Update from Colorado!
July 3, 2024
Since the last trip update, COT2A continued bonding through Colorado’s wonders. Pinnacle splendors, urban and rural, offered unforgettable backdrops to the adventure. Driving to the post-sand dune campground near Telluride, a happenstance scenic route into a neighboring village prompted unanimous pleas to pull over for a longer stay. In this European style ski town, Ouray (known as the Switzerland of America in certain circles), vibrant colored homes on a steep mountain-side converged onto a broad Main Street road. Walking into it, there was a palpable aberration from the mountain town status quo. Pyramid roofed hotels of antiquated red brick architecture towered quaintly over local haberdashers and apothecaries. Horse drawn carriages bumped across the cobbled roads. Although a bubbling cauldron of sheep stew or chicken gizzard would’ve been a dinner befitting the towns cozy medieval mood, we suppered on burgers at perhaps the their most modest establishment- sufficiently accommodating for a party of our restless needs. Sending us to the back garden benches away from the crowd, the kind proprietor of this ski bum shack knew exactly what we needed, gifting us free drinks as a token for our evident gratitude. A hush fell over the crowd as we hunkered over the greasy delights (except for Will, whose slightly less greasy country fried steak was smothered in gravy). Windows were down in the van ride out. Music up. Neon shades of yellow and green punctuated the focal of the cyan sky. We drove into the sunset with a heightened sense of what it means to be human. At different moments in close succession, a black fox and a moose crossed the road in haste. It was a day we will never forget. Since three in the morning, we prospered, we strived. Arriving at camp too fatigued to pitch tents, we cowboy camped under the stars.
Just when we thought this unforgettable day had come to a close, however, Mother Nature decided to humble us with a reminder of her indifference to our puny wants and needs, and a brisk rain befell the grounds. Frazzled sleepwalkers darted for shelter in the van. Amazingly, humour toward the bizarre series of events that day trumped frustration at the sleep deprivation. We set up tents and resumed our slumbers. After sleeping in that morning it was time to prepare for the backcountry. Everyone brought their A game for what was an unexpectedly quick duffle shuffle, and we hit the road for three nights in the backcountry, stopping at the trailhead for a hotdog lunch before we kicked rocks on the trails. Everyone carried significant weight in group gear, and the added toll of elevated altitude made for a strenuous hike, but we got by slowly but surely with Harper J, McCree, Bee, and CC blazing the way. The campsite was tucked riverside beneath a meadow of leek husks, and a gushing waterfall. Ramen was prepared as campers pitched tents before the rain came, and the warm broth steeled us for the hunkering to come. Before bed time, however, the gang played a hilarious prank on Henry, which opened the door to a beautiful view. Huddled behind brush as he went to fetch a book, the schemers planned to jump out and surprise Henry upon arrival. Although he saw it coming, and the plan failed, he had the keen awareness to point out the stunning sunset in the distance. We ran up the hill and marveled at the pink sky as the girls practiced gymnastics under its hue.
The next morning, campers rolled slowly into the kitchen after basking in their leisurely morning without a wake up call. Oatmeal was prepared for breakfast and we played Mafia under a rain tarp as the showers began to pick up. During these calmer when the rain hindered activity, Henry kept morale high by putting an original wist on game rules, adding “twins” and a “magician” to the mix. We played until the rain died down and it was time for a group baseball game in the pastures. Natalie and McCree, the team captains, managed rookie players with deft patience. Bee packed a secret canon and impressed all with a fast ball to stop a run home. Harper E hit a foul ball into the brush and the next thirty minutes were spent stooped in the thicket with in search until Twas found again and positions were assumed. Alice stood at bat with bases loaded and it was obvious by the frazzling of her hair that lightning was nigh, so we darted to lightning position in less exposed terrain. The threats dispelled within 20 minutes. Finally, it was time for lunch. A large pot of mac and cheese raised spirits as group games ensued under the tarp. Rain subsided and we practiced our fly fishing casts in the meadow. Elly, Alice, Natalie, Harper J, Bee, and CC put their heads under the water fall for a freezing glacial shower. Will and Harper E climbed on top of said waterfall with Taylor. Later in the day, Bennett and Harper E went scouting for viable fishing destinations w Jamie, only to distract themselves by the wonder of the water fall. As far as hunkering days go, when the weather truly isn’t on your side, we made the most of it, and settled for a quesadilla dinner before hitting the hay.
That morning saw torrential rains and wet gear, and while the leaders planned to sleep in until the outside world became hospitable again, the students disagreed, waking up the snoozing elders with clamoring pans. Giggles were shared under the tarp as we imbibed on soul warming hot coco. Based on the weather, the day appeared to be even more sedentary than the one before. Henry’s script got rained on, and although its pages were salvageable, it was hard to keep morale high when our beacon of entertainment was blue. Suddenly, however, the stormy clouds split. A deafening silence unfolded across the kitchen as the rain stopped. We went outside for another round of baseball and, by the vastness of the blue in the sky, it dawned on us that this day could be turned around after all. A speech was delivered to motivate the team to embark on a journey to an alpine lake, about three miles away. It was a late start but we packed up and got the heck out of dodge, high energy push into the higher mountain ranges. Harper J preserved with a characteristic smile through adversity as the entire team felt the pressure of the altitude. Hudson led the way with impressive determination. After a long hike we made it to the basin and everything was worth it when you laid eyes on the brimming bowl of iridescent blue water. Rocks were skipped. Lines casted. Cold water entered and splashed. Will, Harper E, and Taylor climbed up shale to a glacial waterfall as the rest of the crew caught fish with Elly and Jamie. Pizza dinner was made on the rocky bank. Everything was worth it. The team hiked back with greater appreciation for the downhill returns on a seemingly ever ascending hill. Natalie and McCree prepared the remnants of the Mac and cheese for those still hungry for more. The next morning we woke up early for a quick backcountry exit; although we loved our time off the grid we were eager to dive back into the civilizations luxuries. Especially those offered in Telluride. Harper E led the way through river and mud and we got to the ski town in time for a burger lunch and a roam around town. Heading to Gunnison, ice cream was bought and pushups were completed on the side of the road to burn steam as we waited for a road opening. The team is approaching the final chapter of the journey in superb style. We can’t wait to see what’s in store.
Taylor, Jamie, Elly
Thank Yous:
Natalie: dear mom and dad, we just finished backpacking and are about to start rock climbing. Thank yall for letting me go on this amazing trip. Miss yall. Xoxo love, Natalie
CC: dear mom and dad, thank you for pushing me to come to this camp and sending me here. I’m having the best time and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do this and love yall so much! Xoxo, CC
Bennett: dear mom and dad, thank yall so much for giving me the opportunity to go out and explore nature and meet new people . I have had so much fun pushing myself physically with the backpacking and hiking and I can’t thank yall enough for it. Love, Bennett
Harper J: dear mom and dad, thank you so much for everything you guys have done to make this amazing trip, I have had a blast and this was definitely worth it. Love yall see you soon happy 4th! – Harper J
Bee: Dear mom and dad, thank you so much for letting me come on this trip! I am having so much fun and it’s not like any other experience I had gone on. Love you all – Bee
Henry: dear mom and dad, thank you for letting me come on this awesome trip. I have been having so much fun doing activities and talking with everyone here. Love yall!!- Henry
McCree- dear mom and dad, thank you so much for sending me here! I am having so much fun talking to people here and doing all of the exciting activities. I love yall! McCree
Hudson- dear mom, thanks for letting me come on this trip. It’s really amazing, I am having a great time. Love you. Hudson
Alice: dear mom and dad, thank you so much for letting me come on this trip! It’s really fun and I am glad that I came. Miss you. Love you. Alice
Will: dear mom and dad. I’m writing you on my Birthday!!! I miss you but I am having so much fun. Thank you guys for letting me come on this trip. Love you. Love, Will
Rapids, Ropes, and Sand Dunes in Colorado!
June 29, 2024
Goodness, what a group. Mature beyond their years and restless for adventure; the four brimful days we’ve been acquainted, already a summer span of lasting moments, if not a lifetime. The students have been a joy. Where do I even begin?
Once phones were commandeered, it was off to the games: BS and Uno as we waited at baggage claim, a vaster adventure beyond. Leaving Denver, you felt your ears pop as you ascended the rapidly changing landscape. High summer Frontier country. Snow-capped Rockies and the stacked red rock terraces. Music recommendations were written on a sheet of paper as we belted at high decibels with the windows down. The diversity of genres reflected the melting pot of the groups’ different backgrounds, and it was fast bonds getting to know one another as we pulled into the gas station for a hearty junk food treat. Icees, licorice, and candy bars were inhaled as we left for a quick errand at the post office. The kids, ever wary of waiting, insisted on killing time by hitting the parking lot for a quick game of “tips.” Repurposing the last rotting orange from the bottom of the Cuties bag as our ball, a circle was formed and we engaged cautiously, knowing any ill fated tap would cause a burst in the slowly cracking skin. Harper E caused an out-roar as it exploded upon his valiant try. Getting back into the van to finish the long stretch of travel, the gang laughed in hysterics when a long bearded elderly gentleman from a parking lot over was seen practicing what appeared to be high intensity training sprints. The eccentric personality of Colorado hippie culture has provided limitless fodder for group bonding, and the team has grown to appreciate the mundane daily findings of our journeys. They keep us on our toes with a charming rebel urge that seldom exceeds our limits and never fails to make us laugh. Arriving at our first campsite, for instance, Henry made us all giggle through his wanderings on nearby rocks. He impersonated a shaman leader who had just stepped from outside a cave to cast spells upon the mortals below. After a pizza dinner and a successful first Moonup, (a nightly forum for vulnerable conversation and reflection) we went to bed in our tents eager to commence the first activity.
Breakfast of bagels, yogurt and berries prepared us for the rapids to come. Natalie and Hudson, strong rowers in the front of boat #1, led us successfully through a gnarly waterfall in the opening hour. CC declared our commands with thunderous might. Alice took advantage of calmer stretches to float in the water beside the boat or hang her feet over the edge. Meanwhile, on boat #2, Henry lifted spirits through song, crooning pirates of the Caribbean and the Hamilton soundtrack at the top of his lungs. We stopped for a sandwich lunch at the outfitter lodging, playing a round of corn hole as we waited to leave, and took off for a quieter afternoon on the Arkansas River. After a safely executed rock jump, we made it to our remote bank-side camp and prepared for an amazing evening in the woods. Group games were played at length. A hike was taken to a nearby overhang which looked out upon the morning’s rapids. Will and Bennet climbed further to inspect viable routes. Returning to camp, a delicious general tso’s chicken dinner was made by the outfitters. We rounded off the night with s’mores on an open flame under the starlight and hit the hay with a fire in our bellies for another round on the rapids.
This day saw a more challenging stretch on the river with numerous class three rapids and one class four at the end of the journey. After the synchronized success of the first set, Escalator, a palpable confidence overtook our nerves. We shredded over big waves like knives through butter, stopping at a popular jumping rock on the way from which every member jumped, at least once. Another hearty sandwich lunch was met before our highest stake rapid, Twin Peaks – we leaned in powerlessly as the hydraulics below jutted us into safety. Huge paddle high fives to celebrate the success. Arriving at the pickup spot, clothes were wrung on and hung to dry while relieved paddlers basked in the sun with the glory of their accomplishment. Next stop was Salida, where an innocent ice cream stop turned into a climbing exhibition. Navigating the holds of a communal park slab, Will impressed us all with his monkey-esque climbing skills. CC, Bee, Harper J, Bennett, Henry, McCree, Natalie, Alice, Harper E, and Hudson, (everyone, that is,) participated with interest. The group always amazes with their genuine enthusiasm for the task at hand! Afterward, as Harper J and McCree, the leaders of the day, helped with groceries at the market, Taylor chaperoned the remaining group as we killed time through local souvenir shops. The gang rallied heavily around this outing as an opportunity to show the town their business talents. Through Bennett’s initiative, they ventured out to see what goods they could acquire with 25 cents. The proposition ended with a perplexed cashier and plastic bag full of an assortment of loose candies. Pasta and salads were made that evening at camp, where we went to bed peacefully to the sound of rushing river currents.
Elly, Will, McCree, and CC began day three with a scenic hike to an elevated overhang. The rest of the team woke up to the sound of their good morning announcements echoing from above. Cereal, yogurt, berries, and muffins were assembled and it was off to the ropes course. As expected, Will sped through the obstacles with preternatural ability. While he completed the double black course, Rattler, a large section of the group made it to the first black course, Grizzly. Most notably, the entire team supported one another through the challenges. A stormy cloud towered ominously over the scene, causing wobbly ropes and cold showers, and CC made it a point to abandon shelter and cheer on Bee as she finished a move. Shortly after, everyone joined below as we cheered on Hudson, Harper J, and Harper E as they pirouetted on slender wires like Fillip Pettit, the daredevil who famously tight roped across the Twin Towers. Lunch was prepared on a picnic table and we prepared for the most anticipated part of the day: ziplining. Everyone sailed over the canyon with flying colors. Henry, in particular, kept a positive attitude through a fear of heights. Once again, no effort from any member was left unsung. We packed up for a late afternoon arrival to our Sand Dune campground. Bennett saved the day by fixing the can opener at cooking time and the LODs Natalie and Hudson helped prepare for a highly satisfying taco dinner. Henry amazed us all with highly entertaining acting chops; so much so, in fact, that Hudson was inspired to perform a skit of his own creation during Moonup. Everyone laughed over a delicious s’mores dessert. We curled into tents for an early wake up to summit the highest sand dune in North America by sunrise.
Contrary to popular belief, spirits remained high during the dark early hours. Despite getting our van stuck in sand, we trekked jauntily over peaks and ridges. The sand began to loosen from its firm morning casing as the sun crested over the distant Rockies. Looking back at our route from the peak, footprints careened over the saddle like the woven coil of a snake’s back. We sled and boarded down the steep mountain as plans were arranged with a local towing shop to help excavate the sunken van. Will darted down quickly as Harper E followed along with a GoPro. Everyone was thoroughly entertained as not to mind the overhanging wrench in our plans, and we got back to the trailhead in convenient time to meet up with the kind tow worker. Back at camp, chocolate chip pancakes with whipped cream and strawberries were served with bacon for a satisfying brunch. Stomachs full, we piled into the van to head towards San Juan National Forest, ready to take on the backcountry!
Best wishes and warm regards, Taylor, Elly, and Jamie
Shoutouts:
CC- Dear Mom, Dad and Win, I am having the best time here and my counselors are the best! I’m having the best time with Bee and all the others! Love and miss you all!! Tell Win I say hi! Xoxo, CC
Harper J- Dear mom and Dad, Hi I am having so much fun! I have so many new friends. I miss yall so much. We have had a blast! Love and miss you so much! LIT-MO! Love Harper
Bee- Dear mom and dad, I am having so much fun and met a lot of nice people! I hope you’re having fun on your week off. Miss you Love Bee
Natalie- dear mom and dad, I am having an amazing time. The people and counselors are the best. I miss yall. Tell everyone I said hi! Love yall. Love Nat
William- dear mom and dad, I am having the best time it’s so fun. I miss you guys though. Tell Thomas and Katie I told them they are going to have an awesome time. Love you and can’t wait to see you. Love William
Mccree- dear mom and dad, I am having so much fun here and we are always doing something! I miss you guys though. I hope Audrey had a good birthday. Love you guys! -Mccree
Harper E- dear mom and dad, I am having fun at camp and I hope you are having fun on your trip. So far we have done zip lining, rafting, and going to the sand dunes. Miss you and see you in 10 days. From Harper
Alice- dear Mom, Dad, Serena, Claudia, & Kira, I am having a great time in Colorado. Rafting was so fun! I can’t wait to tell you all about it. Miss you, love you! – Alice
Hudson- Miss yall, can’t wait to see yall in a week, love yall. – Hudson
Bennett- dear mom and dad I am having the best time in Colorado. I just came from rafting, zip lining, and surfing the sand dunes. I can’t wait to see you all and I am missing the rest of the fam. I love you. Bennett
Henry- dear mom and dad, While writing this I just finished sand dunning and we are on our way to the backcountry to do whatever the leaders have planned. I’ve worked on my Beauty and Beast lines a bit, so I’m ready there mostly. Yesterday we zip lined and the day before that we white water rafted. I just wanted to update you. Miss you. Henry
Save arrival in Denver!
June 24, 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
