From Highlands to Hotdogs
July 24, 2025
After five unforgettable days of trekking together, this tired yet energized crew truly feels like a family. We’ve tackled long, challenging hikes, soaked up stunning views, and grown stronger together with every mile and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone’s spirit and positivity along the way. Over our five day trek we covered 76km, roughly 43 miles through lush hillsides, between towering snowy peaks, and across desolate black sand deserts.
We kicked off our trekking section with an epic campsite right next to a river, where Jack and Reagan wowed the group with their fearless jumping skills, leaping from bank to bank while we waited for our trailer to arrive. That evening set the tone for the week: full of fun and connection. Steele and Campbell taught us a hilarious rapping game that had everyone laughing, and after digging into an Icelandic twist on hotdog pasta, we crawled into our tents for our first night of camping.
The next few days were filled with views of Iceland’s dramatic highland mountains, sheep dotting the hillsides, and trails that tested our endurance. To keep things lively on the move, Cici introduced us to a game called Wrench or Rabbit that had us all cracking up on the longer stretches, a much needed mental break during our longest 22km day. Anderson and Henry kept our minds sharp with clever riddles they shared during the hikes, giving us plenty to think and laugh about as we moved through the landscape.
Mealtime has been a highlight thanks to our incredible guide Svenni, who’s cooked up everything from lamb legs to bolognese, hearty soups, and chicken wraps, we’ve been eating well! As we settle into our one night indoors in the cabin, the thoughts of ribs, fries, and corn excites us all. Ruthie continues to blow us away with her fast pace and incredible positivity, charging up the trails with contagious enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Jonathan has made it a personal tradition to sprint the final leg of each hike once the campsite is in sight scouting out our home for the night while the rest of us hustle to catch up. There’s no easier way to truly understand the scale of the landscape then watching Jonathan take off ahead and run for 20 minutes before reaching the campsite that looks only a few hundred feet away.
Our final campsite brought even more magic. We spent the evening playing a long, laughter-filled soccer match with local Icelandic kids. We got schooled by them, but spirits were high. William and Finn were especially popular, two local kids wouldn’t leave their sides, quickly becoming friends.
Throughout the trek, Lee has had us all in stitches with his constant jokes and upbeat energy, keeping morale high through every hill and valley. And Mikey has wowed us daily with his dance moves entertaining everyone with style and skill, marking the perfect start and end to every hike.
As we wrap up this section of the trip, we’re feeling so grateful for the memories, the friendships, and the adventure. Iceland has tested and inspired us, and this group continues to impress with their resilience, humor, and heart. With some more relaxing days on the horizon we look forward to resting up before hitting the icy river on our white water rafting adventure.
Cici: Hey Momma and Papa! I’m having so much fun. We just finished up 5 days of trekking. Tell Dee happy birthday for me and that I love him so much!!! Love you miss you mean it!
Mikey: Dear mother and father, I’m really grateful for this trip. I’m having an amazing time with having litmo experiences. Can’t wait for my Birthday. I’ve never laughed this much in my life! Miss y’all!
Lee:Dear family I miss y’all a lot, I’m having a lot of fun meeting new people. Thank you for sending me here I love y’all!
Anderson: Dearest Father and Mother, I am not dead. Iceland is very radical.
William: Dear Mom and Dad, Having A fantastic time here. Iceland is very pretty and fun. The food tastes good. Love you and miss you.
Henry: Hey Mom and Dad, This is awesome! I wish y’all could be here to see Iceland. I am having an amazing time here and have made amazing memories. Love y’all.
Jonathan: What’s up family! Iceland is awesome! I’m having so much fun! Love you guys and see you soon!
Ruthie :Hey everyone! Iceland is so cool. I wish you guys were with me. I miss y’all so much, and I cannot wait to see you in a few days. Love y’all!
Reagan: Hi mom and dad! I am having the best time and love the people here! I can’t wait to see you guys and tell you all about it! Tell Holt and Hunter I said hi! Love you and miss you so much!
Campbell:Hi mom and dad! We just finished trekking it was challenging but fun. Everyone in my group is so funny and nice. Love you and miss you guys so much!
Steele: Hey guys I’m having so much fun! It’s very cold but great views! Miss y’all.
Jack: I’m having a lot of fun. Iceland is very cool
Finn: Hey ma, having tons of fun. Love you ma see you soon.
Safe Arrival in Iceland!
July 18, 2025
Hello Iceland Families!
We heard from our leaders that the group has landed safely! 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
