word or not, but you get my meaning). These guys rode waves this morning and are now grilling up a storm for dinner. Now that sounds like a pretty perfect fourth celebration to me!
Coast to Quebec (CQA): Despite some showers, Mary and Mike’s crowd made it to their (indoor!) site for the night and are cooking up some delicious dinner. They rode the whole way with American flags taped to their safety flag-poles and took the time to pose for some patriotic shots. Rain or shine, these guys dominated their miles today.
Coast to Quebec (CQB): These guys were on a mission to beat the rain today! Into camp pretty early today and celebrating the holiday under a roof tonight.
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX): Some selfies and salutes at the summit! Up and down an Acadia peak early today to race the rain. Erin and Marino’s goofballs are looking forward to sleeping indoors tonight and staying dry for another full day of hiking mañana. These guys better start practicing their smiles, Uncle Garebear, our summer photographer, is en route to join them as we speak.
This patriotic tank served various purposes today, in particular, having the Pledge of Allegiance being recited to it.
Montana Service Adventure (MSA): Lots of open fields today for Hannah and Opie’s group. Today’s ride was nice and relaxing after yesterday’s long ride. The leaders report that they are ready to rock some more rollers tomorrow!
Hey Hannah, cool ACC jersey… Those guys are headed in your direction! Watch Out!
Northwest Explorer (NWX): Check out that peak in the background! And the vibrant, lively green leaves! And the perfectly still water! AND those smiling faces!! Way to squeeze everything into the frame, Izzy! Looks like a perfect day for a hike to Pyramid Lake! Preparing’ for the backcountry hike they start tomorrow.
Pacific Coast (PC1): Riding through those Red Woods today! This group of Pacific Coasters had a beautiful ride through Del Norte Redwoods State Park and kept their eyes peeled for elk. Still waiting to hear if they actually spotted one or not… We’re hoping to get a group shot later today and will post if it comes through. Cell service is spotty in Redwood country! 
Pacific Coast (PC2): True California livin’! Kate and Trevor’s group living it up on the waves today during their first rest day! They are now back at camp grilling dinner and playing with sparklers. Dinner appetizer activity: capture the flag!
Surfin’ USA!
Alps Explorer (AX): On to our European adventurers! Jack and CC just called the office to check in and tell us some good and bad news. The bad news is that they are unfortunately without wifi tonight which makes sending pictures difficult. The good news is they are safely settled into camp next to a gorgeous mountain Auberge. These hikers had an awesome day on the TMB and promise to send LOTS of pictures tomorrow. They are all wishing us a happy Fourth of July from Europe.
Europe Coast to Coast (ECCA): Direct quote from Jeremy: “nothing more American than hiding in a field and pretending to be plants at sunrise with face paint on!” I am not totally sure what that means, but these adventurers look pretty awesome sporting our national colors across the Atlantic! Way to keep representing!
Europe Coast to Coast (ECCB): Gorgeous day for a morning ferry ride in Holland. That foreign food looks delicious and those sun rays are making me jealous on this rainy day in Maine! First border crossing tomorrow – Holland to Belgium!
America Coast to Coast (ACC1): Don’t mess with Laura and Josh’s team. Game faces were ON today for a ride through the heart of Alabama. Last night at the fire station (second picture) the gang enjoyed a hearty meal of pulled pork, mac’n’cheese, cake, sweet tea. Mmm mmm mmm.
‘Murica. (America for those not in the know)
Check out those safety flags dancing in the wind with those American flags.
Bring it ON.
America Coast to Coast (ACC2): First rest day and these guys did it BIG! These chef masters cooked up a huge brunch of eggs, bacon and pancakes full of peaches bananas chocolate chips. The afternoon was a spent watching some World Cup soccer, calling home, touching up on bike mechanics, eating ice cream and dinner. Looking forward to an early night full of rest in BEDS! What a treat!
I ‘mustache’ you a question… are those for Sam’s birthday!?
Answer: Affirmative.
Yesterday’s welcome note left by support staff superstar,Tim.
What an exciting holiday all over the map! Here in the office, we are looking forward to storm Arthur’s passing and sunshine tomorrow. Around this time of year, I like to consciously spend time thinking and reflecting about who/ what I am grateful for and Apogee Adventures is high on my list of those people/ things. I am so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful team of people and an amazing company. I don’t want to get too sappy on you blog-readers, but your children are in very good hands! Chad, Kevin, Shem, Cait, Elizabeth, Michele, and all of the leaders are some of the best people I know on the planet. Cheers to a wonderful Fourth of July! Looking forward to hearing from everyone tomorrow.