June 19, 2024
Our 6-day trekking adventure in Madeira was an unforgettable experience filled with scenic views, challenges, and plenty of laughter!
On the first day, we kicked off our journey by hiking down to a breathtaking waterfall. Spencer was the first to cold plunge and Kate was not far behind him! After our swim, we made it to our first camp sight. There, Barrett, Nola, and Winnie helped prepare our delicious Mexican bowl dinner! The kids all set up tents and then we ran to catch a killer view of the sunset above the clouds. To end the night we did Moonup under the stars.
The next morning, we got up bright and early to start our second day! Will cooked up some eggs and bacon for breakfast and the kids made sandwiches for lunch. We packed up camp and hiked all day through windmills and flower fields until we arrived at our second camp sight.
The next day, we got to hike some new terrain that included multiple tunnels. We even had to use our headlamps to see! The unpredictable Madeira weather did throw some rain our way, but we didn’t let it dampen our spirits. We turned on the JBL once we got to our camp sight, turning the rain into an opportunity for impromptu dance sessions. Dancing in the rain with good vibes and laughter kept our morale high and created some of the trip’s most joyous memories. Hawkins and Bennett gave a helping hand in setting up tents for everyone that night as well! We had a fan favorite dinner – BBQ chicken sandwich’s while we watched the rain and eventually all headed to bed.
Next, we made it to our awaited summit day where we summited the highest peak in Madeira, Pico Ruivo. The trail was challenging, but the panoramic views from the top made it all worth it. The feeling of accomplishment and the breathtaking scenery set the tone for the rest of our adventure. After, we made it to our surprise hostel stay and enjoyed an incredible chicken dinner. We even got to pick our own desserts! We got a well earned shower and a great night of sleep.
One of the most exhilarating parts of the trek was climbing the famed “Stairway to Heaven.” Sarah tackled this steep, stair-filled path with determination, encouraging the group through the most strenuous parts. The lush landscapes and dramatic cliffs offered stunning views at every turn, making the climb a memorable highlight.
On our last day of trekking we woke up and started down toward the beautiful city of Funchal. After a couple hours of trekking we made it to the famed toboggans of Funchal were we rode in carts down the streets. SJ kept everyone’s spirits high in line for the toboggans by starting a singalong. We explored Funchal and bit and ended our day with an amazing Moonup led by our leaders of the day Alex and Winnie.
Huge thank you to all parents for letting us share these wonderful experiences with your incredible kids. It’s been a pleasure getting to know them and watch them grow throughout our time together. Below they wanted to share their thanks to you as well for allowing them to join us in Madeira!
We couldn’t be more excited to make the most of these last 2 days together!
Lizzy & Will
Bennett: Thank you so much for sending me on this trip! I am having an awesome time and just finished with our 6 days of trekking. I love you so much and am missing you. See you in a couple days.
Nola: A huge thanks to you Mom and Mike for gifting me this insane opportunity!! Can’t wait to tell yall all about to the super awesome things I’ve been up to 😁😁
Kate: Thank you so much, Mom for giving me this awesome opportunity :)) I have had the best time and can’t wait to tell you everything when I get home! Love you so much💕🌈✨🕺🦋
Winnie: Hey mom and dad, just wanted to let you guys know I am incredibly grateful and appreciative that you guys sent me on this trip I have had such a great time and I’m so thankful yall have given me this opportunity.
Hawkins: Heyyyyy Mom I’m actually having so much fun this is insane we just finished hiking and it was incredible. I love you thank you so much for this like actually this is the best thing ever. Can’t wait to see you on Friday
SJ: Hey mom and dad!!! I’m so grateful for being sent on this trip and am so excited to tell yall everything about it!! Love and miss yall, see yall soon!!
Barrett: Hey Mom and Dad!!! Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity and I am having so much fun!! I miss you guys so much and can’t wait to tell you about it when I get home. Love you guys so much!!💕🤗
Sarah: Mom! I miss you so so much, and I’m thinking of you! Thank you for giving me this opportunity and this once in a lifetime experience! There’s so much that I can’t wait to share! Fully relaxed and ready for what’s next. Thank you Mom for giving me this experience!
Alex: Hi mom, dad, and Matthew!! I miss you so much, and I’m thinking of you all the time! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be on this trip! I have been taking so many videos and pictures on the GoPro that I can’t wait to share. Love you so much! See you soon 😁
Spencer: hey mom, dad, bestie, and Katie. I’m having so much fun on the trip and the hiking has been amazing . I definitely want to do more when I get back. The views have also been breathtaking and the people are super funny. Thank you so much for sending me on this trip and I can’t wait to show you all the photos. Love yall- Spencer