Day 45: Homeward Bound!

Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMC, CRM, CSA, MCCE, MCP, DEXA, DEXB, VM, CRLS, CMCA, CMCB, CQA, CQB, MSA, NWXA, NWXB, PCA, PCB, SHX, AXA, AXB, ECCA, ECCB, ACC1, ACC2

By Olivia Box

It’s a big day of departures for Apogee! Several traditions go along with an Apogee goodbye – final dinners, the end of quakering, and sharing one last round of A’s & P’s… then off they go, memories in tow! For some campers, it was their first time with Apogee in hiking boots or on the bike saddle (major kudos!), and for others it was their second (or third, or fourth!) adventure with us. Even though the campers were spread across the world for the summer, they’ve all gotten to experience the classic Apogee traditions, immerse themselves in a new place, and meet new friends. Whether it was a full summer biking across country or a week-long Maine immersion, saying goodbye is always bittersweet!

Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)

MCJ is giving back to Maine today, and spent the morning volunteering with the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program. This afternoon, they’ll explore Portland – the New York City of Maine – and share a final dinner.

New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)

NEMC was on the water today, paddling in the Harpswell Sound. We’ve been lucky to have so many groups paddle in this special bay, they might as well change the name to “Apogee Sound”. After their kayaking adventures, they’ll explore Portland – the Rome of Maine – and share a final dinner.

Caribbean Service Adventure (CSA)

After some tourist time in San Juan yesterday, the CSA group said their goodbyes and flew back to the continental USA. A well-spent summer of service in the Caribbean for these Apogeers!

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)

After an epic summit of Katahdin, DEXA transited south from Baxter State Park to Freeport, ME. Today they’ll explore Portland – the Paris of Maine – and share a final dinner together. Tonight will be the night of all nights for A&P’s (the last of the summer!) before the trip ends tomorrow.

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)

This morning DEXB paddled off the island, savoring one last whiff of that salty sea air. They transited from up the coast, to down the coast. Tonight they’ll also enjoy a final meal in Portland – the London of Maine – before the trip ends tomorrow. All of our remaining New England groups are exploring Portland today…the ultimate question: who will get to eat at Flatbread’s?

Costa Rica Language & Service (CRLS)

After getting a tour of the Manuel Antonio National Park yesterday, the crew got to see the park from a new perspective: zip-lining! No trip to Costa Rica is truly complete without a zip-line ride, surrounded by the tropical splendor. Tonight, they’ll share a final dinner before heading back to the states tomorrow.

California Mountains & Coast (CMCA)

After a restful morning, CMCA headed to San Francisco for some exploration in the grand city. This evening they’ll indulge in a final dinner (no camp stoves!) before getting ready to depart tomorrow.

California Mountains & Coast (CMCB)

This morning, CMCB volunteered with the Rangers at Half Moon Bay State Beach, working on a habitat restoration project. They’ll spend their afternoon exploring San Francisco, where they’ll share a final dinner!

Coast to Québec (CQA&B)

Au revoir to Quebec and bicycling! CQA is back into the U-S-A and said their goodbyes this afternoon.

Montana Service Adventure (MSA)

Farewell to Big Sky! A wonderful summer of biking across Montana, through (and up) some of the grandest mountains in the west. They rode through cities and national parks, and literally all the roads in between. Kudos, MSA!

Northwest Explorer (NWXA&B)

Both NWX groups left the PNW today after three weeks of hiking, kayaking, and back country explorations. Hiking boots in hand – until next time, Washington!

Pacific Coast (PCA&B)

PC transitioned from bicycles to airplanes today, and away they went! PCA and PCB said their final goodbyes before flying home from San Francisco.

Scottish Highland Explorer (SHX)

With everyone decked out in their Apogee colored kilts, the group said a final goodbye in Edinburgh and departed for the USA. Thank goodness they served haggis on the planes!

Alps Explorer (AXA&B)

It sure is hard to beat a trip in the Alps, and the goodbyes were bittersweet today as they left behind the stunning scenery and the land of plentiful baguettes.

America Coast to Coast (ACC2)

Today the longest trip of all wrapped up! The ACC2 crew flew from San Diego today, this time covering mileage in an entirely different (and faster way).