Memories Of Madeira
June 13, 2025
Ola from Madeira!!
We have had the most incredible start to this trip, and we hope as you read you believe the words we write because we cannot make up the remarkable events of the past 6 days and the kind words our guides have had for this group of kids, quotes from them include “This is my actually my favorite moondance group ever” “I have never had such a close group of kids” and one of our favorites, “This is the best group of hikers we’ve ever had in Madeira, we should make parts of the next session more challenging if they’re all like this”. Overall, from the very beginning this group’s defining quality has been its beautiful inclusiveness, bounding positivity, and excitement for this entire trip.
We began our first activity of trekking, and finished after 6 incredible days!
No one ever complained and if they did it was within the group and to themselves because neither Sam, I nor any of our guides heard a single complaint.
They are always excited to start the day, endlessly eager for all of the amazing adventures that await. Sam and I writing this are trying to come up with words of encouragement from us or to the kids, but we can’t because the kids simply motivate themselves and are constantly happy, chatting, and kind to each other and all people we meet. They make us feel like good leaders without us needing to put in the effort, only to quiet them at the end of the day when they don’t want it to end, though we do.
Our first day began with John and Helen cooking us a delicious breakfast of eggs, toast, and jam. Sonny and I stepped outside by the little outdoor cooking area to watch the sunrise together, and also grab his clothes that fell off the balcony into the side of the beautiful dark great stone alleyway of our hostel. This place is completely unreal, and whatever magic is in the air already began to fill our lungs. Our first day of trekking was incredible! Our guides called this a “warm up hike”, and it was mostly uphill the first hour and a half up the steep and twisting roads seen all over Madeira, but totally worth the view and the eventual flatter walk through the farmland and valleys of the island before we stopped at a beautiful overlook for lunch and got to look at the amazing town of Porto Moniz from above, even easily able to pick out our hostel among the many matching reddish rooftops next to the signature bell tower. We then spent the rest of the afternoon swimming and relaxing by the natural salt pools down by the ocean. These chilly pools were daunting at first in the slightly cloudy weather, but Meg led the girls by jumping in first and encouraging everyone else to do the same! We played many rounds of categories, tried to catch the small minnows, saw beautiful native crabs, and let the waves wash us into the pools before going back to our hostel to cook soft tacos for dinner, where John again led the charge and cooked some of the most delicious chicken everyone but him somehow happened to get enough of. From then on, John has been diligent in making sure every single person not only eats enough, but gets enough chicken when there is some
.
We then continued into the trekking section of our activity, hiking through fields of yellow flowers speckling the hills, the purple pride of Madeira flower brushing our shoulders, walking through gentle waterfalls and lagoons, and then over the hills through fields of massive wind turbines and super kind and fluffy cows, camping and cooking and enjoying the feeling of the mist and fog as it rolled through our camp. We even spent some time after moonup hanging out at the top of an old stone tower that overlooked the valley, though we could not see much through the fog it did not matter, the boys were beautifully harmonizing the word ‘bro’ as Henry smith conducted while the girls and I harmonized ‘her’ almost as well. The next day we continued our trek, again constantly amazed by the beauty of Madeira unlike anywhere else, making our way through the mountains alongside the canals constructed 300 years ago to transport fresh water to the farm lands throughout the island. The many ecosystems of this place make you feel as if you are on more than just one island, and the towering waterfalls, peaceful flow of the canal besides us, and white Madeiran daisies beside us were breathtaking, but not as breathtaking as the views of the unique mountains or the insides of the 500m long tunnels we needed our headlamps to make our way through, maintaining our course in line with the flowing waters, hearing stories from our guides and passing only a few other hikers all the day long. After this insanely beautiful hike, we got some yummy snacks and a mountain snack hut before driving to our next even somehow more beautiful mountain hostel. This hostel sits nested in the peaks of the mountains, the night before our summit of the highest peak of Madeira. We had one of the most beautiful dinners, breakfasts, and sunrise over the mountains yet, and then to proceed into a hike through the ecological park, a hike our guide told us he believed only 50% of Madeira knew about, was more than a gift. This hike was full of beautiful natural environments and views of the city from different angles, before we hiked through the mist as it flowed quickly from behind us, pushing us onward and upward through the yellow flowers to the top of the island. After this, we camped above the clouds and cooked a delicious dinner together, sad to spend our last night of trekking together but happy to appreciate every moment. The next day, we hiked down to Funchal and then got to ride the toboggan on the “CNN ranked top 7 commutes” down the hill to a little shop where most of the kids got matching Madeiran traditional hats, a very cute look that we hope catches on at home. All of these kids are so incredible, and Sam and I can’t wait to get to know them better!
Sonny: is the group story teller, full of never ending “lore” as the kids say. He always knows how to make everyone laugh, especially in the harder moments on the trail. Sonny is the integral glue in this group. He brings together every single person kindly and intentionally. He has an answer to every question, sees everyone and includes everyone without second thought or judgement, and exemplifies the qualities of a leader inside and out. Sonny is kind, respectful, hilarious, outgoing, and many more qualities that I run out of words to describe. Sonny could make the most shy person in the world feel like the most outgoing and you wouldn’t even know how he does it. He is constantly telling stories to make the group laugh, material stemming from nowhere other than his own silly stores from home. Having Sonny here makes every single day all the more full of laughter and love. Not only this, but Sonny is always the last one to leave any task we have asked of him with Henry Miller, especially with cleaning the dishes with the cold mountain spring water in the early morning chill, camped above the clouds as the sun rises next to us and not a word of complaint, only asking what more he can do with appreciation for the beauty all around us.
Henry M: taking up cooking with so much passion and excitement. We have never seen a kid so initially unfamiliar with cooking become so willing to learn, passionate, talented, and skilled in so little time. When I first asked Henry to help us cook breakfast on our first day of trekking, he looked a little bit like a fish out of water and told me as much, or as he would maybe say hanging off the edge of a cliff by a few fingers ready to fall. But Sam and I have never had any fear of Henry falling, and neither did he as we quickly watched him pick up cooking like he’s been doing it all his life. Henry made some of the most delicious French toast with honey for us, filling our bellies with more than nutrition, with love and putting himself last, for one of the more difficult trekking days. He since has not only nearly run every meal prep, but also skillfully done so and helped us to prepare some delicious meals every time he has had the chance! If we don’t know where Miller is at mealtime, he is probably in the makeshift kitchen helping in whatever way he can, guiding and offering intelligent insights to some of my recipes and the other new chefs in the kitchen that I will definitely be taking home with me.
Henry S: insane photography and videography skills, has been tutoring me. Henry Smith is one of the kindest kids we have ever met. He is unbelievably talented at photography as i am sure you know, and he has been helping me take some of the most beautiful pictures I have ever taken as a leader, and I have tried to do him justice as well. As we say often on this trip, not only is he the best photographer (though John comes close while using Sonny’s camera to take hundreds of pictures of cows, his friends, and the incredible landscape, and even long exposure photos where he writes and draws with light), but he is “the most aesthetic boy alive” and somehow is always in the most photogenic pose, even when brushing his teeth in the morning at our campsite. Henry is always there to offer a helping hand no matter what without a word of complaint or expectation of thanks, though he does love to be the last out of his tent in the morning, always making us laugh when we realize breakfast is getting started and his head begins to poke out of the tent or out from under the covers. Henry Smith could never be seen grumpy or unhappy, we have watched his every moment be filled with glorious appreciation for this place, the people we are with, and every activity we do and it humbles and guides this group towards more and more depth and growth every day. Beyond this, his silliness and goofiness are always a source of joy!
John is an emotional leader in this group, team leader, leading voice of kindness, up at the front every day hiking, and full of random facts to start the day, especially about Sioux Falls and its up and coming golf courses. From the moment we met him, John stood out as one of those kids who can talk to any adult, and made me and Sam feel comfortable and loved from day one, something a Moondance leader does not often see. Not only this, but John pulls his own weight and more in every single opportunity, silently leading the group with kindness, determination to do good, and to speak with genuine intention, pulling from the ocean of honesty, knowledge, self awareness, grounded nature, and love that fills his heart. John has the most amazing laugh, and every time we hear it we just want to be laughing with him, soaking up his pure and exuberant joy. John is not only down to earth, but his head lives in the heavens, always thinking creatively and kindly for new ways to add rules to games we play like hacky sack or family and more. No matter what, John will come up with a creative way to make whatever we are doing more fun and we are constantly grateful for it.
Luke: joined in cooking chicken with gram, one of the most social and outgoing of the group, carries us in trying new things and having a good time in all times. As we were preparing dinner on our last night of trekking, I was beginning work on the chicken expecting my co chef Henry Miller to take over, I was happily surprised by Luke tapping on my shoulder and asking to learn how to do it himself and take over! Cooking chicken for 17 people (including our 3 guides) is a huge task, but one that Luke enthusiastically took up with focus, precision, and Gordon Ramsey level intensity and attention to detail. After cooking the first of many many rounds together, he picked up on how to tell when it was done and then made the next round all on his own, before Gram came over and asked to do the next round himself unprompted! I then began to show Gram, before realizing there was no need as Luke took over and the two of them cooked some of the most delicious chicken we have ever had, for all 17 of us starving trekkers. While they cooked, Helen and Emerson seasoned, chopped, and prepared the chicken, making the entire cooking process seamless! Our meals have been incredible as everyone, especially the boys, all get involved. I believe we have John to thank for this cooking enthusiasm, our first night in Madeira he absolutely dominated in the kitchen cooking the chicken for our taco night and leading all of the topping stations and prep work, while all the girls napped. Sam and I joined in the cooking and were amazed to see John’s ease in kindness, authenticity, and completely embodying the moondance mindset and excitement for all that we do. On top of this, we heavily rely on Luke for his incredible guitar skills. Every day he practices and plays for us for a while, and his incredible skill has brought us music in formerly quiet or dull moments. Luke can often be found between moving places or in quiet moments playing amazing classic rock songs in the background, practicing with me and Sam on our skills and teaching us.
Gram: joined in cooking chicken with Luke’s, best comedic timing of all time, he is just “straight up funny” always. Gram is also similarly picking up interest in cooking! Sam and I cannot stop laughing with Gram. His comedic timing is literally always perfect, we constantly find ourselves saying that kid can’t say an unfunny word. Not only this, but Gram is constantly pushing himself, quietly discovering himself here and watching him try new things, be a constant source of laughter joy and positivity, and seeing him smile makes our day. Any time I want to take a picture of Gram, he gives me the same face that lets me know he is going to love this picture looking back but he’s too in the moment to pay attention to me now. Sometimes, Gram will ask the most insightful curious questions, and always giving ideas to make the trip more worthwhile.
Kate is never without a smile on her face, always encouraging and building up the group. Her love for the little moments inspires not only me but everyone else in the group to maintain her bubbly joy and attitude in all moments. It is actually impossible to be unhappy around Kate. Sam and I can always hear her laughing in the background, whether she is the laughter or the source of it we always feel a rush of love when we hear her spreading her mindset without even realizing she’s making such a resounding impact on her peers, and she does not have a negative bone in her body. Kate is not only making the funniest jokes and side comments, she is kind and accepting to everyone no matter what and could make anyone feel like they are loved and known without even trying, a quality many in our group seem to have. Kate is creative, curious, and one of the easiest people to talk to, and whether we are laughing about the people watching we are doing, with our guides, or about another one of Sonny’s stories, you can always trust her for an honest and kind point of view.
Meg’s inner and outer strength shine through in every moment. She is one of the most capable, emotionally intelligent, caring, and empathetic people we feel lucky enough to know. Meg is the first person the girls in the group turn to when they want to feel comforted and understood, and that is not only a quality she was born with but one she has also learned through living life openly, bravely, honestly, and with wisdom beyond her years. She is the first to offer a helping hand, the first to jump into any new activity (genuinely the first to jump in the salt pools which the rest of the girls may not have done), and the first I would turn to for a hug and to be inspired. Talking to Meg about her passion for psychology and her own future inspires me and everyone else in this group, and for those who do not know their passion or just want to talk about literally anything, Meg is the first person the kids turn to, there with a big beautiful smile of her face and words of encouragement that will make you feel better always.
Emerson: Emerson is always there with a kind word, curious question, and big smile. She is always the first one to find a way to make everyone else comfortable. She can speak for the group with confidence and leads in her self awareness, always exemplifying genuine depth, empathy, and openness to whatever this island and trip have to show her. Emerson lives every day with ultimate strength, pushing herself beyond what she previously believed herself capable of not only for the good of herself, but for the group and all of her friends here. She will always be trying to make sure everyone is ok. Emerson may have believed herself to not be a hiker, but she sure is one now and an amazing one as well. Any one of us calls ourselves lucky to be walking with her on a hike, the conversation will take you anywhere, leave you laughing, and remind you of things you think you have forgotten, always leaving a sense of happiness in her wake though she may not realize it.
Grey: Grey is not only the source of much of the positivity on this trip, but she also asks some of the best and most insightful questions. She is never one to shy away from helping out. She is constantly offering a helping hand without complaint. Any time I look at her, she is asking someone in the group beautifully insightful questions about their lives at home, always curious to know more about her friends lives in such an authentic and genuine manner. Grey can talk your ear off about anything, and always has the look of wheels turning in her head.
Durland: Durland is constantly wise, humble, full of energy, excited about each moment, thoughtful in all of her words, and lives at a depth of understanding and empathy that has radiated throughout this group and allowed us to build not only a wonderfully inclusive group, but one that definitely has plans to remain close and continue to further their bonds at the many reunions she is already helping orchestrate. We know the plans may be incredibly complex and possibly extend years into the future. Durland is someone who looks for truth in the world, and watching her fall in love with this place and the activities and create some of the most genuine and beautiful friendships here has been such a gift. In every conversation she is inquisitive, especially when asking Sonny for details in his stories and in encouraging her peers and even more in getting to know everyone in this group.
Helen: Helen is not only kind, funny, smart, empathetic, strong, and a badass in general, but she is able to wear any hat, be any kind of friend you need, make you feel like the funniest person in the world and also make you feel seen and heard in all ways. She has unlimited patience and love for her friends. She is genuine and authentic and kind in all of her words and actions. She speaks from the heart, knows her limits, loves them, and pushes herself beyond them every day. Her appreciation for not only this trip but life itself has taught many in this group a new perspective I believe they would not have learned had it not been through her courageous eyes. She teaches everyone in this group the value of seeing and loving every day with all of your heart and soul, and it leads this group. Helen is who I spend many hours walking and talking with on our trekking trails. She is effortlessly funny, wise, and intentional in what she wants not only out of this trip but out of life. She lives with an open heart, and is constantly there for anyone who needs her.
With lots of love,
Anna and Sam 🙂
Shoutouts!
Luke: Hey I’m having a great time with everyone. We just got done with hiking and we’re at the beach. Love yall and can’t wait to see yall!
Gram: Hi Mom and Dad! The trip is fire so far. We went trekking for a few days and just went surfing and had a beach day! We helped out some stray dogs too and the trip has been great. Love y’all!
Sonny: hello parentals, I am having a great time, thank you for letting me go on this trip. I miss y’all.
Henry M: Hi Mom and Dad. I’m having a really good time here. My group and leaders are fun. We just finished the trekking and I’m excited to climb. See you soon.
Henry S: Hey mom and dad! having the greatest time. Can’t wait to see you guys but don’t wanna leave. Love you!
John: Hi guys! This trip has been so much fun and we’re starting to surf now! Miss you guys. See you when I get home!
Helen: hey mom + dad !!! This trip has been awesome and so so pretty. I miss yall so much and will see yall pretty soon. Can’t wait to hug y’all soon. Also give Gus a big hug for me.
Grey: hi mom and dad! I am having the best time ever in Madeira and have made so many new friends! I miss y’all so much and Goose & Weezie! I can’t wait to see yall when I get home and tell yall all about the trip!
Meg: hi mom and dad! Madeira is so pretty! We have just finished trekking and are at the beach now. Miss you guys soooo much. I love you guys stay safe and see you in like a week! Hey Sydney if you’re reading and also Happy Birthday Milly Tess and Clara!
Kate: Hi fam! I miss you guys but I do not want to come home!! Sorry! The views are like nothing I’ve ever seen. We just finished trekking and went surfing this morning. It had been the absolute best! Can you ask Nora if I can stay with her when I get back? I miss and love yall lots and hope Liv is having the best time at camp!!! Hug Mackie and Ghany for me!
Emerson: hey mom and dad…. Thanks for my letters that was sweet. This trip has been interesting to say the least but fun! I know y’all know about my little trip elsewhere. I love the girls and the boys in our group are super sweet and helpful. Me and Helen are thriving with a change of scenery tho!!! Btw can u change my seat best to hers on the plane??? Anyway I miss y’all soooooooo much and I cannot wait to see yall and get an update on all that’s been going on at home! I love y’all so much and I hope all is good at home. See yall so soon Can’t wait!!!
Durland: Hi Mom, Dad, and fam! I’m missing y’all so much but I am having the BEST time here! Our activities have been so fun so far and this island is actually amazing. I can’t wait to tell y’all all about it and show all of the amazing pictures we’ve taken. I love my group and I can’t wait to see y’all but don’t want to leave… I love you so much and hope all is well!!
The Adventure Begins!
June 7, 2025
Hello Madeira Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that the group has landed safely on Madeira! The group is so excited to start their adventure together!
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
