Adventures from Spain!
June 15, 2025
Hola everyone back home, and buenos días from Spain! We miss you all so much, and we’ve been having an amazing time in Costa Brava! Here’s our latest update:
Our feet hit the ground in L’Escala, Spain on day 9 and the group let out a cathartic exhale. At last, we had reached the coast and relaxation was in order. After scarfing down a warm pizza dinner around the campsite picnic tables we hit the hay.
Our first full day in Spain was the ultimate recharge. The group slept in until 10, ate home cooked breakfast burritos with all the fixings for brunch, then beelined it to the beach. We basked in the sunshine, dipped in the sea, and got our energy out with our new favorite toy – a beach volleyball. Ollie demonstrated his soccer finesse, and Caroline taught us how to properly hit a volleyball. Mason spotted a tiki hut and started the domino effect of people hopping, skipping, and jumping to get smoothies and milkshakes – or two – to cool off.
By early afternoon the sun had drained our energy, so we took ourselves to a seaside restaurant to sample some authentic Spanish tapas. Weston clapped when the fried calamari came out, and Kelsy fancied the patatas bravas. Pan con tomate was a hit with MC and Anna, and everyone enjoyed the ham croquettes. With happy bellies and eager minds for the next feat, we leaders announced the game plan for the night. Since our campsite had stoves, we decided tonight was perfect for some friendly competition: a guys versus girls cook-off! Criterium set, food budget given, groceries purchased, it was time to get cooking. We were blown away by the creativity of the students. Angie received the Ratatouille Award for her flavor combinations and impeccable presentation of the girls’ appetizer, and Evans got the Gordon Ramsay Award for his enthusiastic delegation of tasks to his sous chefs. After much deliberation, the results were in. By one mere point, the winner was… the girls. Their meal had continuity throughout and their teamwork was seamless. However, both meals were remarkable. We’ve got some chefs on our hands! Kelsy and Mason led us in a heartfelt Moonup, and then we retired to our quarters well fed and sun soaked.
Day 11 kicked off with lots of excitement for sea kayaking and a classic Spanish breakfast of chorizo and tortilla española – an omelet-like dish made with potatoes and onions. The group has really enjoyed getting to savor the Mediterranean diet during our time here! We headed out for our kayaking destination about an hour south of camp. As soon as we arrived at the beach, everyone was struck by the breathtaking beauty of the Costa Brava coast. Without missing a beat, they geared up in spray skirts and life jackets, ready to hit the water like mallards on a mission.
From the moment we launched, Angie made it known she’s a natural paddler – she kept pace with the guide the whole time and helped lead the group through jaw-dropping coves and narrow canyons just wide enough for our kayaks to slip through. Caroline wowed everyone with her kayaking skills, even flipping her boat to demonstrate how to recover from capsizing like a pro. Not long into the paddle, we came across a series of incredible sea caves tucked into the cliffs. The echo of waves crashing inside the caverns mixed with the chirps of bats above created an unforgettable atmosphere. Huge props to Evans for braving the caves – even though tight spaces aren’t his favorite, he pushed through and joined the group. We’ve been continually impressed by everyone’s willingness to step outside their comfort zones, try new things, and grow through it all. This group is building not only resilience but also some amazing friendships along the way.
We wrapped up the day by paddling back to shore and heading to a local restaurant for a hands-on cooking class. Everyone split into teams and whipped up some seriously tasty Spanish dishes. Mason, Ollie, and Caroline made romaine lettuce appetizers topped with homemade pesto and freshly grated Parmesan. Kelsy and Kinstrey added a local favorite – pan con tomate – which quickly became a group hit. Anna and Weston put together some top-notch guacamole, while Angie and MC topped it off with chopped & seasoned salmon. Meanwhile, Evans and Jay were holding it down in the kitchen with the chef, preparing a mouthwatering Catalonian paella loaded with grilled chicken, pork, and squid. Once again, we were blown away by everyone’s culinary skills – it might be time to have them cook for y’all back home! Today was filled with friendship and group cohesion. We feel everyone really coming together and functioning as a unit. Case in point: we played music when we got back to camp and Jay spearheaded the group dance party. All 11 of them were dancing their hearts out! Full and happy after such a rich day, we wrapped up the night with Moonup and plenty of laughs under the stars.
Day 12 arrived with even more anticipation as we launched into our final day of sea kayaking in Spain. We departed from a beach near camp to explore another stunning stretch of Costa Brava. Cave after cave revealed hidden beauty, and the group was in awe of the jagged limestone cliffs and unique rock formations. We stopped at a secluded cove for lunch and a bit of snorkeling – a perfect hidden gem. Some of the group dove down nearly 10 feet to get a closer look at the fish, seaweed, and underwater world below. After a refreshing break, we paddled beneath a natural bridge arching from the cliffs above. The tunnel opened into the sea on the other side – a surreal moment to paddle through such a natural wonder.
After our final paddle back to the beach, we soaked up the last of the Mediterranean sun with some beach volleyball and quick naps on the sand. On the way back to camp, we celebrated a fantastic final day with some well-earned gelato. That evening, the guys fired up the grill while the girls prepared delicious side dishes – watermelon, guacamole, and Caesar salad. Yet another top-tier meal from this talented crew! We closed out our last night in Spain with some music and Moonup around camp, feeling full, grateful, and proud of how far the group has come.
Today marks day 13 of the trip, and we’re currently en route to Luz where we’ll begin the Pyrenees section of the trip. It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the trip – time really does fly when you’re living life to the absolute fullest. Kinstrey mentioned yesterday how eager she is to get back into the mountains, and this sentiment is certain,t felt in the whole group. Time to swap paddles for trekking boots!
Thanks again for sending your amazing children to spend a life-changing three weeks with us, it’s been an absolute joy getting to know them and experience so many amazing parts of the world with them. We can’t wait to jump into the next half of the trip with them in the Pyrenees, and we’ll be in touch soon!
Until then,
Hasta luego from Owen + Bibs
Chamonix is shaking it up!
June 11, 2025
Salut from France!
Chamonix 1A landed in Paris and hit the ground running. After a quick introduction, we threw our packs on and headed to the metro: the group’s first feat to conquer. The Parisian metro system at rush hour was a zoo of movement and people vying for a spot on the ride, yet our crew stuck together like glue, a propitious sign for the days to come. After two more trains and a bus (and some Swiss ice cream), we arrived in Chamonix! Our lovely mountain hostel provided a delicious three-course meal of soup, salad, Shepherd’s pie, and of course, a plethora of bread. From France to Switzerland and back to France in one day, the students were ready for some well deserved rest. We had an early Moonup this night; Moonup is something we do on Moondance at the end of every day. It’s a time to gather together and reflect on the day we shared and ready our mindset for the days to come – it’s a big part of what makes Moondance so special. We designated the next day’s roles of Leaders of the Day (LODs) to Caroline and Evans. They both demonstrated phenomenal self and peer leadership on our big travel day, offering to help with group gear and lighten the load however they could. The tone of teamwork set from the start! With days one and two of the trip blended into one long fuzz, it was time to rest.
Oh what 11 hours of sleep can do! Day three began with fresh legs and eyes. With a pep in our step, we spent the day exploring the charming town of Chamonix. Nestled in a striking valley of the French Alps, Chamonix sits at the base of the highest peak in Western Europe: Mont Blanc (15,767ft). With panoramic views of the mountains paired with the flowery Victorian era architecture of the town, we couldn’t have been happier to be where our feet were. To make it even better: we ordered big ol’ burgers for lunch, much to Mason’s delight. Half of the group played frisbee with Bibs while the other half played ninja with Owen. Jay even borrowed a busker’s guitar and played some songs for the passersby! After a hearty meal and some run around time, we stocked up on trail snacks and group gear for our upcoming trek, the Northern Circuit of the Tour du Mont Blanc. A big day was ahead of us, so we packed our bags and hit the hay. We were ready to get into the mountains!
Day four brought unparalleled views and all four seasons. Sun, rain, snow, and wind, the first day on the TMB demanded perseverance and this group answered. The hike began in Arnuva, Italy, where we walked up, up, and up to the Grand Col Ferret, the border between Italy and Switzerland and the highest point along the TMB. High fives and woohoos all around, the uphill section was complete! The valleys we stood over were stunning! It was almost lunch time! Coming down from the saddle was sloshy and silly; wet snow on a steep slope = ideal conditions for sledding á la bum. Kinstrey and Kelsy kept group spirits high by being goofballs on this downhill bit. They were confident but not too comfortable with the terrain, a vital mindset to have in the outdoors. We ate our baguette sandwiches with joy, then continued on our downhill journey. Weston had an impactful conversation with Bibs and Jay about the education travel provides, and his eagerness to really get out there. By late afternoon we had reached our first accommodation along the TMB, and to our surprise we had the entire place to ourselves! As it’s still early in the season, the trail isn’t as crowded as it gets in July/August. Lucky us! We were spoiled with warm showers and another three-course meal, and for the first time on the trip the weather allowed for an outdoor Moonup! We leaders were so proud of the group – day one was no joke.
Day 5 started with a bit more rain, but the group took it with grit and perseverance as we made our way through the valley to Champex. The group was glad to hear that the hike didn’t have much elevation, and we made it to our auberge in time to play games and enjoy each other’s company for a few hours before dinner. Weston showed everyone up with his ping pong skills, staying undefeated despite some close matches with Ollie and Evans. Angie found all the hidden spots around the hostel and convinced MC and Anna to join her in the sauna for a post-hike refresh. Ollie also had a chance to show off their guitar skills to the group, and we ended the night with Moonup under the mountain and a heated game of ERS – the group’s new favorite card game.
As we kicked off Day 6, the group kept our momentum going strong. We jumped right into the morning with a polar plunge in the lake – Jay led the charge and inspired all the guys to join in. Evans made sure the whole town knew what was happening with a big holler as he hit the icy water, and Caroline braved the cold right alongside us. With spirits high, we set off on our hike to Le Trient. Along the way, we crossed snowy patches and a small river before tackling a tough uphill section. The group crushed it, and at the top, we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the valley-everyone paused to soak it in and share their awe. Anna volunteered to help clean up after lunch, and Mason kept the group encouraged and energized as we continued down the trail. At a scenic boulder, we stopped for photos, and Angie stepped up to help spot all the girls as they climbed up for the perfect shot. Back on the trail, Ollie sparked some laughter with a trekking-pole game of his own invention, and Kelsy bounced right back up after a small stumble without missing a beat. Jay summed it up best: “Man, we’re spoiled!”
Day 7 brought our biggest climb yet as we hiked from Le Trient to Le Tour. We crossed from Switzerland into France and were met with stunning, clear views of Mont Blanc-the best of the trip so far. We enjoyed a mountain lunch of baguettes and prosciutto before the photo ops really took off: Kelsy, Caroline, and Kinstrey amazed us with their handstand skills, and Kinstrey even pulled off a one-handed handstand in front of Mont Blanc! The afternoon led us into a long downhill section with panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguille du Midi. It was a challenging day, but every student rose to the occasion, and we were so impressed by how they pushed themselves and supported one another. Once we arrived at our traditional auberge for the night, MC, Angie, and Anna jumped into a chilly mountain river with us to cool off, while Evans and Ollie kept the energy high with a game of hacky sack. Mason declared it his favorite hike so far, and we wrapped up the day with some good music recs from Weston and Moonup by the river.
On Day 8, we walked the final stretch of the Tour du Mont Blanc with a hike from Le Tour to Chamonix. Although it was a shorter hike, it carried a deep sense of accomplishment as we completed this iconic trek. We’re incredibly proud of how well the entire group handled the challenges of our first trekking section, and we know each student learned something meaningful about themselves along the way. We celebrated in Chamonix with well-earned burgers and gelato, taking a moment to reflect on our time in the Alps.
Thank you again for sending your amazing children on this journey-we’ve loved getting to know them and sharing such unforgettable memories. The whole group is looking forward to soaking up the sun and enjoying some beach time in Costa Brava. We’ll check in again soon!
Until then,
Au revoir from Owen & Bibs!
Shout outs:
Ollie: What’s up Mama and Papa. We have finally finished the TMB and we are headed to Spain to get jiggy🕺. Also Happy Fathers Day! Big up’s to you dad. Chamonix was pretty lit.. I also have been stuffy and snoring a bit and the headband isn’t working but we found that taping my mouth closed tends to work. Also apparently I sleepwalk. After Spain we head to the Pyrenees for 7 days backpacking. I hope Noah had fun on his trip and I hope the house is a little more peaceful while I’m away. Tell Stella I miss her and tell Hayden he’ll never be better than me at tennis. I love and miss you guys so much adios. 🥀🔥
MC: Hey y’all! Hope everything’s swell in the A. Happy Father’s Day dad! I am having the best time. My group and leaders are great. We just finished TMB and are otw to Spain. This is such an amazing and unique experience. Thank y’all for giving me this opportunity. Miss and love y’all! ✌️
Anna: Hey mom, dad, and Parker. I hope everything is going well back at home. I have been thinking about y’all a lot. Thank you so much for this unforgettable experience. We just finished trekking the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Now, we are on the way to Spain for kayaking and more trekking! Chamonix is one of the coolest places I have ever been to. Our group and leaders get along very well and we are all so close. Dad, Happy Father’s Day! I hope Parker and mom make it special for you. Elli and Mallory, me and MC miss you guys very much. Don’t have too much fun without us. We love you guys! Last but not least… Carter! I hope baseball and football are going well and I cannot wait to hear all about it when I get home. I miss and love all of you guys very much. See y’all soon! 🕺🌚
Jay: Greetings Carl, mom, and Lou. We just finished the TMB and currently heading to Spain to get our beach on🤙🏻. The TMB was super fun and the views were incredible. We got a big snorer on the trip but Owen gave us earplugs so the problem was solved right away. Also, happy Father’s Day to Carl, hope he gets lit in Italy for me. Miss y’all a ton, but I’m having a blast with my group. They are super fun. After Spain we are doing the Pyrenees for 7 days. I think that will be a bit harder than the TMB but super cool. Can’t wait to tell y’all all about the trip when I get back. Love u guys!🧌🐒. Also make sure the farm is giving Chili off days and not just when he starts limping, he needs to have off days for his hip. See y’all soon!
Kelsy: Hi Mom, Dad, Family, and Cade!! I miss y’all SO much, but I am having the most amazing time. Happy Father’s Day Buddy! Can’t wait to celebrate with you when I’m back💕. Yesterday, we finished trekking the Tour Du Mont Blanc!! We hiked for 5 days and went through Italy, Switzerland, and France. It was challenging, but also so beautiful and I absolutely loved it. Right now we are on a train to Costa Brava, Spain, where we are going to kayak and hang out at the beach! I am so excited for the 7 day trek through the Pyrenees after too. I cannot thank y’all enough for the opportunity to go on this incredible trip, have such incredible experiences, and meet such incredible people. Cuddle with Ruby Pearl and Doc for me, and I hope lax is going good Cade! I LOVE YALL SO MUCH
Angie: Hola Mami y Papi!! I miss you guys so much! I’m having so much fun here and I have met so many great people. Happy Father’s Day daddy I love you soooo much. We just finished hiking the Tour Du Mont Blanc for 5 days which was so cool. It was a little hard but so worth it the views were insane. We walked from Italy, Switzerland, to France. We’re on our way to Spain!! I’m so excited, we’re going to kayak and go to the beach and also a cooking class. After that we’re going to the Pyrenees which is so exciting. I’m so grateful to be doing this and cannot wait to tell you everything soon. Well, I’m having an amazing time and I miss you guys. I’m having the best time ever LOVE YOUUUUUU
Mason: Hey Mom and Dad, I miss you guys a lot. The TMB was great I hurt my ankle a little but I’m still trying my hardest. Can’t wait for the Pyrenees but right now I’m about to be in Costa Brava so can’t wait for it as well. When I get back I’ll tell you everything but until then love you and happy Father’s Day.
Caroline: Hi Dad, Minott, and Martha!! I miss y’all but I’m having a great time so far! We just finished hiking the TMB for 5 days and are currently on a train to Costa Brava for the next section of our trip and will be hiking in the Pyrenees after that⛰️. The TMB was definitely a challenge but had some of the best views I’ve ever seen! I’m so thankful for this experience and can’t wait to tell you all about it soon! Happy Happy Father’s Day Dad! I love y’all!
Weston: What’s up guys! Miss y’all. Been having a blast here. Happy Father’s Day Dad (Mom, make sure he sees that)! We spent the first day in Chamonix, and then hiked the northern half of the TMB. Right now we’re on the train to Costa Brava in Spain to go sea kayaking and hang out at the beach. We have a really great group and amazing leaders and we’re already super close. Excited for more hiking in the Pyrenees later, and can’t wait to see y’all in a couple weeks. Tell Bess I miss her. 🐕🦺🗽🤙🏻Also, I had to buy new hiking boots if you didn’t already see that.
Evans: Hey Mama, dad, and the rest of the Fam! Please tell dad happy Father’s Day and that I love him!!. I miss y’all so much. How is everyone? We are having a heck of a time! My group is so amazing and it has been so much fun getting to know everyone. We just finished a very tough, but extremely rewarding trek of the Tour Du Mont Blanc. I’m sitting next to my buddy Ollie as we just left the station for our 6 1/2 hour train ride. I am so thankful to be able to experience a once in a lifetime trip with these awesome people. I cannot thank y’all enough! I’m gonna get back to playing cards with my group, but I miss and love y’all so much!!! Can’t wait to tell you all about this trip, y’all have fun! 🤙🏻✌️✌️💕😸🐄🦆
Kinstrey: hello family! Miss y’all so so much. Happy late birthday mom! I hope you had the best birthday. I’m sorry I missed it. If you haven’t already your birthday card is on my desk but I’m pretty sure you already have it. And also happy early father day dad! Again sorry I am missing it but I’m sure Kate and mom will make sure you have a wonderful wonderful day. We can celebrate once I get back. We just finished the north side of the TMB yesterday. I’ve already been to 3 countries, for the TMB, we started in Italy, trekked to Switzerland, and then to France. So I crossed 2 different countries borders in 5 days just by walking! This is so cool. We dropped most of our stuff off at a hostel and then only brought 5 days worth of things and was trekking for about 8 hours each day. We hit 1000m of elevation within one day! It was so pretty. I’ve been taking so many pictures, you guys will love them. As of right now we are having our travel day on the way to Costa Brava for some hype beach days and sea kayaking! Oh and btw I have bought another hoodie 😀. And I am getting some hype souvenirs for you guys. If Kate is also reading this hello. I got Starbucks today. Anyways love you guys. See you soon. Hope y’all are having a blast!!!🙂❤️
Safe Arrival!
June 4, 2025
Hello Chamonix Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that the group has landed safely in Paris! The trip is off to a great start, and we cannot wait to hear more stories from their adventure as they prepare to begin trekking in the Chamonix!
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
