Bonjour de Paris!
July 1, 2024
It’s hard to believe that we are already at our fourth and final trip update. Alas, even the sweetest of things must come to an end. Only a few days have passed since our previous update, yet so much has happened!
After a tough yet rewarding trekking section in the Pyrenees of France and Spain, we packed for the big city of Paris! We filled up on the usual breakfast delights and shuffled our way out the door to the taxi. There, we found our wonderful guide Matthéo, who surprised us with one last visit before sending us off! At the train station, Matthéo brought out an array of local pastries to share with the group! We then hopped on the train and waved goodbye to the Pyrenees. With plenty of train time under their belts, the group settled into familiar tactics to occupy the time. Ayanna and Daisy filled a coloring book, the boys got snacks, Avery, Centaine, and Natalie journaled, and Carolyn and Patrick began an epic tournament of the card game “spit.”
Finally, we made it to Paris! The group first got fresh and clean for our first dinner out on the town. Tonight, Italian was on the menu! Our table, fancifully white tableclothed, sat outside allowing us to enjoy the Parisian scene around us. Everyone stuffed themselves with pasta, bread, and gelato to top it off! After dinner, we hit the streets for our first city adventure. We took the metro, like true city-goers, which brought us to a bridge overlooking the Seine River. The sun, glowing orange, softly illuminated a silhouette of the Eiffel Tower over the water. Of course, a golden hour photo shoot ensued with Preston and Patrick rocking their epic new pink and blue retro sunglasses and Stockton and Lucas doing their own interpretation of the iconic Titanic pose.
As boats floated down the river and under the bridge, Centaine pondered, “Can you imagine if we could go on one of those boats?” Little did our group know…our next journey was going water bound! Down to the pier we went to catch our evening boat ride on the Seine. We climbed to the top to get the best view of all of Paris’ greatest sights: Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Grand Palais, and, last but certainly not least, the Eiffel Tower. The glowing light of the tower peeked through the trees before we turned a corner to see it in all of its glory. The tower, donning multicolored Olympic rings, suddenly began to sparkle! It was an amazing and awe-inspiring sight to see, perfectly wrapping up our first night in the city of love. After shaking off our river legs, we gathered for a late-night moonup led by Lucas and Avery. We reflected on what we have learned in our time together and how we will carry on those lessons. As is tradition, we held hands and ended our night with a chanting of “we are a great big family” before heading to bed in preparation for a day in Paris!
The next morning, we woke early to start our big day in the city of love! The first thing on the schedule: a shopping spree for proper Paris attire. Stockton, Patrick, and Harris purchased fresh new linen fits while the girls donned dresses and flowy pants for the occasion. Next up was a sightseeing adventure around town. We hit the metro to one of the most iconic French monuments, the Arc de Triomphe. As cars and buses whizzed around the 3rd largest roundabout in the world, we all sat in the middle staring up in awe as the Arc towered over us in all of its hand-carved glory. Soon, hunger overtook us so we stopped for a luxurious lunch where steak, fish, and beef tartare filled the table.
Next, we walked the famous avenue of Champs Élysées, filled with shops of all kinds. We found ourselves in the most famous macaron shop in France: Ladurée. Stockton bought an assortment of macarons and was kind enough to let everyone try. We continued our wander down the long strip, into the official Olympics store and past Concorde Square (as Patrick reminded us, the site of many famous beheadings). Eventually, we stopped in the park in front of the Louvre to rest our weary legs. Some explored the famous clear pyramid while others napped, played cards, and grocery shopped for afternoon snacks. Preston got his energy out sprinting through the grassy runways around us.
After ample recovery time, we made our way to dinner, located mere meters from the Eiffel Tower. For our final banquet meal, we dined on all of our hearts’ desires, including escargot; a bold and classic choice by Patrick, Stockton, and Preston. For dessert, hot fudge sundaes, lava cakes, and crème brûlée filled the table and the stomachs of our hungry crew. Finally, it was time for our final moonup, led by Centaine and Preston, under the Eiffel Tower. There, we squeezed together, surrounded by the busy city life, with a view of the amazing monument. Tonight, our little daily ceremony stretched long into the night as each member of our group was complimented by each individual. Thirteen whole times we circled around spreading love and sharing precious memories of our newfound friends. Amidst the meeting, we were not-so-rudely interrupted by the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower, pausing to take in the special moment together. As we finally finished our compliments, we ended with one last “we are a great big family” before scurrying away to pack for tomorrow. Our kids put their endurance to the challenge, staying up all night to cherish their last hours together.
This morning, we awoke in the wee hours of the morning to hustle to the airport and say our goodbyes. With that, our amazing trip across four countries, one sea, and two incredible mountain ranges comes to a close. The genuine love emanating from this group was never more obvious than as tears welled in the eyes of companions hugging one last time. We are sad to see these people leave our lives for now but feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to soak in their individual wonders. And, we are quite confident this won’t be the last time we meet. Why? Because we’re a great big family!!
Final Update from Chamonix!
June 29, 2024
Hello! We are checking in after our wondrous adventures in the French and Spanish Pyrénées. This week has been outstanding and we can’t wait to share the stories you’ve missed!
We closed out our time in Costa Brava with pancakes for breakfast in the gentle morning rain before heading off to our next adventure! We piled into a bus that brought us to a cozy hostel in Luz, a quiet town nestled in the French Pyrenees. Once settled in, our group packed for our trek, this time with the speed of seasoned professionals. Packed and pumped, we wandered outside to eat pizza and search desperately, with no avail, for ice cream. Instead, we stumbled across a park, perfect for a round of “Bro Don’t Touch My Rock,” a complex game of balancing a rock on your hands and trying to knock others’ off. After a few matches, Daisy was crowned winner, as her sly avoid and attack strategy took her to the top. Ayanna and Harrison, our trusty LODs, sat us down for moonup to share our excitement for the Pyrenees and our sadness of closing out our time together. In the soft orange light of the sunset, half the group skipped down the narrow streets of Luz. The rest of the group huddled in one large group hug and shuffled home inch by inch an amorphous cuddle pod.
The next morning, we heard the beckoning calls of the Pyrenees outside of our windows, so we hustled out to meet them. We arrived by van to our first hostel amidst the mountains and dropped unneeded weight from our bags in preparation for a day hike. With light bags containing only the essentials, we made our way into a valley full of grazing cows and lush, grassy meadows. Our trail brought us higher into the alpine region until we were cutting back and forth on rocky terrain. As we crested over the steep bluffs we found ourselves inside of the Cirque de Troumouse. We stepped into the massive glacially carved bowl and examined in sublime wonder. Centaine pointed out a perfect lunch spot overlooking nearby sunbathing cows and sheep, so we parked for a snack and siesta. After a good lunch time rest, we ventured further into the cirque, passing by small lakes, towering rock walls, and remaining winter snow. Our guide, Matthéo, led us to a statue of “our lady of Heas” placed atop a moraine hill which Patrick dared to scale to reach a unique view of our amazing surroundings. We then moseyed down with our necks craned, turning every few second to savor the view. We came back down to river level and made ourselves at home in our hostel and our accompanying yurt homes for the night. After dinner, Patrick and Carolyn, our LODs and resident philosophers, gathered our group in a small field to discuss our favorite books and the role models who inspire us. Everyone then huddled into a yurt to play games and enjoy each other’s company before heading off to bed.
The next day arrived with anticipation of our first full day diving into the Pyrenean wilderness. The journey began on a familiar trail, then split off to start us on the difficult journey over our first pass. Our group trekked along with a strong rhythm and motivation to soak in the magic of the mountains. Natalie, observant as ever, pointed out several marmots letting out their squeaky calls and scurrying past. Grazing sheep and cows lined our path as we descended down to a glacial river which we followed into the Cirque d’Estaubé. There we began our greater climb, starting gently and slowly increasing into a steep ascent. We sat down along the hillside to rest and fuel for our final push to the top. The boys woke our sleepy group with dog piles and cheers of continuing our trek up. So, up we went! With every step further we watched the soft alpine grasses turn to mars-like red stone terrain. Switchback after switchback, the pass came closer and closer. Though tired themselves, Centaine and Avery spent their own precious breaths encouraging their peers to fight their way up and over the grueling pass. Finally at the top and over the clouds, we revelled in the extraordinary view before us. We caught sight of our hostel below, so rushed down the slopes and through the mist. Soggy and tired, we cozied into our hostel for light reading, card playing, and naps, of course. The dinner bell for the eventing (aka a faulty fire alarm) awoke us and drew us into a festive dining hall for a warm meal. Afterwards, we threw on our rain gear and perched upon a rock for moonup. Natalie and Lucas led our group in discussing the most valuable lessons we have learned from those we love, and how we use them. Soon, we retreated back to our inviting beds and conked out for the night.
Our next morning began high in the misty mountains at Espuguettes. Reluctant to leave our cozy beds, we huddled around a closely packed table, warming ourselves with oatmeal before stepping into the windy outdoors. A symphony of cowbells echoed throughout the hills, however we could not see much with our own eyes; only the sharp edges and peaks of the mountains were visible through occasional breaks in the thick clouds. Starting our descent through the clouds, we navigated fields and rock walls adorned with overhanging limestone. We tiptoed along the edge of rocky bluffs until we turned a corner and were greeted by the majestic sight of Europe’s largest waterfall in the Gavarnie Cirque. Eager for a closer view, we ventured through trails, scrambling up rocks until the mist almost blew us away. Taking the scenic route, we bushwhacked through woods until we reached a river. Here, we paused for lunch and enjoyed deep, sun-soaked naps. Revitalized, we took a short walk down to the mountain town of Gavarnie. In Gavarnie, we surprised the kids with gelato! Centaine and Natalie went back for seconds, while Stockton indulged in a milkshake on top of his ice cream. Patrick embraced the local culture by purchasing a bright red beret from a gift shop, while Stockton bought a gray Peaky Blinders hat that didn’t quite fit him, so he generously gifted it to Preston, who rocked the look all day. Our day concluded with a delicious dinner cooked by our hostel owner, Casta Christophe, whose family has a long history of guiding in the Pyrenees. After dinner, we gathered for Moonup by the playground. After ample playtime, we shared stories about our best friends and the ways they inspire us, feeling a deep sense of camaraderie as we prepared for the next leg of our journey.
Our next morning started with laughter echoing through the breakfast room, thanks to Stockton’s antics, as we enjoyed bread, butter, and jam. We paused for one last scenic view of Europe’s largest waterfall, still astonishing in its size even from miles away. For lunch, we ascended an incredibly steep hill, reaching the top in record time according to our guide Matthéo. We feasted on local meats, breads, and pickles, with Ayanna, as usual, offering her help by cutting bread and meat for everyone’s sandwiches. Continuing our journey, we passed by an old stone brick house, once used by soldiers to guard the border between France and Spain over 100 years ago. We paused to take in the history, then eagerly hopped across the border into Spain. After a downhill stretch, we took a break, listened to music, and learned about water purification from Ayanna and Carolyn. Patrick, Natalie, Harris, and George decided to brave the cold water under a waterfall, basking in the sun afterward like lizards on a rock. Our guide taught us how to ski using just our hiking boots and trekking poles as we crossed a small patch of snow. We then descended down winding switchbacks and scree fields, watching the terrain shift from rocky to grasslands to forest. Soon, we heard the river nearby and crossed another old cobblestone bridge to arrive at our refuge for the night, Bujaruelo. We continued to Bujaruelo, crossing a beautiful cobblestone bridge over crystal-clear blue river water from the mountain snowmelt. Patrick, Natalie, and George swam up and down the icy river, helping their sore muscles recover after a long day of trekking through stunning mountain landscapes. We held Moonup by the water and afterward explored a cool cave leading to an underwater river. The cave, incredibly cold, was once used as a cellar for food and drinks by Bujaruelo’s owners. We spent the evening by the bridge, attempting some long exposure night photography before heading off to bed, eager for what the next day would bring.
We began with a big and bountiful breakfast buffet, fueling up for our hike from Bujaruelo to Torla. Our path followed along the river, leading us through forests that resembled something out of a fantasy book. Trees enwrapped in vines, moss-covered stones, and the soft crunch of pine needles underfoot created an enchanting atmosphere. The sounds of running water and birdsong filled the air. Later, we crossed a stony bridge and began a gradual but continuous ascent. As we reached the side of a mountain, we found that much of the stone path had been washed away over the years. We clung tightly to the metal safety rope as we carefully navigated the sheer rock walls. Our efforts were well rewarded with our first view of Ordesa Canyon from above – a truly stunning sight. Descending back into the forest, Torla peeked through the trees. A few switchbacks later, we found ourselves by the river once again. The bright glacial blue water called us to take a rest and cool off. We settled on the rocky shore for a lunch break, enjoying empanadas, tortas, fruit, and a nice chocolate bar. Some of us soaked in the sun, others skipped rocks, and of course, Patrick, Natalie, and George continued their cold water streak by diving into the icy river, riding the current, and enjoying an all-natural ice bath to rejuvenate their achy bones. As the day grew hotter, we packed up and hit the trail again. The terrain shifted from rock and pine to gravel and dust. Soon, we reached a paved road leading up the hills, over a huge bridge, and into the town of Torla. Our cute hostel was tucked into a small alleyway. We settled in and spent some time exploring Torla. Eager for sweet treats, the kids located the only ice cream store in town in record time!Afterward, we enjoyed a siesta. Patrick, Ayanna, and Carolyn played Egyptian Rat Slap with music playing in the background. In the evening, we were treated to a wonderful dinner by our hostel hosts, Jorge and Penelope. Everyone selected an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert. Salads, scrambled eggs with chorizo, fried trout, lamb, chicken, and various other dishes covered the table. Needless to say, no one left dinner hungry, especially after servings of chocolate mousse and chocolate ice cream. We held Moonup in the park, where LODs Natalie and Preston asked everyone, “What have you learned from this trip?” This was followed by giving a kind moment where everyone had to give a compliment to the person next to them. It was a wholesome way to end the night; not only were our bellies full and warm, but our hearts were too!
Our next morning called for sleeping in, thus we rose in the later morning for breakfast before an adventure deeper into the mountains. Today, we would enjoy a day hike, so we packed only our food and water, leaving extra weight behind. A short bus ride brought us into the famous and magnificent Ordesa Canyon! The trail followed through meadows, then transitioned to wild, mossy forests that led us to our first waterfall. The falls, Grados de Soaso, poured down a narrow gulch creating a misty rainbow in its path. As we continued, we kept our steady pace upward until Patrick chimed in chanting “lunch, lunch” in a familiar tune. Thus, we found a spot next to the river to snack and sunbathe. While others rested, Avery and Stockton made a side quest up to explore further waterfalls and test which rocks made the biggest splash. Once again, we hiked up until the forest faded and left us in a huge canyon surrounded by large sandstone mesas and sloping rock walls. We walked along the bottom until we encountered Cola de Caballo, the magnificent waterfall famous to the area. There, we commemorated the occasion with pictures and play time. Carolyn showed off her strength by deadlifting every member of our group while Patrick, Lucas, and Preston attempted a three-man shoulder sit. To wrap up our time in the Canyon, everyone stacked neatly into a human pyramid, demonstrating their strength and distinct form as a group. Back we went to the entrance, now tired and heated by the afternoon sun, where we were met with an ice cream surprise! Before dinner, Centaine led the group in a sing-along to “Unwritten” as we stared out the dirty window and felt the rain on our skin. Dinner was filled with chatter, laughter, and delicious food. Tonight, moonup was held next to Torla’s famous church and was led by Patrick and Daisy. Our LODs encouraged others to share about themselves and share their gratitude for our amazing guide Matthéo. As one great big family, we headed off to bed, excited to savor the mountains but saddened to end this amazing journey.
On our final day we woke early in anticipation of the tough final portion of the trek. We were first transported to Bujaruelo, next to the familiar cobblestone bridge. From there, we, once again, hiked the up to the high alpine border between Spain and France, this time from the opposite direction. With many miles under our belt, our group moved swiftly up the ascent. The cool morning air chilled the sweat on our brows and banana bonbons from Matthéo fueled our travels. Finally, we jumped over the border, pushed by strong winds at our backs. The group decided to celebrate by pushing further to a small lake for lunch. Natalie dared to face the freezing waters for one last time. Patrick played soothing classical songs on George’s kalimba, lulling everyone into a deep slumber. Finally we awoke to catch our ride back into Luz. Due to our record-setting pace, we had time to explore the town, collecting knick knacks and french pastries. For dinner, we ventured to the local two-lane bowling alley for pizza and a few rounds of bowling! On the girls team, Daisy’s hidden talents shined as she nailed pins with hyper-precision and topped the scoreboard. On the boys team, scoring started slow but, once everyone was warmed up, Patrick, Harris, Lucas, and Stockton hit strike after strike. In the end, Stockton hit one last zinging strike to take home the win! To celebrate, we took extra pizza to park for a small picnic before moonup. Ayanna, a loyal LOD, encouraged the group to embrace one last hike up to a medieval tower on a hill above us. Arm-in-arm, we wandered up together, settling into a circle next to the historic structure. There, Stockton and Ayanna prompted our group to consider what we would advise for our younger selves. Afterwards, many hugs and kind words closed out our evening before we made our way to bed.
Currently, our now inseparable group is waving goodbye to the Pyrenees and hello to Paris! Sending love to those reading, and we will see you soon!
Thank Yous:
I’ve just finished the Pyrénées and we are headed to Paris! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this experience mom, dad, and Charlotte! – Preston
Thanks mom and dad for investing your resources into me to be a part of this trip. Headed to Paris now! Miss you all and Tina and Bo. – Harrison
Just finished the Pyrénées where we backpacked for seven days. By far the best part of the trip! Thanks so much mom and day for allowing me to go on this trip, I am so grateful. See you soon! – Carolyn
The Pyrenees were amazing! Thanks parents for sending me on this trip! Can’t wait to see you. – Patrick
I’m obsessed with the Pyrenees! The views were actually breathtaking. I have truly enjoyed every moment of this trip and cannot thank you all enough for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. I love you all and can’t wait to see you! – Ayanna
The Pyrenees were incredible! Even better than Cham! This whole experience was so amazing and I can’t wait to tell you all about it soon! Love and miss you all! – Daisy
Done with trekking! The Pyrenees were even more incredible than Chamonix. Thank you mom and dad for allowing me time to reflect on life and reconnect with God. I’m so grateful. See y’all soon! Sending love to everyone. – Centi
The Pyrenees were so unbelievable. I loved every part of it. I got closer with great people. Also, can we go to T-ride? I want to bring somebody. But all-in-all, thank you guys so much. I love you and you guys are the best. Words can’t express how thankful I am. Love you. – Stockton
Thanks mom for sending me on this trip even when I knew nothing about it. I’ve met some amazing people and have had some amazing conversations I wouldn’t trade for anything. Even though I haven’t seen y’all in a bit, I still feel closer to y’all because of this trip. So blessed and grateful to be doing this. Love y’all. – Lucas
Thank you mom and dad for the best trip ever! The Pyrenees were insane and I loved every bit of it. I have met so many new best friends. Chamonix was such a fun town and the Tour du Mont Blanc was awesome. Also, can I have a full rack of ribs for my first night back. See you guys so soon, I love you!! – Avery
Hi again everyone! We just finished the Pyrénées and the hikes got so much better. We had an amazing guide, Matthéo, and we were also able to swim in FREEZING cold, but beautiful, water every day. Each day has flown by and I’m having so much fun talking to everyone and admiring the views and the hundreds of cows and sheep. I can’t believe I’m already going back to Paris but I can’t wait to talk to everyone soon! I love you! Thank you so much for this trip! – Natalie
A Journey Through Costa Brava!
June 20, 2024
Hola amigos y familia!
Checking in as we make our way to our final section in the Pyrenees! We’ve just wrapped up our time in Costa Brava; here’s what you missed:
As we waved goodbye to Chamonix, we embarked on our long journey to the coast! Two long train rides, plenty of catnaps, train snacks, and a plethora of card games brought us over the French border and into Spain. We stepped off the train in cheers to celebrate our fourth country in two weeks! One final bus ride brought us to L’Escala where we found the cozy bungalows we would call home for the next few days. The LODs, Patrick and Avery, gathered everyone under the dim moonlight for moonup to reflect on ourselves and deepen our understanding of each other. Once the stars appeared, we retired to bed in preparation for our beach day!
Like any proper beach vacation, our first day in L’Escala started with sleeping in until the sun warmed our tents and the scent of breakfast drew us out. Our well-rested group shuffled in for a feast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit before gathering our beach essentials. We strolled down to the beach, finding clear blue waters, massive rock bluffs, and stacked white buildings in classic Mediterranean fashion. We carved out a spot in the sand for the afternoon. Some lounged and caught up on reading, while others ventured into the inviting sea; Preston led the charge as the boys sprinted to see who could reach the water first. Later on, instead of a ball, Stockton, Preston, Harris, and Lucas played a game of flop toss. The rules are too intricate to explain, but simply put, one person throws a flip flop backwards and someone behind tries to catch it. Feeling properly sun-kissed, we refreshed ourselves with gelato treats. On our way back, we spotted a trail along the rocky inlet’s edge, so we took our cones and explored. We climbed higher and higher up the rocky bluffs, above the water’s edge. Turning a corner, we were surprised to see a small castle-like structure on a hill. Racing to the top, we admired the ancient structure and the breathtaking view it offered. Following a smaller trail down along the cliffs, Lucas, Natalie, and Patrick discovered a bunker and couldn’t resist exploring inside. After soaking in all the wonders, we leisurely strolled back to camp to shower and relax. Meanwhile, Centaine and Preston made a trip to the grocery store to shop for our first home-cooked dinner! Pasta, fresh veggies, and garlic bread filled our happy stomachs. We wrapped up the day sitting under the stars for moonup, preparing for our first day of sea kayaking!
Early the next morning, after a quick breakfast, we headed to the beach to meet our guides for the day. They demonstrated proper paddling techniques and outfitted us for our day on the water. Thus, we set off into the Mediterranean Sea, our whole group cruising and looking like professionals. We navigated along the inlet’s edge, following towering rock walls and surfing small swells. We entered our first cave where our guides explained how rainwater seeps into the limestone terrain, dissolving the rock to create extensive caverns above and below the sea. Continuing through caves with bats hanging above us, we eventually landed on a rocky beach for lunch and a swim. Patrick and Natalie eagerly grabbed snorkeling gear to explore the marine life below. Soon, we were back on the water—some in kayaks, others in a small motorboat for those less comfortable with the sea’s swells. The boat closely followed our group as we maneuvered through a narrow rock tunnel and around jutting rock walls. On the boat, Avery mentioned she had a boating license and jokingly offered to take the helm from our guide. Stepping back, he left her in charge. With ease, Avery steered us forward; it was clear she was the captain now. On our return journey, our guide paused to demonstrate traditional Eskimo kayak rolling techniques! George and Harris gave it a try, the latter having already practiced involuntary rolls earlier, thanks to the swell and a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean. Finally, back on shore, we shook off our sea legs and headed to the pool to clean up for the evening. To our group’s delight, tonight we would cook local cuisine with Spanish chefs! Everyone pitched in, preparing tuna tartare, mini romaine with pesto, guacamole, and a seafood-packed stew. Each person took a turn, learning that many hands make light work and cooking can be enjoyable! Finally, we enjoyed the fruits of our labor, feasting on the abundance of food before us. And don’t worry, those not keen on fish found a rack of ribs awaiting them at their seat. Full and content, we took a post-dinner walk back to camp where LODs Lucas and Carolyn gathered us for our customary circle under the moon for moonup. Carolyn challenged us to compliment the person to our right, and as we went around, smiles spread across all faces as genuine and kind words were shared. Feeling the warmth within our group, we hurried off to bed, eager for another day of kayaking.
The next day, we woke up excited to board our boats, only to be greeted by ominous weather. Meeting with our guides, we redirected our kayaking expedition to a nearby river for the day. Today, a game was afoot. We announced “The Newly Friends Show,” where pairs would be split off and answer specific questions about their partner. Each group paired off into tandem canoes, delving deep to get to know each other better. The river provided the perfect setting, surrounded by dense forests and gentle currents guiding us along. Occasionally, we encountered faster currents that required us to navigate around and duck under branches. Avery and Lucas seemed to attract every spider web along the way, valiantly facing them head-on for the group. Among the river’s wildlife, Harris spotted a turtle basking in the marsh, while Stockton came face-to-face with a small river otter. After our mini wildlife tour, we paddled to our final destination, had lunch, and made our way back to camp. Everyone enjoyed some well-deserved rest and relaxation while Stockton and Daisy gathered ingredients for tonight’s dinner. Ayanna volunteered her cooking skills, helping prepare ingredients by dicing onions, chopping peppers, and boiling rice. It was a taco feast fit for royalty! Of course, no feast is complete without dessert, and luckily, our gracious LOD Daisy had local sodas and a chocolate ice cream surprise ready for us! After dinner, each new friend pair split off for a last-minute study session before the games began. We gathered in a small amphitheater for the inaugural Moondance Newly Friends Game! Centaine acted as our gracious host, presenting questions and explaining the rules: try to match your answers with your partner’s. The competition started easily: What is your new friend’s full name? Where are they from? What is their favorite movie? As the questions progressed in difficulty and point value—What is their dream job? Biggest pet peeve? If they were a vegetable, what would they be?—Natalie and Patrick took the lead with their six-point answer to “What is their least favorite soup?” For the bonus round, focusing on our host Centaine, Avery and Lucas surged to tie with Natalie and Patrick for first place. Thus, a final Jeopardy round was needed. Lucas and Avery bet all their points, while Natalie and Patrick wagered none. The question: What is your new friend’s mother’s maiden name? With that, the game concluded, and Natalie and Patrick were crowned the ultimate new friends! Patrick shared his prize—a foot-long chocolate bar—as we gathered for moonup. We discussed how we wanted to be remembered before squeezing into a tight group hug, proclaiming “we are one big family!” Then, off to our bungalows for one last night’s rest before leaving for the Pyrenees! Now, we’re writing to you from Luz, France, departing tomorrow to begin the final leg of this incredible adventure.
Bonjour from France!
June 16, 2024
Bonjour amis et famille!
This is George, Kate, and our rambunctious group of explorers checking in from Punta Mila, España! How did we get here?! Well, boy, have you missed a lot!
Our journey began in Paris, the city of love, or as we call it, the city of blossoming friendship. One by one, each of our new comrades arrived at Charles de Gaulle looking like seasoned adventurers, with backpacks hooked frontward and backward. Once everyone had arrived, there was no time to be wasted as we hustled down to catch our first train. There, we found our trusty railed steed packed to the brim with like-minded travelers. Our pack quickly showed their strengths as a team and pushed through crowds to make it on. Through squished commutes and a few transfers, our group remained focused before finally taking well-deserved cat naps on our long train to Geneva. Bleary-eyed, everyone arose to complete our final leg of the planes, trains, and automobiles challenge on our final van ride. The roads twisted, turned, and seemed to sink deeper as the walls of mountains on either side of the road grew until we reached the village of Chamonix! There, we settled into our home for the night and feasted on soup, veal roast, and chocolate mousse before making our way to a small meadow for our first moonup, our nightly ritual that allows us to reflect on the day. As the day faded to night, we remembered the details of our busy day, highs and lows, and discussed what brought us here. As we looked around at the landscape before us, the answer seemed simple. After a mini howl to the rising moon, our group headed to bed, eager for another day in Chamonix!
Our next morning greeted us with gentle rainfall, so we warmed ourselves with hot drinks and baguettes with an array of spreads. After breakfast, the Leaders of the Day (LODs), Carolyn and Preston, led the charge in helping everyone pack for our upcoming trek of the Tour du Mont Blanc! Once everyone gathered all necessities and the clouds had parted, we headed into Chamonix for a lunch of comfort food to remind us of home (burgers, of course!). Our loyal LODs then organized two groups to venture through town to explore the shops and bask in the afternoon light. In his own adventures, Stockton had retrieved a soccer ball. Thus, we made our way to the local soccer field where we split into two teams: The French Fries vs. The Better Ones. Right out of the gate, Patrick established his role as striker for The French Fries, zig-zagging past defenders and taking impressive shots on goal. Luckily for The Better Ones and unluckily for Patrick, Lucas successfully translated his lacrosse keeper skills to the soccer goal, blocking all shots coming his way. A nearby group of local French soccer enthusiasts spotted our game and asked if they could challenge our team. So it was time to settle the age-old question: soccer or fútbol? Team Soccer, thirteen strong, united as a force against Team Fútbol, four (impressively) strong. Team Fútbol cruised through the crowd, putting up early points, but our troop wasn’t fazed. Soon, Avery got hold of the ball, sending it into the upper 90 and putting points on the board. Back and forth we ran, the score staying tight, with Team Soccer coming out with the win! Like good sportsmen, our group shook hands with the adversary and exchanged some French and American sayings. Back at the hostel, we refueled ourselves with roasted chicken and crème brûlée before going back to our little moonup meadow. There, we filled our nug jug with our moments of gratitude and talked about what we hope to glean from this trip. With another mini howl, we sent ourselves to bed early in preparation for our adventure into the French and Swiss wilderness.
The next morning we woke in an early scramble to square away our bags and fuel for our first day of trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc! Through long and winding roads, we made our way over the Italian border and to our trailhead. After a quick brief about the route to come and distribution of proper gear from our guide Nico, we hiked up…and up…and up! Our gentle beginning ascent was highlighted by 360 views of Val Veny, with mountains towering so high the clouds seemed low. Soon, the ascent seemed to stretch to the sky and the snowy mountain caps grew closer. Our LODs, Ayanna and Harris, led the group, consistently checking in on their peers and motivating everyone to continue up. At our first run-in with the snow, everyone attached their crampons and carefully followed each carved footstep, traversing the icy field. From snow to trail to snow again, our group pushed all the way to the highest point in our trek, the Grand Col Ferret! We stopped for a quick lunch of local cheeses and cured meats at the top to celebrate our feat before sliding (literally) into Switzerland! With Nico taking the lead, one by one everyone sat in a carved ice chute and slid down at hyper speed to the less steep area of our descent. Lucas, seemingly in training for the human luge competition in the Olympics, flew down the slope, stylishly catching air before sticking his landing. Afterwards, we shook off the ice and snow and went all the way down, finding ourselves on winding dirt paths leading down the valley, across rivers, and onto a road into the village of La Fouly. There, we cozied into our hostel for a quick nap. At dinner, Preston entertained the table with his artillery of jokes, and we indulged in an ice cream dessert. Moonup brought us into the chilly rain, but a well-executed prank by Ayanna lifted the spirits of the group. Love, gratitude, and challenging questions ensued, allowing us to dive deeper into knowing and understanding one another. Not quite ready to go to bed just yet, everyone piled into the girls’ room for a few rounds of the fan favorite game, Mafia. Daisy’s incredible poker face had everyone fooled as she sneakily led the Mafia to victory! Eventually, everyone’s eyes began to get a little heavy, and not long after that, we all hit the hay, giddy for another day of trekking!
The crisp and dewy morning called for heavy layers and warm drinks at breakfast. As we started walking, layers were shed as we warmed up to our journey ahead. We first traveled through several quaint and historic Swiss villages. Centaine and Preston taught us about the traditional wooden barns built in the 1700s, known as raccards, and hidden symbols that lie within their structures. Eventually, the sun peaked over the mountain tops, and we found ourselves immersed in fields of wildflowers. Our LODs, Lucas and Avery, led our group through the valleys, villages, and up a sudden steep climb, all while rocking epic Elton John sunglasses. After conquering some elevation, we arrived in the town of Champex. We decided to rest for a bit next to the lake just outside of the town. Three brave souls, Natalie, Patrick, and Harrison, took a leap into the glacial waters to soothe their sore muscles and live by a Moondance core principle: if you see a body of water, jump into it! Once all dry, our group rose to conquer our final upward push to our hostel that sat nestled within a large glacial cirque. When the temperature began to drop and small raindrops started to fall, we rushed to get showered, cozy, and our stomachs filled with warm food. Once satiated, we took on the rain once more for moonup, this time in an idyllic mossy spot under a canopy of pines. Lucas and Avery had our group reflecting upon what we are proud of before passing the pulse to finish our night out.
The next day, after a quick pack up and breakfast, began with a descent back down to Champex. Today, we were to follow the Bovine Trail, a path historically used by farmers to herd their cattle from one grassy plain to another. On our descent, the Bovine Trail proved awe-inspiring, with a large waterfall to our left and a gently trickling stream to our right. Carolyn and Ayanna stopped to take in their first NAMY (Nature Appreciation Moment Yeah!) of the day, making sure to soak in the moment. Once reaching the bottom, the only way on seemed to be up. Our team worked hard to reach our ascent of the day, feeling strength building in their legs with every step. Soon, the thick forest opened into fields, allowing us to see down to the tiny valleys where we began. As we continued, the town of Martigny became visible, glowing in a spotlight within the Rhône Valley. Our group then spotted a small hut overlooking the valley to sit for lunch and indulge in a variety of cake and pie treats. Full and happy, we hiked further up until we reached Col de Forclaz and started our second descent, this time into the town of Trient. Everyone hustled down switchbacks and over bridges that looked directly down to the valley. We finally made our way into the valley, traveling through cow fields and into pedestrian tunnels that led straight to our hostel for the night. There, our group huddled in the sauna to decompress before a luxurious fondue dinner. As the sun sank behind the mountains, we moved to a nearby soccer field for moonup led by our LODs, Daisy and Patrick. Our bovine neighbors in the field over watched on as we discussed our favorite childhood shows and goals for the future. We wrapped up the night with an epic moo-off, handstands, and fast-walk tag.
We awoke, once again, to a rainy morning, so we threw on our rain gear and started our trek. LODs Stockton and Centaine led us through Trient, which became vibrantly green in the rainfall. Through lush forests, we snaked back and forth up switchbacks, our group looking like a giant caterpillar scaling the mountain above. Up and up and up we went to where the wind blew at our back and the trees thinned into mossy and brushy tundra. Clouds began to swallow our group and bring a sharp chill to our hands and legs. With cinched rain jacket hoods and tight holds on our trekking poles, we trudged on through mud and across snow, slowly scaling our final pass: Col de Balme. One by one, everyone reached the top of the pass, refusing to be swept down by the wind, and, once again, entered into France. And boy, did France have the perfect treat for us! A haven of warmth sat waiting for our arrival, so we grabbed our lunch supplies and huddled into a small hut for lunch and warm drinks. Bodies, stomachs, and souls warm, we layered up and faced the cold once more to start our descent into Argentiere. Fog began to lift, and the valley from where we started became a clear and motivating force. Riddles and games filled the air as we jaunted over to our hostel for the night. Dinner took place in a room of windows looking out to the green landscape. For moonup, we sat nearby a huge arching bridge with a glacial river running through. Centaine prompted the group to share their favorite memories, and Stockton gathered everyone for a team huddle to close us out.
On our final day of trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc, we awoke to a downpour of rain. Around the breakfast table, we devised a rain plan for the day and enjoyed the pitter-patter of water against the windows. With the advice of our guide Nico, we decided to shorten our trek and hop on a train to Chamonix in an effort to avoid dangerous conditions. Despite the change in plans, morale remained high and wonder unshrunken as we admired waterfalls and tall grassy meadows pass by the train windows. Once back to where our journey began, everyone got clean, dry, and unpacked. After a small ceremony celebrating our successful trek, LODs, Natalie and Harris, took a quick trip to the market to gather a bountiful lunch for their peers. After our feast, the rest of the group got one more chance to soak in the wonders of Chamonix before our departure. For dinner, we all went out for celebratory burgers and nachos before heading, once again, to the soccer field for a digestive match. There, the Boston Celtics (Stockton’s team, of course) faced off against the Dallas Mavericks. Early in the match, the Mavericks pushed ahead with Patrick and Preston connecting for 3 goals. The Celtics fought their way back slowly with Avery taking back her role as striker until the score lay at 5-5. Next. Goal. Wins. Back and forth they went, with the ball whiffing just past the crossbar and Natalie strongly defending all shots. Finally, Avery, assisted by Stockton, sent the ball flying into the back of the net, CELTICS WIN! After a cordial shaking of hands, we settled for a final moonup in Chamonix filled with seemingly endless moments of gratitude for where we are and the continuation of this amazing adventure. Arm in arm, our group of strangers-turned-friends skipped back home and settled to sleep.
Now, we venture over the border and into Spain to our sea kayaking section in Punta Mila! Au Revoir, or should I say Adios, and be back soon with more stories to share!
-George and Kate
Shoutouts:
Hello family and Kelley. I miss you all and am having so much fun. Chamonix was so awesome and the hiking was lots of fun. I’ll see you soon and Happy Father’s Day.
– Patrick
Hello family. I miss you guys a lot. We are heading to Spain and sea kayaking today. Chamonix was amazing with lots of great views. I have had fun throughout this trip. Happy Father’s Day dad!
– Preston
Hello Family! Chamonix and hiking was really amazing and we are now headed to Spain to kayak. I miss you guys and Happy Father’s Day Papa! I’m having so much fun!
Love, Daisy
Hi mom and dad and probably grandma too! You guys were so right, I am getting COOKED. But the views are worth it and I am so proud of myself making it everyday. I can’t believe that the places and I’m going to and seeing are real. I miss everyone so much and I’m excited to talk to you all when I come back. Happy Father’s Day dad! Love you all so so much!
(P.S. I promise I’m taking pictures of everything. Also I swam in a glacial lake in Champex!)
Love, Natalie
Hello fam! Successfully climbed the Tour du Mont Blanc and I’m feeling so grateful to be here. The views are immaculate. I’m getting so excited for fam reunion in Spain! Send my love to Chipper and Hunter. Dad, I hope you had a great Father’s Day and I can’t wait to see you all soon! Ben, get ready for some epic stories.
Love, Carolyn
Hey fam! I miss you all so much! I’m having an amazing time. Backpacking is hard but so rewarding. Give Chloe some love from me! Dad, I miss you so much and wish I could celebrate with you, but Happy Father’s Day! I love you all so much!
Love, Ayanna
Hi mom. I know you’ll be the only one checking the updates probably. I hope the fam is doing well. I’ve really enjoyed getting to see the beautiful views while hiking. For dad: Happy Father’s Day! I’ll make up for not celebrating it with you in person when I get back home. I’m so blessed I get to call you my dad. Love you guys!
– Lucas
Hey fam! This trip has been pretty pretty fun. This hiking has been a lot but the views have been insane. To dad: I love you man. Happy Father’s Day! Also I have been keeping up with the Celtics! One more to go! Love you.
Peace, Stockton
Hey dad, love you and miss you. I’m having a great time in Chamonix, hike to Switzerland and Italy, now heading to the beaches of Spain. Happy Father’s Day! Miss you, the family, Tina, and Bo. Take care of the farm and the dogs until I’m back. Love you.
– Harris
Hiii mom and dad. First Happy Father’s Day dog! I love you and thanks for sending me on these trips! The views have been crazy and I have been dealing with all the snow really well. We are heading to Spain now and finally get to go in the water! I love and miss you all, especially the dogs! See you in 2 weeks!
Love, Avery
Hi y’all! Happy Father’s Day dad. This trip has been so fun thus far, but very challenging and a big adjustment. Everyone is so nice though and it could not be better or more beautiful. I miss you mom, dad, Mia, Michael, and Will. I miss you Fletcher and the cats and dogs. My photo album is perfect. See y’all in two weeks. I love y’all.
Love, Centaine
Safe Arrival in Chamonix!
June 9, 2024
Hello Chamonix Families!
We heard from our leaders this afternoon that the group landed safely in Paris and successfully made their way Chamonix! The trip is off to a great start, and we cannot wait to hear more stories from their adventure as they prepare to begin trekking on the Tour du Mont Blanc!
Please remember our leaders and students will be unplugged during their trips, but we will be posting trip updates throughout the next week! This will allow you to follow along with the trip. You can also follow us on Instagram, @moondanceadventures, to see more of what we are up to!
-Moondance HQ
