Big Wild's Just Gettin Started
July 19, 2025
Howdy from Wyoming!!
The kids are happy to be cooling off in the van after everyone DOMINATED our backpacking adventure. Our guide, Morgan, said that our group was one of the fastest Moondance groups she’s taken into the backcountry. We’ve got some legit backpackers on our hands and everyone should be so proud of themselves for the miles we’ve crushed.
Our adventure started in the Jackson Airport, where us leaders I eagerly awaited the arrival of our new BGW family. Bea was the first to arrive and we quickly got to laughing and talking about what it’s like growing up with sisters. Soon enough we had our whole group and packed into the van for our very first ride of the trip, with Zach Bryan’s “Revival” as our opening song. Libby sat in the front of the band and we bonded about our childhoods in Atlanta and our similar taste in music.
That night we arrived at Whiskey Grove and had our first Moonup, a time when we all circle up and answer one fun question about our lives and one more serious, meaningful question. Moonup is one of the sacred parts of Moondance and Henry H. and I were so impressed with everyone’s willingness to reflect on their lives and what they were hoping to take away from Big Wild.
The next day we ventured a little past Pinedale, Wyoming to meet our fly fishing guides, Colby and Jack. Everyone got the chance to set up a fly fishing rod and practice their casting skills on the river bank. Madeline quickly caught on to the delicate rhythm of casting and Law used his previous knowledge of fly fishing to help the others with their knots and casts.
That night for dinner, with some help from our cook crew, we had our first real camping meal- Greek pita wraps! Nora Rose and Wilson helped cut up the chicken while Madeline and Tom cut up the cucumbers. The meal was a huge hit and it was all thanks to our stellar group of young chefs. After some dessert trivia (where the kids answered trivia questions and got cookies as the prize), we were all off to bed to rest up before our first big day on the backpacking trail.
Morning came and we were off to the races. Our first Leaders of the Day, Mary Ellen and Law, set a supportive tone for the hike, and though many of the kids had never backpacked before, we raced through our 6 miles trek. We all agreed that Henry J. had one of the best attitudes of the day and leader Henry and I were so appreciative of his ability to always look for the good and fun! We all cheered and dropped our packs when we finally made it to our insane backcountry campsite- Upper Falls. The name comes from the beautiful waterfall that flows less than a mile from camp. Later that night the boys set up their hammocks, and Burke lovingly named their hammock village “Fort La Mug”. I’m not quite sure what that means but I know it makes them happy!
After a well deserved long morning of sleeping in and enjoying some oatmeal, we ventured over to an Alpine lake to swim and test out everyone’s new fly fishing skills. Clare and I faced the cold together and jumped into the lake after the group counted us off. We are both so glad we did it! That night for dinner we made the kids a thanksgiving feast and went around and said what we were thankful for. Mathew took one for the team and drank some of the canned chicken, which we both agree just tastes like chicken noodle soup.
The next morning it was time to say goodbye to our beloved Upper Falls and travel back to the van. The kids hiked SO FAST and we were back to our “bus” in no time. The kids were promised showers, which could be one of the reasons they sped through the 6 miles. Once everyone was clean and happy Henry and I took them to get some burgers and comfort food at a Pinedale favorite- Dave’s Last Stand. Fries have never tasted so good!
Now we’re all on our way back to Jackson to get ready for our climbing clinic tomorrow! The kids don’t know it yet but we are suprising them with a pizza picnic tonight in town which I’m sure will be a crowd pleaser after the backcountry meals.
Signing off for now
Henry and Ella
Here are some shoutouts from the kids!
Nora Rose- love yall! Having a great time!
Bea- I miss y’all and I’m having a great time! Love you!
Madeline- hi mom and dad! I love you guys so much and I miss you!
Clare- hi mom dad and cate! I’m having the best time and excited to see you guys soon!
Mary Ellen- hi mom and dad! I am having so much fun and I miss you guys!
Mathew- hi mom and dad! I’m having a good time! I miss yall!
Wilson- hi mom and dad! I’m having a great time and the group is great!
Law- hello mom and dad and family. I miss you guys so much. We’re having a great time. Don’t worry about me. Love Law.
Libby- camp is so fun. Jackson hole is really cool. I love you guys!
Henry- hi mom and dad! I’m having a great time, I miss you so much.
Burke- sup pops and mom. I’m having a blessed time out here in Wyoming. Miss you lots. Tell Clover I miss her.
Tom- hi family. It’s fun! The hike was pretty cool, I have a lot of good pictures to show you guys.
Safe Arrival!
July 15, 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
