Wrapping Up the Adventures of MAD 1B!
June 22, 2025
Final Trip Update
Andddd we’re back with the final trip update. I can’t believe how fast time flew. Today was full of hard goodbyes and even a few tears, but we know they’re excited to be back with you so soon. These updates barely scratch the surface of the hundreds of stories they’re going to share when they get home. Right now, they’re about 40,000 feet over the Atlantic, and we already miss them so much.
Although they’ll be able to tell you everything themselves soon, here’s a final rundown of what we’ve been up to since you last heard from us:
Tuesday: We woke up in Funchal and had breakfast at the hotel. The kids had no idea what was planned, so it was a great surprise when they found out we were going climbing! Most of them had forgotten it was even on the itinerary. Our guides set up the ropes, and Kirby and Juliette bravely volunteered to go first, flying up the first pitches like pros.
One by one, the kids tackled a series of pitches that got progressively harder. Owen and Palmer raced each other to the top, neck and neck the whole way until Palmer barely edged out Owen. Meanwhile, Hudson took on the hardest pitch with Nelson – no one else was brave enough to attempt it.
After climbing, we explored Funchal. The boys made a beeline for the mall and found an Asian grocery store, stocking up on ramen and snacks. Meanwhile, the girls went on a shopping spree, picking up swimsuits, jewelry, and souvenirs. Lots of ground was covered in just a few hours before we all regrouped for dinner and Moonup.
Wednesday: On Wednesday, we hiked to the easternmost point of the island, surrounded by absolutely spectacular views. The clear day let us see all the way down to a pebble beach, where we ate lunch and took a swim. Lucas and Bennett crafted a lizard trap with their lunch boxes (don’t worry – they let it go right away).
After hiking back, we headed to Machico, the beach town where we started the trip, and the kids were thrilled to be back. Throughout the trek, they’d honed their volleyball skills and couldn’t wait to show them off. Cole and Jonas dominated at the net, blocking shots like pros. We wrapped up the day with beach volleyball, dinner, and a sunset hacky sack session on the roof.
Thursday: Thursday was a well-earned late wakeup. We waited until the last possible minute before breakfast ended to let them sleep in, and it definitely paid off – everyone looked much more refreshed. After breakfast, we headed to Porto da Cruz, the surfing capital of Madeira. The waves were definitely bigger this time, but the kids handled them like champs.
Ellery stepped up to the challenge, choosing the shortest (and hardest) board – and absolutely crushed it. Everyone got up multiple times, and many even started turning on the waves for longer rides. There were some hilarious wipeouts thanks to the shore break, but no injuries. A few of the girls even scored a nice ride back to shore from the surf guides.
After surfing, we lounged on the beach, took naps, and, of course, played more volleyball. Bennett and Jonas took on teams of locals in doubles matches and somehow came out on top, diving all over the court. Mayah taught some of us how to juggle a soccer ball (definitely harder than it looks). And naturally, we all found a stand selling fresh bread with garlic butter or Nutella – ideal pre-dinner snacks. We capped off the evening with dinner at the hotel, ice cream, and sunset rock skipping during Moonup.
Friday: Friday morning, we had breakfast outside, enjoying one last beachfront meal before heading back to Funchal. It was a hot, sunny day – perfect for canyoning. We drove up into the remote mountains, got suited up in thick wetsuits and helmets, and started the adventure. The mountain water was freezing, but with all our gear on, we were ready.
We hiked about 20 minutes to the top of the canyon, surrounded by towering mountains and nothing but wilderness. The route had a series of jumps, rappels, and natural slides, with views getting more stunning as we descended. Everyone conquered their nerves and crushed it, even on the bigger rappels.
After canyoning, we stopped at a café for lunch and ice cream. Then we checked into our hostel in Funchal, conveniently located above a Western-style coffee shop. The iced lattes and matcha were a hit. That evening, we headed to a local Madeiran family’s home for a cooking experience. Grace stood out for how quickly she jumped in to help. Together, we made bolo do caco, espetada, and milho frito while overlooking the city and port. Music, good conversation, and incredible homemade food made it a perfect evening. Of course, we finished with a second round of ice cream before heading back to the hostel.
Saturday: Saturday started with a local café visit, where everyone picked out a pastry and drink before we headed back into the mountains for day two of canyoning. This time, we drove higher up into the area where we’d trekked earlier in the trip.
The crisp morning air mixed with the shock of cold water to wake everyone up fast. We kicked things off with a 15-foot jump into a crystal-clear pool, followed by about five more jumps and slides of varying heights. The boys kept everyone laughing with ridiculous one-liners mid-jump. Honestly, some of those heights had my legs shaking, but the kids were fearless.
The final highlight was a zipline straight into the water. It was the perfect way to end our last full day of adventure. Back at the hostel, we got cleaned up, packed, and dressed for our final banquet dinner. Sitting outside at a nice restaurant, we reflected on how quickly these 17 days flew by. We feasted on steaks, seafood, and burgers before heading to the Ritz for one last ice cream stop.
Our final Moonup was led by Kirby and Owen and filled with favorite memories and funny stories. We talked about how we’ll carry the lessons and friendships from this trip into the future. Afterward, we headed down to the pier to catch a huge firework show followed by a dance party in the town square. It honestly couldn’t have been a better ending to an amazing trip.
That officially wraps up the adventures of MAD 1B!
Thank you so much for sharing your kids with us. Over the last 17 days, they’ve taught us just as much as we hope we’ve taught them. Each of them brings something special to the group, and we know they’re going to go on to accomplish incredible things. We’re in their corner for life now.
Give them a big hug from us when they arrive home safely.
All the best, Hayden & Nelson
Mountains, Madeira, And Moondance Magic
June 18, 2025
Oi oi!!
Checking back in with another trip update!
We finally finished trekking, and I can’t even put into words how amazing it was. The views got better and better each day as we made our way through the island’s central mountain range. The days were long and challenging, but the kids absolutely crushed it. We are so proud of the strength and determination they displayed over the last few days. It’s clear that our group has grown even closer through the trials and triumphs of the trek.
Thursday: We began our trekking section in Porto Moniz, a municipality located in the northernmost part of Madeira. We spent the better part of the day on a long circuit hike that incorporated the natural beauty of the surrounding valleys, coastline, and levadas (irrigation channels). The start of the hike was basically straight uphill for about an hour, so it definitely warmed up our legs and got us ready for the days ahead. Cole, Owen, and Ellery led the pack the entire way. They seemed to float up the mountain while the rest of us were huffing and puffing in the back with beet-red faces. Hudson and Lucas impressed everyone by sprinting about 250m uphill-Hudson barely beating Lucas. At the top, Cole and Ellery found a nice bench where they waited for the rest of the group to catch up.
We followed the levadas filled with rushing, ice-cold water, passing by livestock and farmers using the irrigation channels – such an interesting thing to see. From up high, we spotted a massive natural pool that immediately caught everyone’s attention, so of course we rewarded the kids after the grueling hike with some swim time. We got ice cream and relaxed – the perfect way to unwind. Some of the kids found a diving board that launched them into the Atlantic, and we watched as Jonas, Palmer, and Bennett soared through the air, showing off their tricks. After we worked up an appetite swimming, we headed to our hostel to make a huge taco Thursday dinner. We blasted music while the kids cooked, so much so that Lucas may or may not have had a little mishap where some of the rice ended up on the ground (but hey… five-second rule, right?). Kirby, Grace, Juliette, and Mayah kept the good conversations going while we played a fun question game. After dinner, we went outside and watched the most beautiful sunset of the trip so far.
Friday: We woke up and hit the trail once again! This path took us past gorgeous wildflowers and waterfalls. Our guides led us off the beaten path past the crowded tourist lookouts to a secluded waterfall and pool high up in the mountains. Owen and Jonas were the only ones brave enough to take the plunge and swim over to the waterfall. We all watched them stand under the ice-cold water falling from way up in the sky.
Back on the trail, we passed the time with funny stories and some singing. Grace even taught Palmer some sign language, which he had fun with for the rest of the day. Later, we walked under massive wind turbines – amazing to see up close. Ellery, Grace, and Cole had a riff-off at the front of the pack as we neared camp. Once we arrived, we set up tents and sleeping bags and got right to cooking. Hudson was the mastermind behind a delicious Bolognese with garlic bread and salad. The kids scraped every last drop from the pot. During dinner, some cows roamed by and Kirby literally jumped out of her seat she was so excited. Bennett and Jonas followed them for a bit and snapped some amazing photos of the cows with the clouds rolling over the horizon. Props to Mayah and Lucas who were the first to volunteer for dish crew afterward. We then walked up from the campsite to find some good views, but it was a bit cloudy, so we sat on top of a tower for our nightly meeting, moonup.
Saturday: Despite a cold night, the kids had great attitudes in the morning. After a hearty breakfast, we got back on the trail, following the levadas – but this time, through a few long, dark tunnels. With headlamps on, we navigated alongside the cold, wet walls, swapping scary stories along the way. Kirby’s whistling from the back made it feel like we were in a movie. Jonas and Cole captured epic GoPro footage of us emerging from the tunnels and stepping back into stunning mountain views.
By this point, we had reached the dead center of Madeira, surrounded by endless mountains and lush forests. And then – surprise! We didn’t tell the kids we were staying in a nice mountain refugio that night. They were beaming when we arrived. The place was packed with homemade desserts, and the kids wasted no time digging in. Owen had four pieces of banana bread, which I think is now the standing record. The refugio made a massive dinner for us, and while we waited, we passed around the Rubik’s Cube – who knew that would become such a hit? Bennett probably didn’t realize just how much of a cultural moment that little cube would become on this trip. After dinner, we all hit the pillows pretty fast.
Sunday :Sunday was summit day. We woke up early, fueled up with a big breakfast, and hit the trail. The route took us through a wild, jungle-like forest with massive 200-year-old trees. We ducked under branches and hopped over logs as we navigated the most technical part of our journey. Jonas and Owen, two of our taller hikers, tried to be extra careful but still managed to bonk their heads a few times.
Once we cleared the forest, we had a steady incline all the way to Pico Ruivo, the tallest peak in Madeira. The views at the top were unreal – it felt like we were standing on the set of a movie. Hudson and Palmer rocked their traditional Madeiran hats, naturally. After lunch at the summit, we made our way down and drove to our next campsite. The kids unexpectedly requested “One Last Breath” by Creed and absolutely belted it the whole way down. Meanwhile, Grace had her head hanging out of the window like a puppy, making us all laugh.
At camp, we were pleasantly surprised to find we were the only ones there. We cooked grilled cheese and tomato soup to warm up. Hudson and Bennett tried their best at guacamole, but the unripened avocados turned it into more of an avocado chunk situation. We played soccer and hacky sack after dinner, and Ellery busted out some elite dance moves. Once it was dark, we all laid out together looking for shooting stars.
Monday: We surprised the kids with breakfast already made when they woke up – after all, it’s Owen’s birthday! We made stacks of pancakes covered in sprinkles, brought out balloons, candles, and of course sang happy birthday. After packing up, we started our final trek toward Funchal. The path took us through beautiful gardens, and we even spotted peacocks showing off their feathers.
Then came a highlight of the day: the Carreiros do Monte (or toboggans). Palmer and Grace zoomed by us, laughing the whole way. At the bottom, we browsed souvenir shops – lots of Ronaldo jerseys purchased among the group. Finally, we made it to our hotel by the port, marking the official end of the trekking section. Everyone cleaned up, and we headed to dinner for all-you-can-eat pizza – the group easily crushed ten pies before walking around Funchal and finishing the day with cake and another birthday song for Owen. The perfect way to cap off the unreal trekking section.
As we head into the final stretch of the trip, we just want to say thank you for sharing your kids with us. They’ve brightened our days, made us laugh harder than you can imagine, and brought something special to this experience. We’re so excited for the adventures still to come before we send them back home to tell you all about it.
Until next time,
Nelson & Hayden
Bennett: Thank you so much for letting me come here, I’m having so much fun. I can’t wait to see you guys back home.
Juliette: thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. This has been such a cool experience and I’m so grateful that I get to go on these kinda trips. Love you guys.
Grace: thank you so much for letting me go on this trip it has been such an amazing experience and I’m having so much fun I love you so much I will see you soon!!
Mayah: Thank you so much mom and dad for letting me come on this trip. Madeira is so awesome and I’m so thankful for this opportunity. Also thanks Adelaide for introducing me to Moondance; looking forward to telling yall all about it!!
Kirby: Thank you guys for giving me the opportunity to go on this trip, it’s so beautiful. I’ve had the best time and made lots of new friends but I can’t wait to see you guys, the dogs, and Cousty when I get back!!
Cole: Thank you so much mom and dad for the opportunity that you have given me by letting me go Moondance. It has helped me to grow and learn a lot about myself, and I am really appreciative towards you guys. Thank you.
Ellery: Thank you so very much mom and dad for sending me on this trip! I’m having the most fun ever. See yall so soon!!
Palmer: “Thank you mom and dad so much for the chance to go on this trip. It has been amazing and I can’t wait to tell yall abt it!”
Owen: Thank you so much Mom, Dad, Nanna, and Poppa Sam for giving me the amazing chance to go on this trip. I’ve had so much fun and so many experiences that will last me forever! See yall soon!
Lucas: Hi mom and dad thank you for the chance to be on this trip. Everything’s been so amazing and I’m having the time of my life. See you guys soon.
Jonas: Hey Mom and Dad! Thank you so much for sending me to Madeira! I’m having the best time ever.”
Hudson: Hey mom and dad, I just wanted to say thank you guys for allowing me to go on this trip and love you very much. I am excited to tell you guys about it.
Amazing Memories from Maderia!!
June 11, 2025
Olá amigos e família!!
We miss you all and hope you’re doing well. Our trip is off to a fantastic start, and we couldn’t be more grateful for how awesome this group is. It’s taken no time at all for everyone to get comfortable here in Madeira. With the stunning, dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear water, who wouldn’t quickly settle in? Every day has been a new adventure-I can’t believe how much we’ve already accomplished!
Saturday:
The second we met the kids in the Lisbon airport, we could tell it was going to be a good trip. You would’ve thought they were lifelong friends after having just met a few hours prior in the Miami airport. Jonas and Grace immediately pointed us toward “the best espresso in the airport,” which quickly revealed who the energizers of the group would be.
We touched down in Madeira and wasted no time immersing ourselves in the local culture by indulging in a typical Portuguese lunch. Props to the whole crew for diving in-most of the kids ordered things they’d never heard of before, but they all seemed to enjoy their meals! After lunch, we hit the beach, where a volleyball game broke out. It got competitive fast, but luckily, we had Juliette, Cole, and Ellery, who carried us with their prior volleyball experience. After working up a sweat, we all took a dip in the ocean to cool off. Bennett got his hands on a skimboard and gave it a try, which ended with him flat on his back in the sand and laughs to follow.
We then headed back to the hotel to meet Lucas, who had some travel delays. We welcomed him with open arms, and he seamlessly added to the group. For dinner, we kept it simple with pizza back at the hotel and ended the night on the rooftop balcony playing hacky sack with the sunset in the background. Not a bad way to spend our first full day here.
Sunday:
After breakfast, we started the day with a gorgeous hike. It definitely had a decent amount of incline, but it was totally worth it for the views-the kids crushed it. Hudson and Lucas fielded some hilarious questions about life in California, debunking myths of everyone being surfers and influencers. We stopped at the top to have a picnic lunch overlooking the coastline.
After the descent, we rewarded ourselves with another beach stop, of course. A new volleyball game started, and the improvement from the teams was very evident. Throughout the game, we blasted the Madeira playlist the kids curated. Special shoutout to Palmer, Owen, and Juliette for introducing us to some great songs we didn’t know.
Next up was surfing. We met our surf guides, pulled on wetsuits, and hit the waves. Mayah impressed everyone-including herself-by getting up multiple times, even though it was her first time surfing. Kirby was also a natural, strategically paddling off to the side to get prime access to her own waves.
By dinnertime, we were ready to EAT, and the group rallied at a seaside spot known for Espetada-giant skewers of meat that hung from metal stands above the table. The kids’ eyes nearly popped out of their heads when they saw the size of them. Big energy around that dinner table.
After dinner, we walked through a Medieval festival going on just steps from our hotel. We watched in awe as hundreds of people dressed in tunics, kirtles, gowns, and surcoats paraded around the town. The entire square was transformed into an old Medieval village. Everyone grabbed a treat and watched the various dancers and acts before heading to bed.
Monday:
We had an early wake-up call to catch the ferry to Porto Santo, about two hours from Madeira. The kids got comfy in the onboard movie theater (personally, I can’t imagine watching a film in a rocking room while crossing the Atlantic, but I digress).
Once we landed, it was full beach mode: picnic lunch, games, snorkeling-you name it. Bennett had a little mishap going for a volleyball that went over his head; unfortunately, his toenail didn’t make it out of the altercation with a hidden rock. Kudos to Jonas for staying right by his side as we got him cleaned up.
Later, we geared up for sea kayaking and explored beautiful caves along the coast. Ellery and Grace were zooming-so fast they may have run into the guide once or twice, but he was happy to play along. On the way to dinner, we stopped for ice cream (obviously). Luckily, their appetites were unfazed, and everyone scarfed down their food.
Tuesday:
The group kicked off the day with a cold ocean plunge that definitely woke everyone up. With masks in hand, we swam along the rocky coast of a beach on the opposite side of Porto Santo, encountering various small fish swimming in and out of the massive igneous rocks.
Next, we explored a staggering canyon made of sand that’s been building up for thousands of years-it was like walking through a natural fortress. From there, we embarked on a longer hike with sweeping views of the island. It started off a little rough with high temps and inclines, but as soon as we reached the ridge, that was all forgotten. Huge shoutout to Mayah, Cole, and Ellery for keeping morale high with an endless stream of dad jokes.
The afternoon was spent hanging at the beach again-telling stories, laughing, and relaxing. We wrapped up with dinner right on the water. Palmer and Owen kept the group entertained with hilarious stories from their previous trips.
When we finished, we caught an absolutely gorgeous sunset from the pier. Lucas and Kirby, the leaders of the day, kept the group laughing as we sat in a circle for our nightly meeting. A huge group of kindergarteners ran in behind us, yelling, causing the entire group to burst out laughing. I was one of those moments you don’t forget. Spirits were high as we headed back to the hotel for our final night in Porto Santo.
Wednesday:
Today we explored the northern coast of Porto Santo, climbing over rock structures to reach massive crystal-clear natural pools. Laughter filled the air as we swam from pool to pool. The slick rocks provided endless entertainment as we all nearly wiped out hundreds of times. We made it out with no injuries, which is great news as we head into our trekking section tomorrow.
I’m writing this from the ferry back to Madeira. We’re all sad to leave Porto Santo but super excited for what’s ahead!
These kids continue to impress us with their energy, kindness, and the way they take care of each other. More adventures to come, and we’ll keep you posted. Thanks for sharing them with us-they’re making the most of every minute.
Talk soon,
Nelson and Hayden
Shout Outs:
Kirby: “Hi friends and family! Im having the best time here in Madeira, but can’t wait to see you guys soon. We’ve been to lots of cool places! Please feed my fish and take care of the dogs. Bye guys!!”
Ellery: “Hi mi familia! I’m having so much fun here in Madeira. This is the prettiest place I’ve ever been to. I love and miss you guys see you soon!”
Cole: “Hello family! I am doing great. Having lots of fun. I learned how to solve a Rubik’s cube, tell Charlie!! Bye”
Grace: “hi!! I am having so much fun I love you and miss you!!!”
Palmer: “Hey mom and dad, Madeira is awesome. It is a ton of fun and I learned how to Rubik’s cube.”
Juliette: “Hey mom, dad, and Bao! Having a great time in Madeira and I can’t wait to tell you guys all about it. I love you ❤️.”
Mayah: “Hey mom and dad, Madeira is so cool and I learned how to surf. I love you and I can’t wait to tell you about it all. Also if you’re reading this hi Adelaide!!!”
Owen: “Hey guys! Miss you guys! I’m having a great time right now, the group is awesome and really fun. Sorry I didn’t call before I left. Hiking, surfing, and snorkeling has been super fun and I’m excited to hike and trek!”
Bennett: “Hi mom and dad, love and miss yall. I learned how good I am at cat photography – hopefully will pursue in the future. Toe is doing great. Much love – Bennett”
Jonas- “hi mom and dad, miss and love yall so much. Bennett and I both have right big toe injuries now so we have great a power duo. I’ve done everything so far including surfing with no pain, but hiking 4km in chacos probably wasn’t the smartest decision. Madeira is so sick!”
Lucas: “Hi guys the trips been so much fun. Miss you guys so much and I’m really excited to go to France. The water activities have been a highlight but they have also been mostly things we’ve done. I learned how to surf!! See you two soon.”
Hudson: “Hey mom and dad I’m having fun! We are going onto our hiking part of the trip after this coastal part so I’ll tell you guys about. Love you very much”
Landed in Madeira!
June 7, 2025
Hello Madeira Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that the group has landed safely on Madeira! One student got delayed in Lisbon but is scheduled to land on Madeira in just a couple of hours. 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
