One last time from Madeira!
July 9, 2024
Hello from the Lisbon airport! We write to you with hearts full and tears shed. It was an absolute privilege to be the leaders of MAD 2B. We rocked out. We rocked out like ice cream was free. We rocked out like it was going to be 75 degrees and sunny everyday. We rocked out like Bruno Mars was in our presence. We rocked out like our trip was infinitely days long, rather than a mere 17 days. We rocked out like we were the only 13 people on the island of Madeira. We rocked out like the street lights were spotlights on the “MAD 2B show.” We rocked out like there was no such thing as departure day.
We ended our trip on the magical private and peaceful island of Porto Santo. On the last day of our trip, we woke up and went snorkeling! It was a perfect day, 75 degrees and sunny! Jim was rocking out and kept the vibes high by singing in the taxi all the way to our magical destination. Everyone eagerly jumped into the refreshing crystal clear water and swam like mermaids. Bay quickly found the first exciting thing of the day – a red sea worm/eel? We are still debating the identity of this living thing to this day, but it was awesome! Even though this creature was a mystery, we learned so much about aquatic sea animals, specifically whales, from Ford and Ben. While we continued to explore the ocean, meanwhile, Mary Yates found some hermit crabs! In this moment Mary Yates learned that she does not need anything but a hermit crab in life to be entertained (all the iPad kid rumors were squashed). After the water started to go from refreshing to cold, Bradley, Liza, Lucy, Duke, and Brita warmed up in the sun and played a fun (again more riveting than it sounds) game where we tossed rocks at targets in a game we like to call Rock-Rock where you throw a rock and try and hit another rock. We were like Mary Yates with hermit crabs, so incredibly entertained. After snorkeling, we explored the city of Porto Santo, bought some souvenirs, and enjoyed Brisa along with a classic Portuguese dessert, Pastel de Nata. Kennedy, Brooks, and Mary Yates also indulged in some small coffees and in an attempt to acquire Brita a taste for the finer things in life, they let her try. She hated it. For now, she will stick to her sugar and milk. Next, it was time for banquet! We all gathered around the same table one last time for a DELICIOUS dinner on the beach. Brooke was our photographer and captured all of us enjoying our food and each others’ presence. After our banquet, we sang our way all the way to the ferry. Brooks was the keeper of all vibes and truly “walked it and talked it” down the sidewalks of Porto Santo. Once we arrived back in Funchal, we had a quick bite to eat and sat down for our last moonup of the trip (heartbreak). We rocked out. We gave nugs to everyone, shared our favorite memories, and discussed what we learned/took away from our time together. It was such a special few hours together that we will remember forever. We hugged and skipped our way back to our hostel to pack and leave for the airport!
Duke and I are so incredibly thankful for our time together in Madeira with these 11 incredible life changing humans. The goodbyes were made easier, knowing that so many reunions are already planned. We will be rocking out again soon. HLAW.
All the love,
Brita and Duke
Update from Madeira!
July 7, 2024
Welcome back!!! What an amazing few days we have had!!! In the time since we have talked, we have successfully canyoneered in cold magical waterfalls, rock climbed beautiful jagged cliffs, and sea kayaked along the incredible coastline of Porto Santo. HLAW.
Once upon a time, nestled in the heart of the Madeiran mountains, 11 Moondance campers and their two leaders, Brita and Duke, woke up in a beautiful hostel. The golden morning sun kissed the mountain peaks, casting a magical glow over the lush landscape. The campers gathered around a long table for breakfast, marveling at the stunning real-life art outside the large windows.
After enjoying a hearty meal and filling their spirits with the beauty around them, they packed their gear and set off for an adventure-filled day of canyoneering. The group, buzzing with excitement, trekked into the canyons. With harnesses secured and helmets on, they began their journey through the magical wonders of Madeira. They leaped into crystal-clear pools, rappelled down cliffs, and zipped across roaring waterfalls. This picture-perfect scene was even more perfect when Lucy, Kennedy, and I serenaded the group with Bruno Mars songs. Ben, Ford, Bradley, Brooks, and Mary Yates also invented a fun game where they took turns guessing who was touching their helmet while they weren’t looking (it was way more riveting than it sounds). Mary Yates quickly emerged as the undisputed champion, her guessing skills astonishing everyone. After so much repelling, ziplining, jumping, singing, and gaming, we refueled with a Kit-Kat. After canyoneering, the pranksters of the group decided Mary Yates was going to have a fun hike back up to our transfer. One by one, they discreetly stacked small rocks on the back of her backpack. Each time they added a rock, they showered her with compliments, like she was “rocking it” and sang songs like “I Wanna Rock,” “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Rock With You,” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” It wasn’t before long when Mary Yates caught on to our jokes and we were all crying in laughter.
That evening, back at the hostel, we gathered outside for a beautiful Moonup, led by Bradley and Kennedy. Under the twinkling stars, we played their favorite game, Three Men on a Couch, and shared our dreams and aspirations. With full bellies and happy hearts, the 11 campers and their two leaders settled into their beds, their minds replaying the day’s adventures. As they drifted into sleep, they dreamt sweet dreams, eagerly awaiting the next day’s escapades in the enchanting Madeiran mountains. And so, their magical journey continued, each day more wondrous than the last.
And were they wondrous. The next day it was time to rock climb! The rock songs and jokes were the perfect segway into our next activity. Today we learned that Spiderman was in our presence – Jim was so speedy and conquered every route. Everyone was so impressed with Mr. Spiderman! Mary Yates, Brooks and I did some yoga to warm up for our climbing. Lucy and Liza crafted some wonderful friendship bracelets while they waited for their turn. Brooke and I had a dance party. And we had a wondrous morning.
After climbing we ventured over to some natural pools on the coast of the island and swam like mermaids for hours! Ford showed us his impressive strokes and used them to his advantage to go underwater and fake a shark attack by grabbing the other 10 innocent Moondancers’ ankles who were enjoying the beautiful afternoon. Meanwhile, Bradley and Ben explored the contrasting black jagged rocks. After a day on the rocks and in the water, we ate some delicious pizza, icecream, and had a great Moonup led by our amazing LODs, Mary Yates and Ben.
The next day we awoke to America’s Birthday!!!! Happy Birthday, USA! We celebrated properly by wearing blue, white, and red necklaces, jamming out to some classic songs, and by going surfing in Porto da Cruz! It was a perfect birthday bash and day. We had back-to-back birthdays because the next day was our guide’s, Ruth’s, birthday. Ruth has been our ROCK in Madeira and is another member of our family. We are so incredibly grateful for her and we were so thrilled to celebrate with her. Mother Nature knew it was Ruth’s birthday and gifted us the most perfect weather. We spent the whole day on the beach! Bay and I played mermaids, Jim and Duke tossed around the football, and Ford made epic unique teetering rock towers. Later that day, we got to surf again and show off our new skills! The surfing instructors were so impressed with our group and our pure talent…next stop the summer Olympics. Brooke absolutely killed it and showed us all how it was done!
Today we woke up and traveled to Porto Santo! We had a beautiful day exploring this new small island and all dreamed about moving here one day. We also got to go sea kayaking … and it was wondrous! Bay conquered her fear of caves and led the group by paddling right into the beautiful dark rocky coves. Tonight we ate at a delicious small restaurant in the heart of Porto Santo and followed dinner with a competitive group game of tag on the beach, where Liza showed off her basketball footwork but ultimately ended up being “it.” We are heartbroken to know our time together is ending soon but we are over the moon to know we still have a few days to spend together! Talk soon!
HLAW!
Love,
Brita and Duke
Thank you’s:
Ford- mom and dad, thank you so much for sending me here, the group is great and I’m having a lot of fun
Ben – Thanks Mom and Dad, I can’t wait to see y’all in a few days
Bradley – thank you so much mom and dad for letting me come here and experience an amazing new culture
Liza – Thank you so much for letting me come on this trip and I can’t wait to see you all in a few days!
Lucy- thank you so much mom and dad for letting me come on this trip it’s amazing and I can’t wait to see you guys
Kennedy – thank you so so much mom and dad for letting me go on this trip it’s amazing! Can’t wait to see yall soon!
Bay- thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to come on this trip I have had a blast and I love you very much! Mwah! Xoxo bay
Mary Yates- thank you so much for letting me go on this trip I am having the best time!
Brooke- thank you so much for this amazing opportunity that let me enjoy a part of the world not many people can. I cannot wait to see yall in a few days!!!! 🙂
Jim- Thank yall so much for letting me go on this amazing trip! Love you guys 🫶
Brooks – Thank you for this amazing experience, it’s so much fun! Miss you.
Ola from Madeira!
July 2, 2024
Ola from the most magical island in the world….Madeira! Duke and I are so lucky to be able to hangout with these 11 amazing humans for the 17 days. HLAW!!! How lucky are we. We write to you as we relax and enjoy a cozy hostel following a week of enjoying the most beautiful views, challenging mountains, and deepest canyons that Madeira has to offer. We have hiked, rappelled, jumped, swam, and sang our way from one side of the island to another.
After all arriving in Madeira, we jumped right into canyoneering. Mary Yates was our first brave solider to repel down a waterfall into the cold blue waters below. Throughout canyoneering, Jim was our ESPN radio, Bradley came up with nicknames for everyone and Brooks kept the energy high. It was a great day to be canyoneering. HLAW. In the depths of the canyons, Kennedy also helped come up with ILED. I love everyday. It was true.
After canyoneering, we adventured back to our warm and dry hostel, were we filled our bellies and had our first official moonup together as a group. We star gazed, got a little sprinkled on, and voiced how excited we were to be here and what we are looking forward to most. The universal answer was making amazing friendship – which is exactly what we have been doing. Brooke and Bradley were nominated as the very first leaders of the day, LODs. This meant that they got to repped authentic Madeiran gold and silver chains allllll day. Which is just what they did. We will now take a second to listen (read) to a beautiful insanely original song about what it could possibly to be like to be just an ordinary chain that is proudly worn around the necks of these Moondance students.
The Adventures of the Chains
By: Moondance Melodies
I’m a gold and silver chain, shining in the light,
Hanging round the necks as they dance through the night.
Eleven Moondance kids, in the mountains so high,
Becoming best friends under the Madeira sky.
Brooke and Bradley kept them safe on the trail,
Guiding every step, ensuring they didn’t fail.
Through the rugged paths, they led the way,
Protecting the crew throughout each day.
Then they passed the chain to Bay and Ben, so bright,
Who wore it with pride, through every height.
From the valleys low to the peaks up high,
The chain told their tale as time went by.
We started trekking in the mid-day sun,
Eleven Moondance kids, our journey had begun.
Backpacks on our shoulders, spirits reaching high,
Heading to the mountains, beneath the bright sky.
With every step we took, new bonds began to form,
Through the forest paths, through the air so warm.
Excitement in our eyes, adventure in our hearts,
The trek was the beginning, where friendship starts.
Brooke and Bradley led, with the chain held tight,
Guiding the way, through the afternoon light.
Every trail we conquered, every peak we climbed,
The chain saw it all, every moment in time.
On the first day of trekking, we reached a waterfall,
Cascading down rocks, a majestic call.
Ford, Ben, and Bay, couldn’t wait to dive in,
Liza, Bradley, and Lucy, joined with a grin.
The water was freezing, but they didn’t care,
Laughing and splashing, joy filled the air.
Arriving at our campsite, cattle grazed the land,
Jim, Ford, Mary Yates, and Brooks took a stand.
With calm voices and gestures so kind,
They urged the cattle, clearing space to unwind.
That night, burrito bowls were our delight,
Brooks, Ben, Mary Yates, and Liza made it right.
Chopping and stirring with laughter in the air,
Under stars bright, our dinner we did share.
I’m a gold and silver chain, shining in the light,
Hanging round the necks as they dance through the night.
Eleven Moondance kids, in the mountains so high,
Becoming best friends under the Madeira sky.
(Clap).
And this only covers the first day of trekking! Think of the ALBUM we will have by the end of this trip.
This group absolutely killed trekking! We were blessed with amazing weather (HLAW), were dripped out in friendship bracelets thanks to Mary Yates and her teaching abilities, and were all in prime condition and ready to conquer each day thanks to our professional yogi, Kennedy. On the fourth day of trekking, we summited Pico Ruivo! I am so proud of this group for stepping outside of their comfort zones (literally and figuratively) and reaching the highest point on the island. At the top, we hugged, took photos, and ate some flat white peaches and oreos (best combination to exist – don’t knock it until you try it). After 3 nights of camping, everyone was THRILLED by the mountain hostel that we surprised the kids with after our summit. That evening, we ate a delicious meal, showered, watched the sun set over all of the clouds, did cartwheels in the parking lot, participated in a leadership grid activity, and star gazed. Thanks to Duke’s astronomy knowledge, we were able to spot all the planets, constellations, and even the milkyway. And on the fifth day, the student rose again – this time to climb the stairway to heaven! Today to scrambled across the jagged black rock that peaked above the sea of clouds that huddle among the mountain tops. We celebrated reaching the top with a Brisa and icecream (another deadly food combination). We then hiked down to our campsite to have a cook off! We danced and sang songs as delicious steak nachos and fried chicken/pancakes were whipped up. Our bellies were so full and friendly competition was had. For the last night of camping, we all slept outside under the stars in a human cinnamon roll! It is not everyday when you get to cowboy camp under a shower of stars on the top of a mountain in Maderia. We didn’t let this opportunity pass us by. We fell asleep listening to jazz music and Lucy pointing out shooting stars. On the last day of trekking, we had a slight downhill hike until we reached civilization again! But our feet were tired, so we sat down, put our feet up, and rode the famous toboggan sledges, steered by “Carreiros” down the steep streets of Funchal.
We were so grateful for our time together on our trekking adventure and can’t wait to continue to explore this beautiful island! HLAW! ILED! TTYL! XOXO MAD2B!
Brita & Duke
Shoutouts!
My knee is fine – Ford
I am having fun – mary Yates
Hope everything is going great at home. I am having so much fun 🔥🔥🔥 – jim
Thanks so much for this opportunity, I’m having so much fun. Love ya – Brooks
I am having so so much fun and can’t wait to see yall Mom And Dad! Love you! – kennedy
Love y’all, having fun 😁 – Bradley
It’s been a lot of fun – Ben
Hey mom and dad love and miss you guys so much. I’m having the best time and I swear I’m being safe. Also love and miss you thomas. -Lucy
Hi my people, I’m missing you all a LOT, but I’m so grateful to be here and I’m growing so much. I cannot wait to see you all and tell you everything. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNA ILL BE CELEBRATING U ALL DAY🎉. Love you all more everyday.- Brooke
Hey guys! I miss yall so much but don’t ever want to leave this place because it is so amazing! Thank yall for sending me on this trip with the best people! Tell Max I say hey and can’t wait to see him! Love you all so much – Liza
Olá people! I love and miss you guys so so much. I’m very thankful I’m here and I am having a blast! I made it through trekking!! Love you mom, dad, jd, thomas, mia! Can’t wait to see you guys! -Bay
Hello family!! Hope everyone is having a fun summer! Ward and Dad, I hope Montana is providing the goods! Emmy, Keep grinding in ATL! Hard work is worth it! Mom, I hope you are enjoying the magic that Sewanee in the Summer is! Love you all! – Duke
Hi fam! Miss and love you! Have so much fun at the Lake!!! – Brita
