Bonjour and Au Revoir from Paris!
July 19, 2025
Our final day together in Paris was packed with good fun and good food. A solid night’s rest had us geared up for a big day of walking; we joked that this day was what all the hiking was training us for. After breakfast at our hostel, we hit the streets and got an extra boost of energy from a local coffee shop. From there, we walked to the Notre Dame Cathedral, popped into an old, funky bookstore where Lucy found 6 books she’d like to read and wrote them all down, and then we went to a thrift store! Isabella found a tie-dye shirt of her favorite band, the Dave Matthews Band, and Annie found a fun bandana she plans to use as a little scarf. The rest of the morning and early afternoon consisted of meandering through the streets and popping into any store that piqued our interest.
At the Carhartt store, Grace and Katelyn helped convince Bibs to “Just get the jeans! They’re 50% off! And they’re a perfect fit!” while Ella picked out a pair of shorts for Owen that he, too, became convinced to get. Winston and Jaron bought new outfits, too. A great success in the clothes department. Thanks, Paris.
By mid-afternoon, we were all ready to sit down and have some food, so we took the metro up to Sacre Coeur and ate a hodgepodge of sandwiches, crepes, and quiche in a park by the basilica. We walked through a square full of artists painting and drawing on their canvases, and Ann Marie was astounded by their talents. It felt like we blinked and it was time for dinner, so we popped into a grocery store to load up for our picnic under the Eiffel Tower. Meats, cheeses, spreads, dips, fruits, salty things, sweet things, we had a big spread to nibble on while circling up on the lawn in front of the tower. Our final dinner together was bittersweet as we all were nostalgic for the magical 3 weeks we’ve spent together. Moonup tonight lasted 2 hours – we had to reminisce on the most amazing few weeks with our favorite people one last time.
Just as we were wrapping up, the Eiffel Tower’s lights started to twinkle, and it felt like they were just for us. Many grateful tears later, we headed back to the hostel for a short sleep before our early wake-up call.
Now, your wonderful kids are on their way back to you. The two of us can’t express enough how grateful we are to have shared time, energy, and space with these students. They are remarkable people and have impacted us immensely. We are all confident we’ll keep in touch and look forward to the day we can see each other again. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for sending your kids on the Chamonix trip this summer.
With love in our hearts,
Bibs & Owen
Peaks, Passes, and Positivity
July 16, 2025
We awoke in our nook in Luz, France to the smell of fresh croissants and homemade jams. Breakfast was an authentic French spread with an Australian flare, all thanks to the hotel host bringing a taste of down under over the pond with him. We ate up, loaded up the vans, and headed up the valley. Our first day in the Pyrenees was a harbinger for what’s to come: hefty ascents and descents. And this group dominated today! They gained nearly double the elevation they did on their first day on the TMB and completed it in the same amount of time. The top of the pass marked the border of France and Spain, and after a quick “viva España!” chant, we enjoyed lunch by an indigo blue tarn. Ann Marie kept saying how see couldn’t believe what we were looking at was real, and Ella followed up with words of gratitude for being back in the mountains all together. Jaron impressed us with his rock skipping skills, and Winston competed with Katelyn on who could throw a rock the farthest into the lake. It’s so fun to see what people do when technology is taken away – it’s good old fashioned play time; we love it. These students are so easy to please, too, they’re just happy to be here! They are truly the best. Once lunchtime was over we hiked 1000m down to our refuge for the evening. To our delight there was a river to swim in! Annie, Isabella, Ann Marie, Katelyn, and Lucy joined Bibs for a long polar plunge while Ella and Winston entertained us by jumping off a small ledge into the river. Next thing we knew it was time for dinner and Moonup, then we rested our heads early for our big day on the horizon. It feels so good to be back in the mountains.
On day 2 of the Pyrenees we woke up to the sound of the Ría Ara flowing next to our refuge, ready and pumped to get going on the trail again. We took a bus ride into Ordesa Canyon — Europe’s equivalent to the Grand Canyon — and we hit the trail running. Everyone was stunned by the views, and there was one mountain that Jaron compared to El Capitan in Yosemite. Truly one of the most beautiful places you can visit! We began with our initial 600 meter ascent up the canyon, and the group did so great with the climb. We joked that they’re all turning into billy goats. After our first 2-3 hour climb, we stopped for lunch and took in the beauty of the whole canyon from a scenic outlook. From there, we could see the largest waterfall in Spain! We took to the trail again fueled up, and the skies opened above us. As rain came down and down, the group’s spirits just lifted as they laughed, danced in the rain, and Katelyn and Ella sang “Have You Ever Seen the Rain.” There’s nothing that can get this group down, and we continued the climb to our refuge for the night — Goriz, the only place to stay in the whole national park. The group made it soaked and with big smiles of accomplishment on their faces! It really was not a day for the faint of heart, and everyone on the trip shocked us with their pace and perseverance – you’ve got some hearty kids! Once we made it the the refuge, we showered and played some rounds of Uno before having a great dinner and Moonup overlooking the canyon. What a day for the books!
Day 3 kept us sharp! Yesterday we got an introduction to what the mountain storms can be like here, and today we got a reminder that we are always at the will of nature. Luckily, all we had to do was go down and out of the valley. The morning started off chillier and breezier than usual, a sure sign of changing weather patterns (read: rain). About 15 minutes into our descent the drizzle began, and not long after that the rain turned into small pellets of hail. The group impressed us — not surprised us — yet again with their cheery attitudes and ability to adapt. Katelyn had a smile plastered on her face the entire way down, no surprise there! We put some of our storm safety lessons to use once we reached the valley floor, and by the time lunch rolled around the rain had stopped. We were all a little wet and cold, and in moments like this there’s nothing much better than comedic relief (thank you Ella). A quick bite later we were back on our feet making the final push out of the woodlands. The group got a burst of energy as the air warmed, and they zoomed the rest of the way out. The sun had poked through (finally!) so we basked in the grass by the trailhead and ate some snacks. Ann Marie and Annie tried to learn how to do the worm while Lucy and Isabella took a cat nap. An hour or so later we hopped on a bus to the adorable mountain town of Torla, where we would be staying for the night. The group walked around, ate gelato, dried their clothes, and enjoyed the heat. After a dinner feast we all fell fast asleep feeling proud of ourselves for the elements we faced today and strong for pushing through them.
Day 4 of the Pyrenees marked our final day in Spain, and the group woke up ready to make the most of it. After breakfast, we taxied to the trailhead back in Bujaruelo, where we began our 1000 meter ascent. Ella ran out ahead of the group, leading the pack for a good portion of the day and the entire group showed off their mountain climbing skills by making it to the top in a whopping 2.5 hours! We paused for lunch by a beautiful lake tucked away near the pass before the group had an optional summit for the day. Everyone chose to climb the additional 200 meters, and up we went without packs to take in the views of the Valle de Gavarnie. We then began our long descent into the valley, and the group made great time as they took in the views and laughed the whole way down. Once we made it into town, we surprised the group with gelato since they did so great on the hardest day of trekking yet! We wrapped up the day with dinner and Moonup, resting for the next day’s adventures.
We awoke on the morning of day 5 itching to get on the trail, for today was one of the most anticipated days of the whole trip. We would be seeing the Cirque de Gavarnie and the Cascade de Gavarnie — a famous landmark and the highest waterfall in Europe — then trekking up to the highly sought after Les Espuguettes refuge. Our morning was an easy and gradual walk out of Gavarnie to the base of the waterfall. All suited up and ready to face the gusts of wind and water, the group trudged up the rocky base to a viewpoint unlike any other we had seen on the trip so far. Ella screamed it was the best day of her life, and Ann Marie seconded that shouting it was the coolest thing she’s ever seen. After a photoshoot and funny videos shot on the GoPro, we headed down to a boulder field to eat our lunch. The next 3 hours were the challenge of the day: hiking up to the refuge. Espuguettes is famous for a reason (you’ll be seeing photos soon I’m sure) and the group was excited to see what the hype was all about. An easy climb through the forest graduated into steep switchbacks for the final push. Lucy and Jaron joined Bibs in huffing it up to the top with Winston, Katelyn, Ann Marie, and Grace closely following. Within 40 minutes everyone had made it, and the pride was tangible: we were there! After some creek rinse offs and Italian sodas it was time for dinner. With cowbells chiming in the distance and the clouds putting on a show for us, we had Moonup overlooking the valley below. The Pyrenees keep on getting sweeter!
We woke up on day 6 with the bittersweet realization that it was our last full day of hiking in the Pyrenees, but the group was ready to make the most of it. We headed up 400 meters to the pass that stood in front of our refuge and took in our last view of the valley of Gavarnie while peering into the next valley – yet another beautiful array of mountains stood before us! We headed down the valley, and we were soon engulfed in fog. We made our way with Katelyn and Jaron navigating us the whole way using only the map and landmarks, and we made it to our refuge in great time. We were met with a surprise when we found out that we’d get to stay in yurts for the night, and we closed out a great day of hiking with a delicious dinner and a Moonup set to the backdrop of cowbells and sheep ‘baa’s.
Our last day in the mountains allowed for rest, relaxation, and reflection. We did a half day base camp hike to give the lungs and legs the break they deserved. We walked up the valley to the national park, listened to some Pyrenean legends told by our guide Mathieu, then circled back to a waterfall and swimming spot where we lay our roots for a good 2 hours. After lunch, more swims, and naps in the warm sun, the afternoon had come and it was time to head back to the auberge. A scenic drive down the valley led us back to the town of Luz where we celebrated the best way we know how: burgers and fries! Isabella and Lucy led us in a sweet Moonup by the old cathedral, and then we all drifted to our quarters for the night. We did a whole week in the Pyrenees! We couldn’t be more proud of the strength, gratitude, positivity, and resilience this group has shown the entire trip and especially in this mountain range. Nature threw a lot at them and they responded with remarkable grace and grit. There really was nothing that could bring them down. They proved to themselves that they can do hard things and that the long way ’round always tastes sweeter. Every day they amaze us! Tomorrow we train to Paris to soak in our final moments together, and we’ll have a small update of what our time in the city has looked like in a couple days time.
Until then, here are some words of gratitude from your most special:
Jaron: Thank you mom and dad for allowing me to have this experience. I have had such a good time and made amazing friends on this once in a lifetime opportunity. Excited to see y’all.
Isabella: HII Mom and Dad! Thank y’all so much for letting me do this trip, it has been awesome!! Miss y’all and excited to tell y’all all about it ❤️ you
Winston Crisci: Happy late 50th Birthday Dad!! I’m sorry I wasn’t able to say anything earlier. I miss all of you guys so much. Thank you for this opportunity! I can’t wait to see you guys, Mom Dad Bennett Indy and Baylie. See you soon!
Ella: OMG HI MOSELEYSS! This has been the hardest but coolest thing I have ever done and I can’t wait to tell you guys all about it! Seriously thank you so so so much for this incredible opportunity to travel and meet these amazing kids and my leaders! I will see you guys so soon but until then just know I’m in GREAT hands! ❤️❤️❤️
Annie: Hiii mom and dad! I am having the best time ever and love my group sooo much! I’m so grateful to be able to experience this trip and can’t wait to tell y’all all about it! Miss y’all and can’t wait to see you soon!❤️❤️
Katelyn: Hiiiiii mom and dad!!! I’m having the absolute best time ever and can’t wait to tell y’all about it. I just wanted to say thank you so much for this amazing experience🤩 This trip has gone by so quickly because we have all been having a blast and I have made best friends for life!!! I love y’all and see you soon 💕💕
Grace: Hi mom, dad and Ava Jane! This is truly the best trip ever! I can’t believe it has almost been three weeks since I left Richmond. The time has gone by too fast but I’m looking forward to seeing everyone when I get home. I’m so grateful that I have gotten the opportunity to travel to cool places with the coolest people and I owe it all to y’all. Hope all is well in RVA and see you guys so soon! ❤️😘
Ann Marie: Hi mom and dad I miss you guys so much!!!! I am so so excited to see you in a few days and cannot wait to show you all of the pictures and tell you all of the stories. I am so beyond grateful for this amazing experience and for you guys for giving me the opportunity. I have made some of the best friends and met some of the coolest people. Love you guys to the moon and back:)♥️♥️
Lucy: Hi mom and dad and Riley and Charlie!! I miss you guys so much and happy late birthday to dad I know I missed it I hope you guys had lots of fun and mom made you chocolate cake or something sweet to celebrate. I am so excited to tell you all about everything when I get back home in two days!!!! Love you guys the most see you soon 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
First Day In Spain!
July 9, 2025
Hola everyone back home from Catalonia!
We are having a great time after getting some time on the water and enjoying the beautiful beaches of Costa Brava! So much has happened since the last time we checked in, and you can follow our past few days here:
We wrapped up the Tour de Mont Blanc on Saturday, and our train was delayed on our way down to Spain. We ended up spending one night in Paris because of the delay, and the group was quick to make the most of it! We all got dressed up, had a nice Mexican meal, and explored the Bastille neighborhood of Paris before getting some gelato and wrapping up our travel day with a Moonup under the Parisian sky!
The next morning, we woke up bright and early to catch our train to Spain and danced in the rain when we got to our campsite! We even played endless rounds of foursquare as the rain came down, and we laughed until our stomachs hurt. This group is so good at making the most of every moment come rain or shine.
On day 11 of the trip, we woke up excited to jump into our first full day in Spain. After breakfast, we took off to the beach to sea kayak and take in the beauty of Costa Brava. Once at the beach, our guides gave us a kayak demo and then we were off! Ella was quick to show off her ability to right a capsized kayak, and Katelyn was a pro kayaker staying in the front of the pack the whole way. We explored cave after cave along the stunning coastline, stopping to hear the sound of water in the back of the caves or bats flying above – truly amazing! We paddled off to a pebble beach next, where we laid out in the sun, snorkeled, and had our lunch. Jaron and Bibs played bat with a stick and pinecone, while Isabella took her chance to get a quick beach nap in between paddling. We then headed back for the launch point, and we surfed some of the swell on our last stretch to the beach. Everyone had a great time kayaking, and as soon we got back to the beach, everyone took to the water for a relaxing dip. The group played Marco Polo for a while, and then it was time to shower and head to our cooking class. Jaron helped grill baby lettuce, while Isabella, Annie, and Grace made homemade pistachio pesto to top the grilled lettuce along with some Parmesan that Ella grated – it was delicious! Katelyn and Lucy helped make some guacamole that we topped with fresh salmon prepped by Ann Marie, which was also a fan favorite. Meanwhile, Winston and others helped grill the meats and squid for the paella. It was served in classic Catalonian style, and the group scarfed up their creation! Proud of their cooking skills, we headed to the beach for milkshakes. We then headed back to close out the day with Moonup – a great close to a full first day in Spain!
Our second day in Spain provided some much appreciated rest. It was a beach day! With no activity planned other than a day to relax and enjoy the sun, we got to sleep in, make pancakes, do laundry, and of course, spend time at the beach. On our walk there Ella, Lucy, Ann Marie, Katelyn, Grace, and Isabella bought floaties to take into the water and ran in with them almost immediately. Jaron and Winston threw some football with the boys in the Chamonix 3B group, and Annie joined the two of us in taking a cat nap in the sun. A couple of swims and a handful of snacks later it was already late afternoon and time to head back. We had something up our sleeve for tonight and waited until we were leaving the beach to tell the students… We were having a cook-off! Not only was this cook-off between our group, it was also between the 3B group. One mega (friendly) competition: 4 teams, 4 judges, 3 courses, 1 hour. Wow. The food was incredible. These students are creative! The teamwork was phenomenal, execution was seamless, colors were vibrant and varied, and flavors were dance-worthy. It was our favorite food of the whole trip! Everyone got to try everyone’s, and after a fun-loving paper plate awards ceremony we split back off into our two respective groups — 3A and 3B — to have Moonup. Spain has been so good to us, it’s hard to leave! However, the anticipation for the Pyrenees is at an all-time max and the crew is eager to get back in the mountains and show them what they’ve got. That’s all for now, the next time you’ll hear from us will be en route to Paris!
Until then,
Adios from Bibs & Owen
Off to a GREAT start!
July 5, 2025
Bonjour from Chamonix!
We’re off to an incredible start and couldn’t be prouder of how well the group is doing on the trek so far. The students have already begun forming fast friendships, and it’s been a joy to witness those bonds take shape as we explore together. Here’s a look at our first few days:
Despite the long flight, the students arrived in Paris ready to dive into an amazing three weeks! After a long flight, the group arrived in Paris full of energy and eager to dive into the adventure ahead. They handled our first big metro and travel day like pros. Winston quickly stepped up to help us haul the all-important snack bag through stations and trains, and Ann Marie, Katelyn, and Jaron wasted no time in embracing French culture, making a beeline for the macaron shop at the first train station. While waiting for our train to Geneva, we passed the time with card games, and Ella stood out as a fantastic narrator during our first round of Mafia, which quickly became a group favorite. On the train ride, everyone squeezed into one booth, laughing, playing games, and soaking in the excitement of the journey. From Geneva, a stunning bus ride took us through alpine valleys and past cascading waterfalls, offering our first glimpses of the stunning Chamonix Valley. Once we arrived, we settled in with showers and dinner, then closed out the day with our first Moonup under the stars – a perfect way to end a full and memorable first day.
The sun shone bright for us on our first full day together. After a light breakfast at our hostel, we walked to Chamonix for a day of exploring the picturesque mountain town. Situated in a tight valley with jagged peaks abound, the group was amazed at the beauty of their surroundings. Our morning was spent cheering on ultra-marathoners as they finished their 90km race, with Katelyn spearheading the encouraging “allez allez allez!” chants and Ella dishing out high fives to the runners. We loaded up on groceries and supplies for our upcoming trek, and soon it was time for lunch. Winston mentioned his interest in a burger and it was a unanimous decision: we were getting burgers. It’s only right that a delectable savory meal is followed by a delectable dessert, and we enjoyed local gelato while again cheering on the racers. With time to spare and sunshine to embrace, we went to a waterfall! A short 20-minute hike took us to the roaring Cascade de Bérard. Up by the calmer streams, Owen and Jaron took a dip and everyone else followed along. The water was refreshingly chilly – the kind that makes you feel like you’ve never been cleaner. Once we were back in town, we packed our bags and finished the final preparations for the Southern Circuit of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Moonup, a Moondance nightly ritual where we reflect on the day and life in general, took place in an idyllic open field of soft grasses with a clear view of Mont Blanc. Tomorrow we head up into the mountains and we couldn’t be more excited. This group’s positive mindset and attitude of gratitude had us set up for an incredible 5-day journey through the Alps of France and Italy. Up we go!
On day one of the TMB, the group woke up ready to put all our preparation into action on the trail! We ate breakfast, put our packs on, and headed out. We took a scenic tram with beautiful views of the mountains and then hopped on a gondola which took us to our trailhead. The whole group took off down the trail like pros, noting how insane the views were and how grateful they were to be there. Jaron and Lucy were quick to put their hiking experience into practice and stayed on the guide’s heels. Not too long into the hike, we crossed a suspension bridge overlooking a massive waterfall. We climbed our way to the top of Col Tricot at 2120 meters before descending to our refuge in Miage. The group did great on our first trek of the trip, and we closed out the night with river hangs, a game of ninja, cards, and a great Moonup led by our third-year LODs, Isabella and Katelyn!
Day two of the TMB began with an early start to beat the heat. The start of the trek was a short and sweet incline that popped us out at a miraculous viewpoint of the valleys on either side of us. Long, flat ridge lines to our right and steep, spiky ridge lines to our left. And an honorable mention to the wildflowers in full bloom! Lupines, forget-me-nots, dandelions, and a plethora of others provided rainbows of color for us the whole way. Lucy and Annie voiced their amazement at how beautiful this place is, and we sure agree. A gradual descent to a village was full of trail games thanks to Ella, and soon we were at our lunch spot. Shade provided a welcomed temperature change as we chomped down our sandwiches and fruits. Isabella even mentioned it was the best sandwich she’s ever had (score!). After an hour of refueling and recharging, it was time to climb. The final stretch of the day was a 500-m ascent to Refuge de la Balme. It amazed us how much stronger this group has gotten in just one day! They made it up 500m in the same amount of time it took them to make it up 350m yesterday, and today was steeper. Warm showers, card games, a brief dance in a hail storm, and a new group favorite spread–Crunchy Ovomaltine–entertained us until it was time for dinner. Ann Marie and Winston led us in a wonderful Moonup, then we happily drifted to our beds for a well-deserved rest.
Day three on the trail began with some Bob Marley and a beautiful sunrise over the mountains, and we hopped on the trail ready for another day in the TMB shortly after breakfast. The group all noted how they were a little sore but surprised by how much more capable they felt as we began our first ascent up to the Col de Bonhomme. Everyone has truly found their pace, and we were already moving much faster this day than 3 days prior – it’s amazing what a few days on the trail can do! After a snack break up at the saddle, we climbed a little further to the highest point we’ll reach on the entire TMB: Le Col de le Croix de Bonhomme. We sat, ate lunch, and took in the views. We then descended down the valley to an old cheese factory refuge, which we had entirely to ourselves. During the last climb, Isabella, Ella, Grace, and Bibs did a conga line to the refuge, which had everyone laughing. Ann Marie and Katelyn took a polar plunge once we got settled, and Katelyn even stayed in for 3 minutes to help her muscles decompress. Winston dunked in the water with our LODs, Ella and Jaron, who closed out the night with a great Moonup after we cooked up our raclette dinner complete with potatoes and cured meats.
We awoke on the morning of TMB day four to pink skies and the smell of dew on the grass. Our cozy mountain hideaway couldn’t have been more perfect. Isabella said she would stay there for a week if she could! After a feast for breakfast, we took a scenic drive down the valley to the trailhead. Our biggest climb of the TMB was in front of us, yet the intimidation of the steep grade was diffused by the panoramic views of the valley. It would be our last taste of the French side–we were headed to Italy! After a tough 3.5 hours, we reached the top! Lucy and Bibs ran back down to meet the others still hiking, then Lucy turned around and ran right back up (her ultra marathon training had paid off). Ann Marie and Katelyn let out a shout when they crossed the border, and Ella and Grace started jumping from one side to the other, “France! Italy! France! Italy!” One thing’s for sure: lunch never tasted so good. A chilly breeze got us back on our feet, but not before a photoshoot on the border. Owen snapped a phenomenal picture of Jaron and Winston–you’ll see it later this summer when the photos come out. A long and gradual descent called for trail games and meaningful conversations, and by late afternoon we were on a bus headed to Courmayeur. For dinner, we went to a local Italian restaurant where we ate it all: spaghetti bolognese, four types of pizza, plenty of bread and olive oil, tiramisu, and yes, a salad. The full Italian treatment! Annie and Grace led Moonup under a sleepy sky casting alpine light on the mountains around us. We are so proud of the group’s grit today; it wasn’t easy, but they pushed through together and did it all with a smile on their faces. They are incredible!
The last day of the trek just so happened to fall on the Fourth of July, so we all woke up with an excited start to celebrate and finish the TMB strong. We only had a short walk into town to finish up this section of the trip, and the group hit up the local gelato stop as soon as we got into Courmayeur – as Italian custom demands! Everyone got their favorite flavors, and Annie raved about how good it was – a perfect way to round out our trek through the Alps. We then boarded our bus and took the long tunnel under Mont Blanc back to Chamonix, where we got burgers and had a picnic to celebrate the Fourth. Everyone was grateful to have a taste of home before we explored the town a bit more and headed back to the hostel to shower, pack, and have dinner. We closed the day out with Moonup under Mont Blanc and savored the last sunset in the Alps – it was a perfect close to such a great start to the trip.
We are so proud of everyone for completing the TMB with great attitudes and resilience, and we’ve loved getting to see how close the group has gotten in just over a week. We truly hit the trail running, and we can’t wait to see how much more the group bonds as we head to Spain today. Everyone wanted to say hello, and you’ll find their shoutouts below! The group is excited to get some well-deserved rest and time on the beach, and we’ll be sure to check in soon!
Until then,
Ciao from Owen + Bibs!
Shoutouts:
Isabella: HIIII family!! Having an amazing time here, so excited to tell y’all all about it! We just finished the TMB and now we are headed to the beach! Jack and Cad have an amazing time on y’all’s trip! Miss y’all and ❤️ y’all! My group is awesome, thank y’all so much for this opportunity. Garg and Iz, y’all were right!#orangina4life 🍊☀️
Annie: Hiiii mom and dad and Reid! Miss y’all so much and I’m having the best time! Hope y’all are having a good summer and thank you for letting me go on this trip! #orangina4life 😀🥰🍊🐈
Grace: Hi Mom, Dad and Ava Jane! I miss y’all so much and I hope everything is going well in RVA. I’m having the best time here and seeing the coolest things that I can’t wait to tell you all about. My group and leaders are so amazing and I’m so thankful that I got to go on this trip. I’m gonna be sad to come home in two weeks 😢 but I’ll be excited to see y’all. We just finished the TMB and on the train going to costa Brava right now. Y’all are gonna be so jealous when you see all my pictures. I’m super excited to go to Spain and I hope Ava Jane’s trip goes smoothly. Love and miss y’all so much!!!! #orangina4life ❤️🔥😛🍊
Ella: HOLA Moseley fam! I love and miss you guys so much and this is the best trip I have ever been on thank you so so so much for the opportunity to be here! I love my group and my leaders so much! We just finished hiking TMB and are on the train to go to the beach! Can’t wait to tell you all about it! Btw Mama please text Ella L about coming to get me in the airport with you! – Love rooster! #orangina4life ❤️🔥😛🍊
Katelyn: Hi mom and dad!!!! I am having the absolute best time ever! I hope Megan and Abby had so much fun on their Moondance and I can’t wait to hear all about it🤩 I miss y’all so much! Yesterday we ran into the CHA 4A group and I got to see Bridget. I have the BEST group ever and our leaders are awesome!!!! Can’t wait to see y’all and tell you all about it! Love you all! #orangina4life 😆🍊💕
Ann Marie: Hi mom and dad!!! I miss and love y’all so much but I’m having such a great time and all of the people are absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for this opportunity and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. I hope you are having a nice and relaxing time back in RVA! Tell the dogs I said hello and I miss them:)) And Dana if you write her a letter! Love you so much #orangina4life 🍊🇮🇹☀️🇫🇷💕
Lucy: Hi mom dad Riley and Charlie I miss you guys!!! I’m having a fun time hiking and meeting lots of new friends 🔥🔥 can’t wait to tell you all about it. I hope Sarah Knox and Steph are having fun at their rowing stuff and I miss them and love them 🔥 I hope you all are having fun summers😇😇😇 #orangina4life 😛
Jaron: Hey mom, dad, and Tyler hope y’all are having a good time. Thank you so much for sending me on this trip and I’m excited to tell y’all about it. We are on the way to La Escala which is near Girona. Have fun in Mexico and I hope Tyler is having fun at camp. See y’all in a bit. #orangina4life
Winston: Hi Mom Dad Bennett and probably Baylie! I’m having a great time and miss all of y’all. I hope Pitbull was amazing and that Creeshcendo is super fun. Happy early 50th Birthday Dad! I’m sure Baylie had a great time in Tanzania + Zanzibar. I can’t wait to see everyone again! #orangina4life
Safe Arrival!
June 28, 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 their trekking section!
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
