…‘Cause I’m having a good time! Sorry to get that song stuck in your head, but it’s been stuck in my head all throughout the blog writing process, so I needed someone else to join me. Our trips are certainly all having a good time, even with some wrapping up today and others soon coming to a close. There’s never a shortage of good times in an Apogee summer, so let’s dive right in and hear all about them!
Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMCA, NEMCB, CRM, MCCE, DEXA, DEXB, VMA, VMB, NWX, PC, AXA, AXB, ECC1, ECC2
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
MCJ hit the ground running today – or should we say, they hit the ground biking! These young adventurers put down their packs and strapped on their helmets for the day as they explored Acadia’s famous carriage roads. The crew crushed 11 miles around Eagle Lake this morning without a hitch – seems like we might have some future ECC participants on our hands! The MCJ gang then spent the afternoon exploring the lovely town of Bar Harbor before heading back to camp for an early dinner and bed so they can be well-rested for their potential sunrise hike of Cadillac Mountain tomorrow!
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
It was back to the mainland for CI today! After packing up camp this morning on Martha’s Vineyard, this crew of veteran cyclists hopped on a quick ferry back to Hyannis. From there, they cruised through 19 miles of beautiful riding. Per trip leader Will, the photo below shows the group getting some extra fuel from an extra-special whipped cream treat at lunch. Not only did they get an extra snack at lunch, but they also got mail today! Woohoo! Tomorrow, the crew will leave their bikes behind for the day as they try their hand (foot?) at stand-up paddleboarding.
New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)
Wondering what NEMCA got up to today? Drumroll, please… They summited Mount Washington, the highest peak in New England! This group crushed their challenge hike at lightspeed today, cruising up the 6,288-foot mountain like the seasoned hiking pros they are. Tonight, they’ll celebrate their incredible accomplishment and rest up for their final day of hiking tomorrow! Congratulations, NEMCA!
New England Mountains & Coast B (NEMCB)
Get out the cake and confetti, because NEMCB has something big to celebrate! No, not a birthday – a stellar summit of Mount Washington! Mount Washington is the highest peak in New England and NEMCB crushed all 6,288 feet. They rose with the sun at 4:27 AM this morning (a very specific time provided by trip leaders) in order to get an early jump on the hike, and they didn’t slow down until they reached their goal. While in the mountains, the crew got a taste of the thru-hiker lifestyle with a visit to the Lakes of the Clouds Hut. Rumor has it there might be pizza for dinner in this courageous crew’s future…
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
After CRM’s epic rock climbing session yesterday, they got up bright and early today to seize another fantastic day in Rocky Mountain National Park! The gang took to the trails this morning, trekking their way over to Lake Haiyaha and Emerald Lake. They’ll be the first to say some sore legs were totally worth the journey – just look at that water! Along the way, they also made sure to hug the Grandma Tree (I wonder if she gives out rainbow cookies like mine does…) and kept an eye out for wildlife. Back at their home base, the group fully embraced the camping life with friendship bracelets, card games, and a fire to gather around. Tomorrow, they’ll take on their challenge hike!
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
It was another beautiful day on the Maine coast today, but MCCE already knew that! This group of writing geniuses spent their third morning with Leah today, peer editing and cleaning up their essay ideas. After an amazing sandwich lunch, they rolled into Brunswick for an afternoon of community service! The crew got down to business with the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center today, helping to build an adaptive accessible camping area. How cool is that? But the fun doesn’t stop there – this energetic bunch is hitting the trails this evening for a picnic lunch and a short hike to the beach. The way life should be, indeed!
Plus an extra photo from yesterday’s session at Bates!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)
Departure days always make me think about that Winnie the Pooh quote that goes, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” And while goodbyes are always hard, this DEXA group sure did get lucky with their powerhouse of a trip! They spent their last morning together today and then parted ways. We’ll miss you, DEXA!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)
It’s time to bid farewell to our fantastic DEXB trip! Departure days are bittersweet, but we know for certain this crew made the most of every second of their time together. While the Maine wilderness will surely miss them, we know their warm showers and coy beds will be glad to have them back! Congratulations on a great trip, DEXB – we can’t wait to see where your adventures take you next!
Vermont to Montreal A (VMA)
Montreal is a pretty cool city, but it got objectively less cool after our VMA group left today. They just add so much life to wherever they go, it’s hard for anywhere to be the same without them! And these seasoned cyclists have certainly added much to each other’s lives as well over their awesome journey across the border. We know you’re on to great things, VMA! Safe travels!
Vermont to Montreal B (VMB)
What a storybook ending to a fairytale of a trip! After celebrating their accomplishments last night, it was time to hit the road for VMB this morning (just not on bikes this time). They said plenty of heartfelt goodbyes as they reflected on their incredible journey together before parting ways. It’s been real, VMB!
Northwest Explorer (NWX)
It’s getting real for our intrepid NWXers! They spent their first full day in the backcountry today, logging a beautiful five-mile hike through the Hoh Rainforest. They don’t have the service to send us pictures right now, but we’re sure they’re enjoying the magic of being off-the-grid along with the magic of the great outdoors. They’ll hike back into civilization tomorrow, and we can’t wait to hear all about it!
Pacific Coast (PC)
It was high-fives all around for this PC crew this afternoon! These fearless riders completed 49 miles down the coast of Oregon today – nearly a half-century and the longest ride of their trip so far! As much as these cyclists are loving the picturesque Oregonian coastline, they’re looking forward to a big milestone on their trip tomorrow: crossing into California! They’ve only got one more day of riding before they get to rest and surf on the golden coast. Keep those pedals turning, PC!
Alps Explorer A (AXA)
AXA was in full-on TMB prep mode today! They started their morning with a quick ride over to the town of Martigny, where they got a chance to thoroughly resupply and make sure they had plenty of clean clothes for their upcoming Tour du Mont Blanc excursion. They even got some meditation in after a delicious Mediterranean dinner – manifesting a successful hike into the French Alps tomorrow, I suppose!
Alps Explorer B (AXB)
It was a day full of firsts for AXB, and they absolutely crushed it! Not only was today their first full day on the Tour du Mont Blanc, but it was also their first day of hiking with their French mountain guide, Elie, and their first night staying in one of the many lovely refuges along the TMB! This group logged six miles through the jaw-dropping views of the French Alps today, and they can’t wait to do it again tomorrow. Keep on trekking, AXB!
Europe Coast to Coast 1 (ECC1)
What a day of celebration for ECC1! After arriving in Venice yesterday, this crew left their bikes behind for a day of exploring the city and savoring their last moments together (and surely savoring some authentic Italian cuisine!). Before their celebratory final dinner, they got to welcome their friends on ECC2 to their new home. It seems like they must reserve that table for the coolest people in the world – just look at that view!
Europe Coast to Coast 2 (ECC2)
THEY DID IT!!! ECC2 has finally joined their friends in the beautiful city of Venice, and we couldn’t be more proud of them. They flew through their very last 60 miles of riding today, ending in an epic celebration in the city. After dismounting their bikes, they took a water taxi over to the hostel they’ll be staying in. Tomorrow, they’ll get to enjoy their last full day together as they explore Venice! Way to go, ECC2!
