Farewell from COT 1A
June 20, 2024
Rock Climbing day in Gunnison. Chocolate chip pancakes and then off to meet the guides at the wall. Cloudless blue sky morning: the vastness etched starkly against the rocky desert planes, heat shimmers in the distant horizon. Sand lifted to glide off the ground as we approached the granite. Bruce reached the top first with haste that tested the belayer’s rope work. Following suit behind, everyone conquered their lines at own pace. Charles Feirn preferred belaying to climbing, successfully assisting the guide up the slab to fix a new rig. Quartz veins embellished in the granite were shaped by microscopic lava corrosion in the earth’s mantle. Charlie, leaving no stone untouched, ascended a route up this geological phenomenon on the groups last run of the day. He participated in every route the wall had to offer, both as belayer and climber. Every player was eager to get up until the final half hour when hunger kicked in. View of crested butte from top reminded all about our afternoon lunch plans in the town. It was heavy set mountain style pizza, 6 of them for the table with various toppings. Charming, hippie vibes on Main Street. Eve, Greer, Liv, and Kate rummaged the local book shop for new lore to propel them through the trips last days. Lydia weighed carefully the virtue of a new sun glasses invested, eventually running toward the van upon our departure with a fresh pair of shades. It was Curt Cobain meets ski bum white alien frames. Our band of wandering boys floated into anglers stores and hat shops, appraising the worth of goods, often flabbergasted by the prices, petting dogs along the way. We left for showers at a local gym and made it to camp primed for a monumental veggie off. Two teams. Boys vs girls. Judges pick an alliterative adjective and fruit paring – constipated coconut – and players must provide their best interpretation in a face off duel. Winner got cooking team, loser cleaning. After a swift triumph of impressive improv, team boy prepared pasta and meatballs with a delicious Caesar salad. Hayes fished on the lake and lost what would have been a trophy salmon, breaking 20 pounds, he claims. Water boiled for hot coco as we gathered in circle to commence Moonup under the stars. Final night at the treasured lakeside campsite. Though we’ll miss the neighboring RV campers, they will be happy to see us go.
Bagel breakfast with assorted cream cheese, yoghurt and granola should you please. We shuttled to climb, steep incline. Would be remiss to not mention this: ropes and harness prevent fall from cliffs. Bruce Biggs, our mountain goat friend, was joined by Lydia to reach the end. COT 1A we danced we played, bending gravity to pave our way. The greatest obstacle was named buddhas belly, a rounded overhang, protruding and heavy. Charles Feirn summited and reached enlightenment, floating down the face with sage excitement. He approached in garb of delicately draped cloth, with glowing visage and soft spoken thoughts. We wondered what happened up there beyond the bunk, this swashbuckling camper suddenly a monk. Next thing we know, it was Charlie also, landing on ground as if a temple twas fro’. One by one they came, descending Buddha’s wall of fame, until it was time to pack up and leave, so back to the river we made heave. So strange a sight it was to see, these happy campers profoundly at ease. No more profane song requests, or asking the leaders “are we there yet.” Nearing the end of the line, they even knew better than to ask the time. Not future nor past, but the present our task. What a magical thing, the moments in between, we arrived at camp, a well oiled machine.
Waking up for simple but favorable breakfast of muffins and cereal, we readied for final activity of rafting on Arkansas river. Our boats cut through the headwinds like salmon fighting upstream from the Atlantic to lay eggs. Sprinkles of river water stung upon impact. It wasn’t until a generous splash (of which there were plenty) that you learned to accept it. Party of three boats entered bank-side lunch break eager to soak in the sun. The outfitters provided a bountiful sandwich feast with an array of breads, cheeses, and meats. We were steeling ourselves for a treacherous encounter with class four rapids, the highest stake waves of the trip. Cold chills rushed in concert with adrenaline spikes as we donned our wet suits again. Taylor, Liv, Kate, Charlie, and Jace sung row counts in French (une, deux, trois!) as we found rhythm in the calm before dialing in for the storm. Of the four stretches of class four rapids, Shark Tooth was the most daunting; we paddled crest after crest in textbook positioning, risking intentional near misses by larger boulders to harness speed. After an honest days work we jumped off the rafts and found joyous relief on stable ground. Large scoops of ice cream were devoured as rewards for our triumphs. Group wide football was played back at camp before burgers were grilled on an open flame. Eve and Jace marveled at the moon (a waxing gibbous according to their calculations) as it slowly revealed itself over the mountains. Meanwhile, Greer cooked tatter tots as extra fuel to get us through a late Moonup. The trip was coming to a bittersweet end, and all were eager to soak in the last moments through the fatigue.
The next day, after a long drive to Denver and few pieces of housekeeping, a final hoorah was held at nighttime. We went to Goodwill to pick up silly attire for our banquet dinner. Hayes was our surrogate business man: clad in oversized sports coat and large framed glasses that seemed to perceive the world in dollar signs, he made a convincing financier. Needless to say, the sports bar who fell victim to our shenanigans was caught off guard by such a motley crew. Bruce in a dress; Greer in Mickey Mouse ears; Eve in SpongeBob apparel; Charlie in pink a robe. Onlookers made double takes over their burgers as if to verify our reality. We stopped for blizzards at Dairy Queen and got final treats for our last Moonup. During the meeting, the LODs, Bruce and Liv, plotted a hilarious scheme that sealed our group bond as a sort of blood pact. One by one, the dregs of precooked canned chicken were inhaled around the circle. Charles Jackson, taking down a particularly large swig, was greatly bothered by the unsavory surprise, and the group applauded his efforts. Rollos and starburst were distributed shortly after to cleanse out sodium caked palates. While the campers partied on beneath the full moon, determined to stay up all night in time for our early airport wake up, the leaders tucked into bed with weather eyes, knowing second winds would run their course. These tweens were not your average lot. They were light years more mature and competent than their ages suggested (most of the time). They demonstrated commendable selflessness in the face of taxing group challenges; their leadership skills thrived during adversity. Charles Jackson, notably, demonstrated this when he gave a Charles Feirn his own jacket during our most challenging morning in the backcountry. Everyone helped in the kitchen and cleaned. Everyone brought valuable contributions and made fantastic company, and we genuinely loved spending time together. It was an unforgettable journey. COT 1A will be greatly missed.
Checking in from the backcountry!
June 16, 2024
Late Wednesday afternoon, COT 1A began their backpacking adventure in the San Juan Forest. Our start was delayed due to travel fatigue from the previous day, exacerbated by consequential road closures and detours. Driving from Gunnison to a campsite near Telluride, we were led astray by our navigation onto a winding road. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset but eventually reached a locked gate, preventing access to our designated route. Nervous laughter filled the van as we realized our only option was to drive back to Gunnison to find a viable junction. However, after significant mileage in the van, this was not ideal. Desperate for proper shelter, we considered setting up at a closer campsite but ultimately received insider information from a construction worker about a secret route. We thanked him for the rescue and headed to our campsite. Through the later hours, Charles Feirn was the only student left awake, entertaining the leaders with his stories. Finally, we arrived at our destination and cowboy camped under the stars, too exhausted to pitch tents.
Sleeping in proved difficult under the sun’s direct glare. Warm layers from the frigid evening were begrudgingly removed. At cockcrow, disheveled campers stumbled into breakfast with vague reluctance. Despite the moody hours, humor shone through. We ate yogurt and granola before a group-wide duffle shuffle to prepare for the backcountry. Jace and Greer worked hard lugging gear, while Charles Jackson filled water bottles and carried extra group gear. After hours of preparation, we were off for the backcountry, a first proper backpacking expedition for many of us. We made Caesar wraps and turkey sandwiches at the trail base while Jamie explored for parking. Bruce and Charlie passed the time throwing rocks. Finally, we stepped onto the trails, led by Hayes with a backpack half his size. It was a taxing 3.5-mile journey with decent elevation gain and heavy cargo, but our arrival at the lush riverside meadow made it worthwhile. We cooked one-pot ramen over whisper-light stoves and went to bed full of excitement for the first full backcountry day.
The next morning’s breakfast saw a market for oatmeal trade. Strawberries and cream, apple and cinnamon were highly coveted, while plain vanilla was an afterthought. Deals were made, and Charlie cunningly won his honest heap. After breakfast, we prepared for a day hike to a waterfall. The lack of a strict daily structure in the backcountry led to a prolonged preparation period, with team members loitering and accomplishing various tasks. A dam was built on the creek by Charles Feirn, Charles Jackson, and Bruce. Hayes assisted with fly casting practice, and Lydia quickly picked up the technique. After a quick day hike for lunch by a waterfall, Lydia tried her hand in the river with Greer and Hayes, while others tanned in the sun. The boys continued their dam-building before we reconvened for a satisfying quesadilla dinner.
Bad weather presented challenges on our third day. Scattered showers lashed throughout the night, and wet gear stunted our alpine lake ambitions. The majority of our morning was spent huddled around trickling embers, waiting for boiling water for hot cocoa. A meaner concoction brewed above us in the form of ominous dark clouds. We spent the ensuing hours bed-ridden inside tents, escaping only to eat or go to the bathroom. When the rain ceased, we seized the opportunity to cook a hearty afternoon mac and cheese. Distant lightning soon crashed over the mountain, and we engaged in lightning protocol, spaced out on sleeping pads and crazy creeks. It was a humbling moment that taught us a valuable lesson about nature’s power. As the storm calmed, we tossed a football in a group-wide circle. Just as we embraced a warm, dry day, the sun set, and we found ourselves huddled around trickling embers, cooking pita bread pizza. We polished off the crumbs and needed a proper night’s sleep.
In the blink of an eye, our final day in the backcountry arrived. Our thirst for its wilder offerings was slaked, perhaps slightly overflowed. The verdant landscape had become mud-splotched and frosted over, its wonders wrung out, demystified by the storm. The cold air stung our fingers as civilization awaited us in a distant orbit. We packed up and made a high-energy escape to Telluride, ready for the next chapter of our adventure.
-Taylor, Elly, Jamie
Lydia: what’s up mom and dad thanks so much for this opportunity I am haveing so mutch fun and happy Father’s Day dad love you
Charlie: hey parents, thank yall so much for signing me up for Moondance. It’s a blast, happy Father’s Day! Love yall
Hayes: hey dad and mom I just got back from the back country and we’re about to go rock climbing, happy Father’s Day dad!
Greer: thank yall so much for sending me on this trip! We have seen so many neat places! Happy Father’s Day dada! Thank you!
Marguerite: thank you so much for sending me on this trip! It’s so fun! Happy Father’s Day dad, love you! we just finished rock climbing and came back from the backcountry yesterday!
Eve: hey guys I’m having the best time ever!!! We just got back from the backcountry it was sooo much fun. Love yall !!! Happy Father’s Day!!
Kate: hey guys having so much fun!! Just finished rock climbing and now we’re going to town!! Happy Father’s Day!! Love and miss you!
Olivia: I am having so much fun at camp! The people here are awesome and we have done so many cool things! Also I hope you have the best Father’s Day!! I miss all of you sooo much ! Love you !
Charles Feirn: hi, dad I hope you have a wonderful day and I’m still alive love, Charles
Bruce: happy Father’s Day dad!
I hope you have a great day with mom and Louise. Miss you. See you soon
Jace: happy Father’s Day dad! Hope all is good at home. See ya soon.
Charles Jackson: dear mom and dad happy Father’s Day. The backcountry was wild. Love you all, from Charles
Adventures in Colorado
June 12, 2024
COT 1A began its Colorado adventure with remarkably positive attitudes and fast friendships. Blasting Taylor Swift and an assortment of country music at high decibels, we left the airport bonding through song. Lydia and Greer hung out with the leaders in the front of the van while the rest of the team played cards and jammed out in the back. As we left Denver, a dust storm in the distant horizon heightened the feeling of challenge and excitement to come. We stopped at a gas station for a gluttonous splurge of sweets half way through the journey for a final supper of junk before embarking at our first campsite. Off the bat it was sunny stunning frontier country, and we set up camp and organized supplies amidst the backdrop of the postcard views. Inventory and packing is a demanding task for any restive soul, especially in the excitement of a new environment, but Jace followed protocol with remarkable maturity and a level of inquiry that kept the leaders on their toes. Why shouldn’t we pack an extra pair of underwear for our first activity, even though it’s not written explicitly on the packing list? What exactly does the first activity entail? It was a wise concern that conjured a broader question: what the heck are we getting up to for the next two weeks with these random people in the wild? After pizza night on the campsite table, casual rounds of spike ball, and some pig skin, the answers to that age old question were discussed during our first Moonup. We gathered our forum and set out an outline for the imminent rafting day and the broader two weeks, describing vaguely the itinerary with focused emphasis on embracing the suspense of the unknown. The entire team is continuing to come to terms with the genuine magic that comes with living fully in the moment.
Rafting brought a fantastic shift between leader and student dynamics: they paddled on the perimeters of the boat as we lounged on the middle thwarts and admired their work. Marguerite and Hayes were some of our fiercest paddlers up front, even taking it upon themselves to sit at the prow of the boat for increased adrenaline as we braved the rushing currents, a technique they coined “riding the bull”. Everyone quickly followed suit. As we reached calmer periods between the class three rapids, philosophical queries were discussed at length. Why is it a human instinct to yell echo, of all words, when attempting to summon an echo in a canyon? Charles Jackson, or CJ, more colloquially, espoused his erudition while floating beside the boat. He seemed to spend as much time inside the water as he did the raft. Once the riotous day on the rapids came to an end in the mid afternoon, the real games commenced in its wake back at the campsite. First up was “Paddle Battle,” a high stake narrative-driven rafters-classic that Marguerite won twice with ease as Charles Feirn told the story. Changing up the activity to accommodate other skill sets, we switched to “Moo-Off’s,” a breath control game revolving around the simple premise of trying to hold a cow noise longer than your opponent. Despite our best efforts, Marguerite retained her throne with pluck and verve. Charles Feirn continued his evident talent as a raconteur while narrating “Mafia”. Meanwhile, Hayes fished off the bank tenaciously for about an hour. As the sun descended on our river bank campsite, we serenaded Riptide by Vance Joy with an acoustic guitar backdrop and made s’mores over an open fire under the starlight to round off an eventful first proper day.
The next morning we enjoyed a hearty America breakfast – maple sausage links, crispy golden brown potatoes, scrambled eggs, the works – with Greer leading the team in washing the dishes. Greer’s constant selflessness around camp has been a spectacle to behold for these past 5 days. Returning to the thrill, day two on the Arkansas saw almost unprecedented swells. Due to high quantities of snow melting at an abnormally fast rate, the river was rushing at a speed and volume of 4,500 cubic feet per second: the highest CFS in that area of Colorado in 10 years. Like the dust storm we encountered in our drive out of Denver, the unnerving presence of nature’s power gave perspective to our own smallness, and we braved the waves with a fine-tuned consideration of their magnitude. After militarized discipline on the gnarlier class three rapids, the guides handed power to the kids to navigate calmer waters. Cutting their teeth into captaincy, newfound responsibilities encouraged eccentric paddling orders. Suddenly the row count was declared in Spanish: “adelante dos!” and each paddler followed suit with a synchronized “uno, dos” heave. We got back to our first campsite later that evening and continued our assortment of group games: baseball, soccer, spike-ball, football, and cards. After salads, pasta and Moonup, all of the kids insisted on staying up slightly later to continue their pow wow.
The leaders were worried everyone would be exhausted for the zip lining and ropes course the next day, but all doubts were proven wrong when we arrived on site with the reassuring news that COT1A was the first Colorado Moondance session in years to arrive at this activity on time. With this confidence under our belt, we girded ourselves for the gauntlet. The ropes course itself was quite a feet of engineering. Jerry-built yet innovative, it tucked magnificently within the canyon like the ancient ruins of a mythic playscape. Spirits were high in the high altitude, and the band encouraged one another valiantly during individual distress. As most tapered earlier from the dangling, Lydia and Charles Feirn impressed the mortals below with preternatural skill and ambition, making it all the way to black and double black obstacles. We broke for sandwich wraps at the picnic tables before embarking on our zip line tour. It was smooth sailing over ravines and mountain edges, and Kate and Liv seized each ride with characteristic Shaka signs that have slowly emerged the defining gesture of our group’s adventures. The good vibes rolled on during our haul to the great sand dune campsite. Jace and Marguerite, the leaders of the day, helped collect groceries for our burrito bowl dinner along the way, and we continued the journey with a rumbling excitement in our hungry bellies. In classic camping fashion, however, a rainstorm befell our arrival, testing our patience as tarp duties became priority over food. Joining forces, we braved the storm together before the long awaited meal; Kate’s aesthetically chopped peppers, Hayes’s carefully tended minced beef, and Eve’s ever present oversight made it all worth the wait. We filled up and hit the hay for a sunrise summit on the sand dunes the next morning.
Kicking sand in the dark, energy remained high despite the 3AM wake up: the surreal, otherworldly landscape remedied the fatigue. Heavy rain from the night before flooded the sandy base terrain with streamlined ripples. Trudging upwards, the sun’s ascent illuminated the wonder of Colorado’s biodiversity – it was the Sahara desert cradled between snow capped mountains. The gang encountered its steep downhill slopes pragmatically, opting to sled down as opposed to straggling on foot, and Charlie Baldwin and Bruce undertook the effort with particularly impressive balance and agility. Sedentary and upright, they carved lines in the sand like seasoned men of the dunes. After a strenuous hike back to the trailhead, we topped off the morning with a pancake brunch, spearheaded by chef Liv. Onlookers salivated ravenously the comforting prospect of the hot buttery delights. Now commuting South for the back-country portion, a deep slumber has overtaken the majority of the van mates. Sun dapples through the aspen trees. A coyote grazes the high cattail grasses. A wilder adventure awaits.
Taylor, Elly, and Jamie
Shoutouts:
Marguerite: We hiked to the tallest sand dune in North America, it was really pretty! I miss you!
Lydia: Hi mom dad Owen Miels and other family Colorado is so pretty love you
Greer: Thank you so much for this opportunity to explore Colorado! I am having so much fun! I love yall!!
Bruce: Thank you so much for letting me go on this trip. I have been having so much fun. Love you Bruce
Olivia: We already zip lined, rafted, and hiked sand dunes! The trip so far has been a blast!! I miss you so much!
Kate: Having so much fun!! Have done so many cool things. I miss you!!
Charles Feirn: I’m having so much fun. This morning and day we hiked sand dunes. Ps it was not easy. From, Charles
Charlie Baldwin: So far this trip has been a blast, I’m so glad I came. Love all of you, Charlie.
Hayes: Colorado is beautiful. So far we have gone rafting, zip lining, and climbed to the top of the highest sand dune in NA, I’m having a great time. Love, Hayes
Eve: I am having the best time ever. This is the coolest thing I have ever done!!! Love yall!
Charles Jackson: thank you for this experience. I’ve learned many new skills, I miss you mom and dad, love you, Charles Jackson
Jace: Happy birthday dad! We hiked to the tallest sand dune in North America. Love, Jace
Safe Arrival in Denver!
June 7, 2024
Hello Colorado Trail Families!
We heard from our leaders this afternoon that the group has landed safely in Denver and is headed to their first campsite! 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 trip updates throughout the next two 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
