Last check in from Denver!
July 24, 2022
We’ve done it y’all! Two of the best weeks of our lives and we couldn’t asked for a better group to do it with. We hit the groud running Friday morning and made our way to River Runners for the last time. On the agenda was the Royal Gorge, one of the most anticipated activities of the trip. It was all hands on deck from the minute we got in the rafts, as the Gorge offers some pretty intense class three and four rapids. Caddie and Millie took the front like champs in one boat, while Hill and Will battled the splashes in the other. The morning was filled with some awesome waves and good conversation. We pulled over for lunch midway and we’re treated to make your own sandwiches with cookies and chips. After stuffing ourselves to the point of having to loosen our life jackets, we hit the river again. The afternoon is when the real fun starts on the Gorge, as you can feel the walls growing up around you. We had so much fun learning about the history of it all and being entertained by our hilarious guide Josh. The end of the day was topped off by “surfing” on the raft right before we got out. Everyone paddled upstream into a wave and tried their best to stay in. It was hilarious. Millie was the first out, as only Maggie, MK, and Harless managed to stay in. Colter, Madeline, Meriwether, and Jack took on the wave from the other boat and all managed to stay upright. It was awesome!
After arriving at our campsite we set up for our post-Gorge tradition, a cookout! We dined on burgers and chips as we savored our last “normal” night together.
The next morning we woke bright and early and after some delicious breakfast burritos, we hit the road for Denver. Everyone piled in the van and we made our way to Cherry Creek State Park, our campsite for the evening. We all pitched in to help clean and wash all our gear, and before we knew it it was time for the thrift store! Everyone bought some hilarious outfits and we made our way to dinner. We dined on tacos and enchiladas as we enjoyed banquet together. Ice cream followed, and before we knew it we were back at Cherry Creek. We had a great final Moonup led by Will and MK, and headed to bed to prepare for our early morning wake up.
We woke early this morning to head for the airport. After many tearful goodbyes, we eventually all parted ways.
We simply cannot express how much this time has meant to us as leaders. You’re children are incredible and we feel so lucky to have gotten the chance to get to know them. Thank you again for sharing them with us, we’re forever grateful!
Until next summer,
Lizzie, Grace, and J-Mo
Climbin' Colorado!
July 22, 2022
Hello Colorado Trail fans,
We’re headed back east, and it’s time to catch the rapids one last time. We had a great few days rock climbing and seeing Crested Butte, starting bright and early Wednesday morning. We awoke ready for a great day, and immediately headed to meet our guides at Taylor Canyon. Everyone strapped into their shoes and made a short hike up to the walls. The climbing was awesome, with everyone conquering a pitch and loving it. Colter and Jack climbed all the way to the very end, and everyone got the chance to hang out in between pitches. We talked about which Moondance trips everyone wanted to do next and the first meal everyone was going to eat when they got home – warning, it’s lots of Chick Fil A! After a jam-packed morning, we headed back down to the van and, after staying goodbye to our awesome guides, piled back in and headed for Crested Butte.
Our town day had officially begun! It was slightly delayed on the road by a large crossing of cows, but we eventually made it to the Main Street! Everyone loved it, and lots of souvenirs were purchased and good food was eaten. Jack and Will invested in some Pit-Viper sunglasses that they are still rocking right now, while Maggie, Meriwether, MK, and Caddie all bought some awesome Crested Butte t-shirts. After an awesome afternoon, we loaded back in to head for our campsite. Upon arrival, everyone headed to the amphitheater to watch a presentation on wildlife in the area given by one of the rangers! After, we played badminton and hung around camp until we feasted on a dinner of mac and cheese and Caesar salad. From there, we had a great Moonup led by Millie and Madeline and hit the hay for a good night’s sleep!
We woke the next morning and immediately started getting ready for a big day. Everyone pitched in to break down camp and be on time to meet our climbing guides for the last time! After making sure everything was in order, we loaded up and headed back towards Taylor Canyon. Harless and Jack were our fearless LOD’s for the day, and they led the charge up the rocks with confidence. Everyone got the chance to climb again, and Millie and Hill climbed a ton and could definitely have a future in rock climbing! It was a great morning. After climbing, we got back in our trusty van and began our journey back east towards the Arkansas river. From here, it’s off to raft the Royal Gorge and prepare for our farewells.
We cannot thank you all enough for sharing your kids with us this summer. They have been an awesome group and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to close out the season. We’ll check back in one more time after everyone heads off, but until then, we’re gonna keep living in the moment out here.
Lizzie, Grace, and J-Mo
Spectacular Climbing in Colorado!!
July 22, 2022
Hello Colorado Trail friends and families!
We’re headed back east, and it’s time to catch the rapids one last time. We had a great few days rock climbing and seeing Crested Butte, starting bright and early Wednesday morning. We awoke ready for a great day, and immediately headed to meet our guides at Taylor Canyon. Everyone strapped into their shoes and made a short hike up to the walls. The climbing was awesome, with everyone conquering a pitch and loving it. Colter and Jack climbed all the way to the very end, and everyone got the chance to hang out in between pitches. We talked about which Moondance trips everyone wanted to do next and the first meal everyone was going to eat when they got home – warning, it’s lots of Chick Fil A! After a jam-packed morning, we headed back down to the van and, after saying goodbye to our awesome guides, we piled back in and headed for Crested Butte.
Our town day had officially begun! It was slightly delayed on the road by a large crossing of cows, but we eventually made it to the Main Street! Everyone loved it, and lots of souvenirs were purchased and good food was eaten. Jack and Will invested in some Pit-Viper sunglasses that they are still rocking right now, while Maggie, Meriwether, MK, and Caddie all bought some awesome Crested Butte t-shirts. After an awesome afternoon, we loaded back in to head for our campsite. Upon arrival, everyone headed to the amphitheater to watch a presentation on wildlife in the area given by one of the rangers! After, we played badminton and hung around camp until we feasted on a dinner of mac and cheese and Caesar salad. From there, we had a great Moonup led by Millie and Madeline and hit the hay for a good night’s sleep!
We woke up the next morning and immediately started getting ready for a big day. Everyone pitched in to break down camp and be on time to meet our climbing guides for the last time! After making sure everything was in order, we loaded up and headed back towards Taylor Canyon. Harless and Jack were our fearless LOD’s for the day, and they led the charge up the rocks with confidence. Everyone got the chance to climb again, and Millie and Hill climbed a ton and could definitely have a future in rock climbing! It was a great morning. After climbing, we got back in our trusty van and began our journey back east towards the Arkansas river. From here, it’s off to raft the Royal Gorge and prepare for our farewells.
We cannot thank you all enough for sharing your kids with us this summer. They have been an awesome group and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to close out the season. We’ll check back in one more time after everyone heads off, but until then, we’re gonna keep living in the moment out here.
– Lizzie, Grace, and J-Mo
Out of the Woods!
July 21, 2022
We have completed our backpacking trip and have re-entered the front country ready to climb. But where did we last leave off? Ah, the sand dunes!
The night after our early morning adventure on the dunes, we unfortunately had to part ways with James, a hugely important member of our group, because of a recent injury that began to cause issues.While it wasn’t what any of us wanted, it truly showed how close this group had become in just one short week. The goodbyes were hard and we knew our group wasn’t going to be quite the same. After saying our final farewell, we began prep for backpacking. It was a packed-full Saturday, as we learned everything from what to pack to how to pack, and then loaded it all into our trusty U-Haul. The mood was instantly lifted as we drove down the road towards our first stop, Telluride, and jammed out to some tunes. After a brief grocery restock, we finally pulled up to Kilpacker trailhead, our starting point for the day. Hill, Will, Millie, and Caddie took the lead as we weaved our way through the forest to our campsite. Great conversation was had as we finally made it to the perfect spot, a shaded field right by the Dolores River. Everyone instantly began setting up camp, as we were there to stay for three nights. After a successful set up, a great Moonup was had and we tucked in for a good night’s sleep.
We awoke the next morning ready to hit the trail! Our mission for the day was to make it to Navajo Lake and back, something that requires a lot of endurance and patience as it is around eight miles round trip. Despite the potential challenges, everyone took it on like champs, with all 11 making it to the lake! Harless and Hill tried their hand at fly fishing, and Colter made an awesome “rock fort”. We ate a PB&J lunch and eventually decided to make our way back down the trail. Everyone made great time going down, and we made it back in time for a dinner of ramen and veggies – a favorite! Moonup was led by Colter and Maggie, and then we immediately hit the hay for a well-deserved night’s sleep.
We rose the next morning ready to make the most of our time together in the backcountry. Everyone was a little tired from our ascent the day before, so we decided to take it easy and have a “camp day”. It was filled with group games, “tanning”, and just hanging out! We all continued to get to know each other and learned that we have so much in common! Grace and MK bonded over their love of Sewanee, and Caddie, Millie, and Lizzie discussed their favorite Athens spots to eat. It was much needed, and everyone went to bed feeling very rested.
We got up and headed out of the woods early Tuesday morning, pulled by the promise of food and showers. Both were fulfilled as we stopped by Steamies Burgers in Telluride, an awesome spot. From there, we headed to do some much needed laundry and finally to our campsite for the night. We dined on quesadillas in the van as we waited out a thunderstorm and had a great Moonup to end the day led by Hill and Meriwether.
From here, it’s off to rock climbing and then the Royal Gorge! We’re savoring these last moments together and will update you soon!
– Lizzie, Grace, and J-Mo
P.S. – Until then, here are some shoutouts:
Millie: tell sally happy birthday on the 23rd love you
Madeline: hey dad and mom! I’m having the best time ever! I never want to leave. Tell Mary Ella happy birthday for me! Love you so so so much!!
Meriwether: hi mom and dad! I met so many new friends and am having such a great time! I definitely want to come back next year. love ya
Maggie: hello parentals!!! I’m having the best time EVER and love the people and activities! Be ready to hear EVERY detail when I get home! I miss and love you!!! P.S. HAPPY MARYPALOOZA
Caddie: hey family! I am having a AWESOME time and I have met so many amazing people! Can you please bring me Zaxby’s when you pick me up? Also tell Sally happy birthday!!!!!
Harless: Hey fam!! I am having so much fun and this is so cool!! When pick me up if possible can everyone come (mom, dad, and Harrison)? Can we have Chipotle the night I get back? I love y’all and see you soon!!!!
Mk: hey family!!!!! I’m having such an amazing time here! I can’t wait to see yall soon(even if it’s on FaceTime)! Miss y’all so much and be prepared to hear about everything! Also mom: look up the sunglasses brand called goodrs they’re super cute!! Love y’all!!!!
Colter: Hi Mom and Dad I miss you so much and am so excited to come home ”give Echo a hug” love you Colter
Jack: Hi Mom and dad I am having a ton of fun with my friends doing stuff like surfing in the sand dunes, miss you.
Love your favorite child,
Jack
Hill: Hi mom and dad I am having fun at Moondance and am having fun with new friends. I am sad James had to go. I miss you
Love,
Hill
Will: Hi Dad and Megan, I am having fun can’t wait to see you soon. I hope Charlotte is growing. I’ve been doing push ups and reading.
Love,
Will
Checking In from Colorado!!
July 17, 2022
Greetings from Colorado!!
We have officially ziplined through the canyons and run over the dunes, and it’s time to head into the backcountry!
We awoke Thursday morning ready for the heights. We started with the ropes course, and everyone took on the challenge with ease, as James, Harless, and Colter took on the hardest available. It was awesome! Everyone loved the courses and by the end it was time for a well-earned lunch. We dined on make your own sandwiches in the Captain Zipline HQ garage, and before we knew it, it was time to zipline!
We headed back out to the course for our first zip of the day. There are six in total at Captain Zipline, and we did them all! Hill, Jack, and Will took turns getting “spun” while they went down, and everyone loved our guides, Alex and Derrick! We even got to beat the rain and finish the course before it hit!
After our full day of zipping and ropes course-ing, we piled back into the van and headed for the Great Sand Dunes. Upon arrival at our campsite, we dined on Mediterranean bowls (a fan favorite) and had a great Moonup led by Meriwether and Hill. We talked about our favorite memories so far and our favorite shoe brands. It was a great way to end a great day and we all headed to bed before our early morning wake up.
Our alarms sounded bright and early, and we were ready to hit the dunes! We grabbed our sand boards and started the trek. After reaching an awesome spot, everyone instantly got into boarding. Madeline and Meriwether and MK and Maggie went down tandem, and Caddie and Millie tried their hand at the “snowboard”, where you have to stand up the whole way down! To top it all off, all the girls went rolling down the dune together while the boys went even higher into the dunes.
After everyone had their fill, we headed back to camp for a breakfast of pancakes and hash browns, and everyone got a chance to take a much-anticipated shower. After a fully packed morning, we got back in the van to head to our next campsite and get ready for backpacking.
From here, it’s into the backcountry! We’ll check in after. See y’all soon!
J-Mo, Lizzie, and Grace
Greetings from the Wild West!
July 15, 2022
We have successfully come together and conquered the rapids! We met bright and early Monday morning at the Denver airport and knew instantly that this group was going to be close. After gathering all 12, we jumped in our chariot, the Ford Transit, and headed towards our first campsite.
We stopped at Elk Horn pizza in Buena Vista on our way down to the Arkansas River, and everyone ate cheese and pepperoni pizza until we literally could not fit another bite. After dinner, we got back in the van and made our way to Hecla Junction, our campsite for the night. We arrived and learned our first lesson of the trip – how to set up a tent! Everyone picked it up like naturals. From there, we had our first Moonup. Moonup is our constant – it’s the way we end everyday and it’s a chance to get to know each other on a deeper level. During Moonup, we talked about why we came on Moondance and then named our “Leaders of the Day” for the next day – Harless and Colter! They took on the responsibility fearlessly and after our huddle we all headed to bed.
We woke up the next morning ready to get on the river. After packing up and getting ready, we headed out to meet our guides at River Runners. The energy was awesome, as we battled class two and three rapids and rafted over nine miles! Hill and Will took on the challenge of sitting in the front on one boat, while Colter and Grace battled it in the other. Madeline, Harless, and Caddie all took a brief (and unexpected) swim, but got back in the boat like champs and laughed about it the whole way down. MK and Maggie entertained us all with stories of their schools “houses” and sorted us accordingly, and Millie talked to us all about Athens and where she wanted to go to college one day. It was a great first morning of activities.
After a lunch of sandwiches, we were back on the river and paddling to our campsite. We arrived and immediately set up camp. Our guides cooked us a delicious meal of burgers and hotdogs for dinner, and we all did a Moonup under those famous Colorado stars.
The next morning we woke up ready to hit the river again. It was an awesome day of rapids! James and Meriwether got a chance to steer the boat, and Jack and James took a turn sitting in the front “riding the bull”. Maggie and Meriwether also braved the front, while we paddled our way to our take out spot.
After getting off the river, we ate another delicious lunch and headed back to River Runners to load back up and head back to Hecla Junction for the night.
After a dinner of fajita bowls, we had a great Moonup where our Leaders of the Day, Will and Madeline, chose Hill and Meriwether as our next ones, we dozed off before another big day coming up.
Thank you so much for sharing your children with us this summer. We are humbled and honored to get to spend just a little bit of their summer with them. From here, it’s off to the zipline and then the Sand Dunes. We’ll check back in soon!
Lizzie, Grace, and J-Mo
Safely in Colorado!
July 12, 2022
Hello Colorado Trail Families!
The whole group arrived safely in Denver and is having a blast on their first activity. We have heard from our leaders this evening that the trip is off to a great start, and we cannot wait to hear more stories from their adventure.
Please remember our leaders and students will be unplugged during their trips but we will be posting up to three trip updates throughout the next couple of weeks! This will allow you to follow along with the trip and the students will also give a special shout out mid-way through! You can also follow us on Instagram, @moondanceadventures, to see more of what we are up to this summer!
– Moondance HQ
