Day 44: Extra, Extra! Read All About It!

Hey you! Yeah, you! Looking for tales of excitement and adventure? Look no further than Apogee Times. Since 2001, Apogee Times has beguiled its readers with stories of young people doing really cool stuff. Fresh off the printer, this paper can be yours for the low low price of your time. Read on and discover why Apogee Times was described by the New Yorker as “definitely a real newspaper.”

Skip to a Specific Trip: AKMCA, AKMCB, AX, CI, CRMC, CS, DEXA, DEXB, GSA, MCCE, MCJ, NEMC, NWXPC, PMC, VMA, VMB

Alaska Mountains & Coast (AKMCA)

AKMCA all in for the Aquatic Life! The group prepares to paddle with purpose!

SEWARD, Alaska  – Our AKMC adventurers had a great day of relaxation and preparation in Seward today, according to our reporters in the field. The team hit all the big wickets of an ideal resupply day today, including picking up mail, doing laundry, restocking on groceries, and scouting out Resurrection Bay for their upcoming paddling outing. Another crucial element of backcountry prep: visiting the aquarium for some pre-trip marine education! Tomorrow, they’ll hit the waves for two days of sea kayaking, with many opportunities for spectacular views and incredible wildlife sightings.

 

 

Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)

Witnesses report energetic group emerging from the forest: Where did they come from?

CHUGACH STATE PARK, Alaska – Our AKMCB squad has returned from their evening off the grid! Our reporters in the field have let us know that their first backcountry section went so well, they’re already ready to go do it again. After hiking back to their van, taking showers and resupplying today, the crew began their final preparations for their upcoming three-day backcountry stint this evening. Tomorrow, they’ll set out along the Williwaw Lakes Loop!

Alps Explorer (AX)

Handstands at High Altitude! Gluten for glutes! Can we get any more jealous of the Alp Explorers?

CHAMPEX, Switzerland – Yes, yes we can. Here’s a recap of today’s adventure: started the day with buttery croissants, loaded up their backpacks with baguettes (the perfect edible walking stick), waded in Champex Lac, and prepared for a sunrise hike! As they near the end of their Tour du Mont Blanc, we are curious to learn about some of their favorite hikes and moments. We’re sure they’ll have stories to tell on their return!

Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)

Bikers say goodbye to Martha and hello to Mass! Ferry glad to be involved in the trip

CAPE COD, Mass. – Today held yet another ferry ride for our seaworthy CI crew! After leaving Martha’s Vineyard behind in favor of mainland Massachusetts, the group logged 23 miles on their bikes to their next campground – and even stopped to pick up mail along the way! Tomorrow, they’ll pedal over to the seashore, where they’ll try their hand (foot?) at stand-up paddle boarding.

Caribbean Service (CS)

Surf, Sand, and San Juan: CS Soaks Up Rays! 

CABO ROJO, Puerto Rico – This trip just keeps getting better! Our CSers hit the beach today to spend the morning catching waves during their surf lesson. After shredding the gnar for the first half of their day, the crew spent their afternoon soaking up the sun with some games and relaxation time on a nearby beach. Tomorrow, these stellar surfers will pack up and head over to San Juan for an afternoon of exploration followed by a delicious final dinner!

Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)

This next news story will shock you: CRMC just went on a snorkeling tour! 

UVITA, Costa Rica – Talk about newsworthy! Our CRMC crew had a day for the books today, embarking on a snorkeling excursion out to Cano Island.  The trip gave them the opportunity to see all sorts of unique marine life, from colorful fish to sea turtles. They got to spend all day on the water, even joining their snorkeling partners for a waterside lunch! Tomorrow, they’ll soak up even more time in the waves with a morning surfing lesson before their final dinner together.

Golden State Adventure (GSA)

9/10 Doctors recommend hiking Point Reyes

POINT REYES, Calif. – The other doctor could not be reached for comment as she was busy hiking Point Reyes. Featuring expansive views of the Pacific and gorgeous beaches, Point Reyes is a jewel of the Californian coast. Whether it was the sand, the views, or the rolling hills that brought them there, GSA made the most of their day putting in a solid day hike. With a visit to Santa Cruz on the horizon, our reporters are eager to ask them: Did you see the doctor on the trail?

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)

MCCE makes a splash on paper and sea

MIDCOAST, Maine – Nothing makes the editorial staff of the Apogee Times more excited than following the exploits of tomorrow’s writers. Or more accurately, today’s writers! On their first full day together, the MCCE group met for their first writing workshop. After an eventful morning of putting pen to paper, our team had a chance to go for some sea kayaking in the afternoon. Nothing beats writer’s block like some paddling!  

 

Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)

Are you Acadian me? MCJ tackles first full day with gusto!

ORR’S ISLAND, Maine – Nothing brings campers together like piloting a boat in tandem. Eyewitnesses report that some of the pairs even worked together to splash one another! After a momentous morning of kayaking, seaweed wigs, and new friends (hermit crab pals), MCJ traveled to beautiful Acadia National Park. With the soundtrack of Hamilton blasting and a hike up their sleeves tomorrow, MCJ is sure to keep the good vibes rolling.

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)

Katahdin summited! Group asks, what’s next!?

BAXTER STATE PARK, Maine – The highest mountain in Maine, Katahdin is the northern terminus of the famous Appalachian Trail. Climbing it is no small feat! In order to summit it in a day, DEXA had to begin in the wee hours of the morning. A test of physical and mental strength, we’re so proud of DEXA group’s accomplishment!  After a day like this, we’re sure they’ll appreciate a rest day tomorrow. From all of the reporters at the Apogee Times: How’s the air up there?

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)

The Backcountry calls! Campers pick up and set the woods on speed dial 

CAN’T GET THERE FROM HERE, Maine – The Appalachian Trail beckons DEXB, inviting them to explore the Maine north woods. After a day of transit, our sources confirmed that the capable backpacking group hiked into their first campsite! With three days of backcountry planned, our readers will have to stay tuned for photos from their adventure! 

New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)

NEMC tell themselves to “take a hike,” team follows through with threat. Birthday celebrated

WHITE MOUNTAINS, N.H. – Not satisfied with just one hike, the adventurous NEMC group was back at it this morning, crushing the Frankenstein Cliffs: Home of New Hampshire’s tallest waterfall, Arethusa Falls. A full taco-themed celebration was in order to celebrate camper Josie’s birthday! From ring toss to a piñata, the party was the perfect way to round out an awesome day in the Whites. From all of us at Apogee Times, happy birthday, Josie, and great job NEMC!

Northwest Explorer (NWX)

Island curious to have visitors, campers curious about island

SAN JUAN ISLANDS, Wash. – As their kayaks pierce through the water, you have to ask yourself: “what can’t NWX do?”. The answer is…sit still! From exploring the backcountry to taking on Washington’s fine islands, these adventurers are hard to keep up with! Apogee Director Kevin Cashman paid our crew a visit in the field and reported that stoke levels were high as the group began their three-day sea kayaking adventure around the San Juan Islands. They’re even going to camp on them!

 

 

Pacific Coast (PC)

Bikers bid for Bay Area: Will they stop there? Or are they destined for the moon?

PACIFIC COAST 1, Calif. – With just two days of biking left, our reporters wonder: will they be able to stop in San Francisco? Or will their legs just keep on pedaling?! Today will be the last day they have to pedal over 40 miles- perhaps that will slow them down? Until we figure that out, we’ll continue keeping tabs on the fast-paced exploits of PC!

Pyrenees Mountains and Coast (PMC)

With end in sight, hikers wonder if they can time travel back to the start to go again

PYRENEES, Spain – PMC is on its penultimate day of hiking! With the Carros de Foc loop almost complete, we can only imagine the growing sense of accomplishment that’s brewing for our PMC team. Today they hiked through some stunning lakes and challenging downhill sections. They naturally crushed it, churning through kilometers like butter!

Vermont to Montreal A (VMA)

VMA raises invisible flag at border! Prime Minister shocked!

QUÉBEC, CanadaNow that we have your attention, we thought you should know that the VMA group has peddled past the border! While we’re not sure if the prime minister is aware, it’s clear that they’re heading into one of the coolest campgrounds of the trip. Our editorial staff caught up with trip leaders Katie and Alex for a comment on the group’s flag raising: “What are you even talking about?” Regardless, the kids reported having a “W” day, crushing not only the ride but some mini-golf as well. Sounds like a “W “or win in our books!

 

Vermont to Montreal B (VMB)

VMB Bikers say bonjour to Québec! Bikers say au revoir to longest ride

QUÉBEC, CanadaKnown as a “half century”, our fearless team of bikers have conquered a 50 mile ride! In an interview with trip leaders Otto and Kendall, Apogee Times has uncovered the secret to their continued success: “We just pedal a lot!” Perhaps the beautiful farm fields they passed gave them extra inspiration! Regardless, the mental and physical fortitude of the group is evident and inspires the editorial staff daily.