If you’ve had a busy week, congratulations – you’ve made it to the weekend! You’ve got two days to do as you please, whether that includes hiking, biking, and kayaking, or slowing things down with a cup of tea and the weekend crossword puzzle. However you recharge, we hope it includes a daily dose of the Apogee blog (and if you’re reading this, it’s safe to assume that’s the case)! Without further ado, kick up your feet and enjoy a glimpse into the worldwide festivities of our Apogee families.
Skip to a Specific Trip: CI, NEMC, CRM, GSA, MCCE, CRLS, NWXA, NWXB, PCA, PCB, AX, ECC1, ECC2, ACC
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
Today’s the day – the Cape Cod & the Islands trip start! A day filled with excitement, new faces, adjusting bike seats, and lots of icebreakers. We can’t wait to follow this group along their journey. Get ready, Boston, because CI is coming for ya!
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
For those just tuning in, the NEMC team has been crushing peaks in the White Mountains the last four days. And, in a surprise turn of events, what are they doing today? Crushing peaks in the White Mountains, of course! The NEMC team just can’t seem to get enough of the Granite State’s renowned mountain range and who can blame them. Tomorrow the team will descend from the mountains, give their leg a rest, and test their paddling skills on the Androscoggin River.
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
Colorado. Rocks. Mountains. The CRM team really lived up to their name today as they gave rock climbing a go! They channeled their inner mountain goat (spider monkey? tree frog? …and apparently Mario?) as they ascended the steep rock face and finagled their fingers and toes into the nooks and crannies while seeking out their next hold. Rock on, CRM!!
Golden State Adventure (GSA)
Today the GSA’ers were tackling some invasive species that locals call New Zealand Spinach near the coast in a small town called Carpinteria. The kiddos were hauling up massive piles of these plants, which then allow the natural plant species and wildlife to repopulate the area!
Sunset dance party!
…still dancing!
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
On July 11th the international convenience store chain, 7-Eleven, gives out free Slurpees. Capable of detecting grammatical errors and sweet deals, our team at MCCE took full advantage of the holiday yesterday! Today, MCCE gave back to the local Brunswick community and helped out at The Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Prevention. Go MCCE!
Costa Rica Language & Service (CRLS)
¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás? Not following? Well CRLS is! Today the CRLS team practiced their Spanish in the morning, explored a waterfall in the afternoon, and attended a Salsa dancing class this evening. Quite the day!
Northwest Explorer (NWXA)
Leader Liam reports that this group is geared up and stoked to kayak tomorrow! After breathtaking backcountry sections, they’re ready to hit the water as the cherry on top of their stellar trip. Rumor has it, they can see both the Olympics and North Cascades from atop the hill on the island they’ll camp on, so they can reminisce as they gaze at all they’ve accomplished. Today, however, was full of relaxation and trip prep!
Northwest Explorer (NWXB)
Our NWXB squad is deep in the heart of the PNW backcountry. They are no doubt enjoying spectacular views, varied terrain, and all the peace that comes from a lack of cell service. Yet again, no pics today, but the building anticipation has us eager for their return to civilization!
Pacific Coast (PCA)
After a day off the bikes, our PCA team was ready to hop back on and eat some miles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! They’d missed the salty breeze on their faces, pointing out pods of dolphins as they rode along the coast, and the consistent chorus of, “Slowing! Stopping!” as they bike tour like the well oiled machine they are. They crushed 49 miles, meaning they have a mere 3 days left of biking before San Francisco! Fingers crossed for photos soon!
Pacific Coast (PCB)
Rest day the PCB way: sleep in, make a big breakfast, and don your coolest socks. PCB is off the bikes today, resting their legs, exploring the beach, and enjoying the beautiful California weather. Well deserved, team!
Alps Explorer (AX)
After resting their legs yesterday, this group was back on the trail bright and early! As you can tell from the photos, it was another spectacular day of hiking through the Italian Alps, and tomorrow they’ll have their third and final border crossing back into Switzerland. We can’t believe it’s nearly time to say “Ciao” to Italy!
Europe Coast to Coast 1 (ECC1)
Our ECC’ers headed into the Vosges Mountains (more like the Berkshires than the Rockies). They noticed differences in Teutonic influence (big word, we know! Google told us that it means a German influence) starting to permeate the towns – lots of German language and architecture. They are now in the heart of the Alsace Lorraine region, meaning soon they will be on the bike-path that leads them all the way to Venice!
Europe Coast to Coast 2 (ECC2)
Greetings from Toul, France! Today ECC2 had a beautiful ride, cruising along the same route of the Tour de France stage that they watched a few days ago. The team stopped in Toul for lunch and ate in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral – depicted below!
America Coast to Coast (ACC)
The ACC’ers slept in today, had a good ole’ country breakfast of eggs, biscuits, bacon and spudnuts (potato flower doughnuts). Then they worked on bikes, lounged by the pool, grilled burgers, and took glorious naps. They are having a talent show where we are anticipating multiple musical acts! Break a leg tonight, performers (but actually please don’t).