Hello from Big Wild!
June 15, 2025
As I write this the kids are singing along to some Tyler Childers, happy to be sitting in the van and resting their feet after they all absolutely crushed our backpacking trip.
Our story begins bright and early in the Jackson airport, where Henry and I eagerly awaited everyone’s arrival. Lucy was our first student and acted as our third leader for the day, welcoming students with her awesome Lucy smile and helping everyone figure out where to put their bags. Lucy is always ready to jump in and help out, and it’s something Henry and I are so grateful for and impressed by.
After chowing down on some pizza and salad from Handfire Pizza, we had our first of many Moonups- a Moondance tradition where the kids go around answering one silly question, and one question that is more serious and thought provoking. The kids all took turns talking about what they hoped to get out of the trip and Henry and I knew that we had a special group on our hands. Ruthie talking about how she was excited to make new friends and get outside, and Alice talked about how she was ready to turn off her phone for two weeks and enjoy the beauty around her.
The next morning the kids were eager to get on the river and start our first activity- fly fishing! Lucy and Joe were our first leaders of the day and set a great tone for the group. Our awesome guides, Colby and Jack, taught the kids how to rig the fly rods and “match the hatch”, where the kids were able to compare the bugs in the river to the flies that were meant to resemble them. Charlotte, being the risk taker she is, quickly jumped in the water with a screening net and kicked up dirt to catch the bugs. Joe used his previous knowledge of ocean fishing and quickly caught on to the fly fishing technique. Henry, a fly fisherman himself, says that Joe has a knack for fly fishing and it’s been so cool watching Joe get better at fly fishing over the past couple of days.
From fly fishing, we drove to our campsite near the Kinky Creek trailhead, where we would begin our trek the next day. The group kept their sprits high while we waited out our first thunderstorm. Luckily, we kept safe in our van, which the kids have lovingly named “chill-va”. The group spent the afternoon bonding and prepping their backpacking packs for the days ahead.
For dinner, we made some hearty burrito bowls and after, Joe and Everett stepped up to the plate to dig a hole and clean the group’s dishes. Both Joe and Everett have been great examples of good “exhibition behavior”, whether it’s helping bring duffels to our U-Haul or helping the others set up their tents. They’re both natural born leaders and Henry and I are so happy they’re on this trip!
We began our first day of backpacking with the sunrise and I am so immensely impressed with everyone’s perseverance. The group kept up a great morale and really spent the hike getting to know one another. I know that this was Mayes’ first time backpacking but she absolutely dominated the hike. She kept the group talking by asking everyone questions about their life and once we made it to our campsite, she taught us some of her cheer routine. She’s such a firecracker!
The next day, after everyone caught up on some much needed sleep, we all walked to the Gross Ventre river for a chill day on the water. Ruthie and Lucy took charge and continued to work on their new fly fishing skills. While some fished, some of the group and I played cards on some warm mountain rocks. While we were walking over, we spotted a little animal that stared right back at us. When we asked the guides about it later, they told us we had spotted a Pine Marten and that they were incredibly rare to see!
While we were playing cards, sweet Greer and I bonded over our Atlanta childhoods. The group had a great conversation about how it feels like we’ve all know each other way longer than a couple of days!! That night chef Mason began his grilled tortilla empire and we enjoyed a delish “Thanksgiving” meal in the backcountry with some cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.
Tonight, we are heading to the rodeo!!! The kids are out-of-their-minds excited!
These kids are each impressive and vibrant in their own ways, and Henry and I feel incredibly lucky to have each of these kids on our trip with us!! We could not have asked for a better first group of the summer.
Singing off for now-
Big Wild Buddies
Ella and Henry
Shout outs!
Lucy- Happy Father’s Day, love yall so much! I am having so much fun!
Ruthie- Happy Father’s Day! I love yall!
Mayes- HAPPY BIRTHDAY, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! Have the best best birthday ever! I am having a blast and making so many new friends!
Charlotte- Hi mom dad and Lily! I love you so much, happy Father’s Day!!
Everett- I am having a legitness time, Happy Father’s Day
Joe- radical broski, happy Father’s Day dad!
Mason- happy Father’s Day dad! Love you mom! Give Willis a lot of love for me!
Alice- love you! Happy Father’s Day! I’m having fun!
Greer- I’m having a great time! Happy Father’s Day!
Safe Arrival in Jackson Hole!
June 10, 2025
Hello Big Wild Families!
We heard from our leaders that the group has landed safely in Jackson Hole! The trip is off to a great start, and we are so excited to hear more stories as they begin their adventure.
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
