Crushing Rapids and Chasing Glaciers
July 1, 2025
Good day, friends, family, and other readers of our NLT trip updates!
Since we last wrote, our crew has traded hiking boots for paddles and absolutely crushed two days of whitewater rafting on the Matanuska River. These kiddos continue to amaze us with their adaptability and determination, seamlessly transitioning from mountain trekking to reading rapids like seasoned river guides. As we gear up for our final adventure section in Prince William Sound, we’re reflecting on another incredible chapter of growth and adventure.
Our river journey kicked off with everyone donning dry suits at the put-in on Caribou Creek – the very headwaters we’d camped beside during our backpacking section. The full-circle moment wasn’t lost on anyone as we gazed up at familiar peaks before diving into Class III and IV whitewater that had our adrenaline pumping from the first stroke.
The morning delivered everything we hoped for and more. Kramer’s Rapid hit us with massive waves that demanded strong paddling from everyone. Luke and Charlotte powered through the chaos with impressive composure, while Henry and Simmons kept spirits high with their infectious enthusiasm. Jumanji Rapid lived up to its wild reputation, tossing our rafts around while everyone dug deep and paddled hard. But Coffee Grinder Rapid was the real test – technical lines and massive hydraulics that showcased the teamwork this group has built. Poppy’s powerful strokes and MJ’s focused determination were absolutely crucial as we punched through wave after wave.
By lunch at NOVA base, everyone was riding high on the satisfaction of conquering legitimate whitewater together. The spread of fresh sandwiches and crisp vegetables felt like a banquet after eight days of backcountry fare. Reed demolished an entire apple in record time while Avi savored every bite of fresh lettuce like it was gourmet cuisine. Amazing how wilderness living makes you appreciate the simple things.
The afternoon brought a completely different pace as we loaded into gear boats for the mellow float through the Matanuska’s braided channels. Ten miles of stunning scenery later, we pulled up to a perfect gravel bar campsite that felt like our own private beach. Without any prompting, the travelers immediately started teaching each other to make friendship bracelets. Nelson’s meticulous technique produced impressive results while Macy’s creative color combos had everyone requesting custom designs.
Dinner was Dutch oven enchilada casserole that had everyone coming back for seconds, followed by red velvet cake that felt like wilderness luxury. Nelson and Macy crushed the cleanup afterward, jumping in without being asked. When MJ invited the guides to join Moonup, Simmons and Henry seamlessly included them in our evening celebration, creating one big river family.
Just when we thought the day was winding down, Reed launched an impromptu rock-hunting expedition that turned into an epic stone-throwing competition. The whole group scoured the shoreline for perfect specimens, and the laughter echoing across the water was the ideal end to an outstanding day.
The next morning brought breakfast burritos with eggs, hash, and soyrizo before our final push downriver. The flat water gave us time to reflect on how far we’d all come since those first steps on Pinochle Creek. At takeout, the gear derig turned into a smooth assembly line – everyone knew their role and executed flawlessly.
Back at camp, the friendship bracelet operation resumed with even greater intensity. Charlotte crafted intricate patterns while Luke experimented with bold combinations that somehow worked perfectly. The real magic happened when they started making bracelets specifically for us leaders – small tokens that honestly got us a little choked up.
Our farewell dinner to the Matanuska Valley was spectacular. Fresh Chinook salmon with homemade garlic butter and lemon, prepared by our culinary dream team of Livi, Avi, Reed, Poppy, and MJ. The roasted squash and zucchini were the perfect complement, creating a meal that celebrated both our adventure and Alaska’s incredible bounty. We drifted off to sleep that night to the gentle sound of rain on tent flies.
Yesterday we broke camp early and caught our bus to Whittier for the final chapter of our Alaskan adventure. After a quick resupply at “Freddy’s” in Palmer, we drove to the coast and through the 2.5-mile tunnel (longest highway tunnel in North America) into the unique town of Whittier – basically one building surrounded by towering peaks and endless water.
We set up camp and met Peter, our sea kayaking liaison and local expert, before heading to his shop to meet our guides for the week. The discussion of marine routes ahead had everyone’s eyes lighting up. The fashion show that followed was pure entertainment as we tried on rubber rain gear for the ever-wet Prince William Sound. Everyone looked ridiculous and ready for whatever the Sound might throw at us. We wrapped up the day with fish and chips featuring locally caught cod, eaten on a pier overlooking the very waters we’ll be exploring. The sight of glaciers tumbling between peaks and the endless marine wilderness spread out before us was the perfect preview of adventures to come.
Today we’re heading to Blackstone Bay with hopes of seeing glaciers, puffins, and maybe a whale or two. These kids have already proven they can handle whatever Alaska dishes out, and we can’t wait to see how they tackle this final frontier.
The growth we’ve witnessed over two weeks has been remarkable. From tentative backcountry beginners to confident rapid-readers now preparing for ocean adventures, your young leaders have transformed before our eyes. More importantly, they’ve supported each other through every challenge with determination, humor, and genuine care.
We’ll catch y’all after sea kayaking!
With gratitude, NLT A (Porter, Matt, & Ellie)
Out of the Backcountry and Into Rafting!
June 28, 2025
Good day, friends, family, and other readers of our NLT trip updates!
After eight days and 50+ Alaskan miles in the rugged wilderness of the Talkeetna Mountains, our group is DIALED. Through rain and shine, steep climbs and sharp descents, ATV trails and shoulder-high brush, our travelers have become expert navigators, seasoned backpackers, and most importantly, a group of confident, supportive, and gritty leaders. We leaders are so proud of their personal growth and hard skills development over the past week. Simply put, these kiddos crushed this backpacking section. We know that these experiences will stick with them and remain an important period in their lives in the years to come.
Nine days ago, we started our backpacking section on Pinochle Creek, making our way steadily towards the looming mountains in the distance. Nelson and Macy set great examples of expedition behavior, leading by example with strong hiking and determination as we reached our first large ascent out of the Matanuska River Valley and into the foothills of the Talkeetnas. After a climb that approached 35 degrees of incline at points, we stopped for lunch at a vista looking out over the valley and glacier we had ascended from. Everyone’s spirits were lifted by the copious summer sausage, cheese, peanut butter, and jelly wraps. Everyone also stopped to learn how to use our water treatment on the pristine creek flowing by the lunch spot, which was the first of many hard skills practiced on this expedition. We marched on through ATV trails until we reached the infamous “Bog” campsite (which turned out to be quite dreamy). Everyone huddled up on the banks of Hicks Creek with the leaders to try their hand at operating the WhisperLite camp stoves, yielding a hearty dinner of Matt and Cheese (chili mac). Reed especially enjoyed the Matt and Cheese, attempting an almost successful human sump. With full bellies and laughs leftover from Moonup, we all headed to bed with dreams of our journey deeper into the heart of the backcountry.
After our first night in the backcountry, we woke up to some lovely oatmeal, a timeless favorite. We meandered along Hicks Creek on ATV trails before crossing watersheds at Hick Lake and descending to Caribou Creek where we stayed at an old hunting camp. At the hunter’s camp, our travelers really started to jive with being in the backcountry, creating a spontaneous dance circle after Moonup, ending the night with a big group hug.
Day three of the trek was a short and enjoyable one. We said our farewells to Caribou Creek (and the chewiest water we ever drank) and headed uphill to the famed airstrip and Moondance Mining Corp. excavator. On the way up, Henry managed to recite the entire screenplay to his favorite movie, Masterminds, in a compelling Southern drawl. We beat NOLS to the prime camping location, but broke bread and traded information and goodies with our fellow wilderness explorers. Ahead of an important river crossing, Avi shouldered a pack with Matt and Porter to scout the water levels and test rig a handline for the next day. He was essential in treating water and bringing it back to camp for everyone. Meanwhile, Livi and Luke proved themselves expert chefs on the WhisperLites with Ellie, cooking up some mean pesto chicken pasta. Once the river crossing was fully scouted and given a go, the group of travelers prepared for a strong day of bushwhacking up to Chitna Pass and down to Boulder Creek.
We woke up in the clouds the next morning. Below the airstrip lay Chitna Creek and our river crossing; above, the mountains we were to cross that afternoon. We quickly made our way to the creek crossing, set a handline, and then crossed safely and smoothly. This was the first real river crossing that necessitated a handline, but everyone crushed it. Cheers of HIP, HIP, HUZZAH!!! rang out through the valley as each and every one of the group made it safely to the opposite shore. The team chemistry became a palpable part of the trip at this point, setting us up for success during the long day(s) ahead. Immediately after crossing the creek, we bid our farewells to the lovely ATV trails, trading them for moose and caribou game trails that led us to Chitna Pass in the distance. After several hours of an exciting new mode of hiking (through neck-high brush), we finally reached the alpine tundra at the base of the pass. Henry pushed forward as a strong hiker and expert route finder, leading by example as an experienced LOD. Upon reaching the pass, we took photos to immortalize our accomplishment, ate pounds of snacks, and had a music circle. Luke found an awesome snow slide with Avi and later told the group that it was his highlight of the day. The next several miles through the pass included some of the most incredible scenery anyone in the group had ever seen. We meandered through alpine vistas, side-hilling an incredible river gorge while looking at both wildlife and remote glacial peaks, including the elusive GOLDEN MOUNTAIN! After descending about a thousand feet in less than the last mile of our hike, we made camp on the shores of Boulder Creek. We forayed into a more adventurous palette, cooking up lentils and rice (which were a crowd favorite). Despite this being our longest day, we stayed up late appreciating our ability to conquer both mountains and ourselves.
After a big day, we were due for a rest. We slept in, had a lazy morning, and were treated to phenomenal pancakes made by our very own Chef Poppy. For the rest of the day, we played around with rocks, watched the river go by, journaled, and reflected on our past few days on the trail. We made pita pizza, much to the delight of our fellow pizza enthusiast, Nelson. Our Moonup concluded with a riveting game of SCHMODUS (ask your kiddos). Hilarity ensued. We bid each other goodnight with a big group hug. As we leaders fell asleep, we were haunted by chants of the fabled Tent City coming from the peanut gallery a few tents away.
GRIT DAY. The next day was rainy. Cold. But our spirits remained high as we itched for more miles and more adventure. During Grit Day, we followed Boulder Creek, AKA the Golden Brick Road, to the mythical Tent City. Poppy proved herself an expert at creek crossings, helping everyone’s confidence and ease. MJ showed her indomitable spirit as she faced the cold with a smile. Luke found a chair that he carried for over 5 miles, in his words, “showcasing his dedication” to the cause. Livi never let adversity or the rain and wet get to her. Henry and Simmons continued the banter that kept the group going at a blinding speed. Charlotte embraced Type II fun, always pointing out the scenery and how the rain made the verdant greens of the hills pop. Reed kept the crew entertained with games, song, and dance, lightening the mood and warming up the soul. Avi showcased stoic leadership, never allowing the body’s discomfort to inhibit the mind. Nelson never once complained, even going on a quick jog at lunch to help Porter warm up. Macy persevered and engaged with those who most needed someone to talk to on the trail. Grit Day was tough. But most importantly, every single kiddo on the trip absolutely crushed the challenge and laughed it off like it was a small feat. Getting to Tent City was no small feat, but you wouldn’t know it by the exemplary attitudes and words of support and affirmations shared by our travelers.
The rain cleared the next morning at Tent City, revealing a lovely view. We soaked up our last full day in the backcountry in style, taking a lazy morning in camp before frolicking our way to the last campsite. We stopped to admire beavers and their dams, identified some really cool ducks (Barrow’s Goldeneye, look it up!), and sang our favorite songs. We rolled into camp in late afternoon, setting up our backcountry kitchen overlooking the Matanuska River Valley we originally departed from and the stunning Chugach Mountains beyond. The only word to describe this final evening in the backcountry is wonder. Charlotte, MJ, and Avi took on the role of chefs, cooking up some delicious, loaded quesadillas and jambalaya, while everyone else reveled in recounting all the little moments of the past week. Group photos and dancing in the long sunset helped to bookend a beautiful seven full days in the rugged Alazgan wilderness.
Yesterday, we said our sad farewells to the backcountry and dropped down to the pickup spot. While we were happy to see our shuttle drive up to bring us back to semi-civilization, we know that all of us felt a serious bittersweetness about it all. The backpacking section of NLT is the backbone of why many of us both enroll and lead this trip, and the satisfaction of a job well done in the backcountry is written all over our faces. These kids rock. Thank you for trusting us with their safety in the rugged Talkeetnas, and thank you for raising such thoughtful, caring, and strong young leaders. We could go on, but it’s time to go hit the Matanuska River.
We’ll catch you after rafting!
With gratitude,
NLTA (Porter, Matt, & Ellie)
Shoutouts:
Henry: Hey y’all, I am having a great time here in Alaska, it is amazing! We just finished backpacking and we are going on a rafting trip tomorrow. Hope y’all are having fun in Italy and Montana. Love y’all.🏔️
Poppy: Hello! Alaska is the coolest ever. I’m having the best time. I have a great group and have made lots of friends. We just finished backpacking in the Alaskan backcountry and now we are about to go rafting for a couple days. Please fill out my parking spot form ASAP if you haven’t already. Love you!!
Luke: Hello mom and dad. I’ve really enjoyed Alaska and all the people here are very fun. So far we did the ice climbing and just finished the back packing. I really enjoyed both and I’m excited to go and white water rafting tomorrow.
Reed: What’s up mom, dad, Laura, Knox, Kate & Leah. I’m having a great time in Alaska. We just got done with our 8 day backpacking in the back country, there were no bear encounters. Tomorrow we going rafting. Backpacking pretty chill, it only rained one night but it was the same day we hiked 15 miles. I gtg cya.
Avi: hey guys, just got done backpacking today. Finally back in normal society, went to pizza place for dinner. Backpacking was great, ice climbing was super fun too. I am having so much fun and I’m hanging out with everyone in my group. I love you guys and hope all is well
Simmons:Hey family, Alaska is amazingggggggg‼️ We just finished our 8 day backpacking portion, and it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done😎🔥. The people are awesome, and I’m so glad y’all let me come on this trip👊.
Macy: hey guys I hope dads having fun in Scotland and moms having a good time keeping us all going. I love Alaska it’s so cool! We just got done backpacking at it was actually insane. This is the coolest thing ever and I hope you all are having a good time too! I love you so much!
MJ: Sup fam🤗, today we returned from our 8 day backpacking trip in the backcountry 🏔️🌲🥾 and it was one of the most challenging but rewarding things I have ever done. The people and leaders here are so amazing and I’m so grateful to be here. Tomorrow we start our rafting expedition and then finish the trip with sea kayaking🌊 and a plane ride around Denali ✈️❄️!! I have so many stories to tell you when I get home, miss you all and hi hall 🔥 Also- happy early birthday dad love you
Charlotte: Hi family I miss you all but I miss Clara the most. Alaska is actually insane backpacking was so cool, but don’t worry we just got to shower so I don’t stink anymore. Also hi Thad I miss you and I hope you had fun in Peru! Mom you might need to book me a hair appointment when I get home…. Sorry….😁😱
Nelson: Dear mother and father this exodus to Alazka has been most jubilant and expeditious. I have missed both of your warm embrace vastly whilst on this venture despite my most profound endearment of this adventure. I love you both without bounds and my enjoyment of this journey is only and equally counterbalanced with my hopes to perceive y’all again.
Livia: Heyyy family, friends, and Cole! Alaska has been amazing. 🤩 I’m having a blast here. Everything we have done has been the coolest🤯. I’ve seen the most beautiful landscapes I’ve seen in my life. I have so many stories and I’m so excited to share them with you all! I miss every one of you and I’m so excited to give you all a big hug🥰. See you soon! P.S. Mom you may need to book me a hair appointment!! 💇♀️ 🤗🤗🤗
Amazing Alaskan Adventures!
June 21, 2025
Greetings from the wilds of Alaska! Your adventurers are having an incredible time exploring the Last Frontier, and we wanted to share some highlights from our first few days together.
Day 1 – Arrival and First Camp We all met up at the Anchorage airport with excited energy and big smiles, ready to begin our Northern Lights adventure! After gathering our gear and getting acquainted, we headed north of Anchorage to set up our first camp. That evening, we held our first “moonup” – a special nightly ritual where we come together to reflect on the day’s experiences and share the good moments that stood out to each of us. It was a beautiful way to connect as a group and set the tone for the days ahead. The kiddos were amazed by the endless daylight and the stunning Alaskan landscape surrounding us.
Day 2 – Journey to Glacier View We woke up refreshed and piled into our coach for the scenic drive up the Glenn Highway to Glacier View. The journey itself was an adventure, with breathtaking mountain vistas and wildlife sightings along the way. We made camp along the Matanuska River at the NOVA base, where we’ll be working with our expert glacier guides. The afternoon was spent getting to know each other better through team-building activities and card games, including hacky sack, which MJ and Simmons excelled at. The afternoon was followed by a delicious dinner of burrito bowls that everyone devoured. As we settled in for the night under Alaska’s famous midnight sun, the group was buzzing with excitement for the glacier adventures ahead. Livi and Henry led the first moonup, starting with a game of “Birdie on a Perch” and asking thoughtful questions that the whole group enjoyed.
Day 3 – First Day on the Ice The real adventure began! We woke up early and met our NOVA guides who outfitted us with all the mountaineering gear needed for ice climbing on the Matanuska Glacier. Watching the kids gear up with mountaineering boots, climbing harnesses, crampons and ice picks was incredible. These guys looked like real-deal mountaineers! We spent the afternoon climbing several routes on the glacier, including an exciting via ferrata route built right into the ice. Everyone challenged themselves and supported their teammates throughout the climbs. Reed was one of the first challengers to take the ice, setting a great example for the rest of the group. Nelson sped up the wall of ice acting as a natural, and we were all very impressed. After our full afternoon on the glacier, we returned to camp where the brave souls took a refreshing (and shriek-worthy!) plunge in the glacier-fed river. Avi stayed in the freezing glacier water the longest, proving us mental fortitude. Dinner was a feast of lamb gyros loaded with fresh vegetables, tzatziki, and hummus that we all prepared together. We turned in early, exhausted but exhilarated from our first taste of glacier climbing.
Day 4 – Deep Glacier Exploration Another early morning brought loaded hashbrowns for breakfast to fuel us for our backcountry glacier exploration day. This time, we ferried a raft across the Matanuska River and hiked a couple miles to reach a spectacular crevasse area where we would spend the entire day climbing. Poppy paddled extra hard, contributing to the success of the river crossing. The kids absolutely crushed every route they attempted, showing incredible determination and supporting each other every step of the way. There were three pitches to climb, and Luke stepped up to the plate and took on the most challenging one first, getting the rest of the group stoked to climb. After six full hours on the glacier, everyone was tired but glowing with accomplishment. Charlotte faced her fear of lowering into the crevasse to climb out and was glowing with excitement. On our way back to camp, we made a surprise stop for ice cream. Back at camp, we spent the evening staging all of our backpacking gear and food in preparation for the next phase of our adventure: 8 days in the Alaska bush of the Talkeetna Range.
Day 5 – Skills and Preparation Today we focused on essential backcountry skills that will keep us safe and help us be responsible adventurers in the wilderness. The morning was spent learning map reading techniques, hiking safety protocols, and Leave No Trace principles. Macy, acting as one of the LODs, helped organize and stage backpacking gear, which was no suprise as she is always asking for ways she can help. The kids are becoming more confident and knowledgeable with each passing day, and their enthusiasm for the upcoming backcountry section is contagious.
All three leaders are incredibly proud of how this group has come together. The kids are supporting each other, pushing their comfort zones, and embracing every challenge with positive attitudes. They’re building friendships that will last long after we return home and developing skills and confidence that will serve them well in all their future adventures.
Stay tuned for updates from our backcountry expedition in the Talkeetna Range – the real wilderness adventure is just beginning!
-With excitement from Alaska,
Porter, Matt, & Ellie
Safe Arrival in Anchorage!
June 17, 2025
Hello Northern Lights Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that the group has landed safely in Alaska! The trip is off to a great start, and we cannot wait to hear more stories from 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
