Waves, Whales, + Wonderful Memories – PNW 2B Signs Off
July 11, 2025
Hello from Seattle.
Unfortunately, we are writing to you from the airport where we have just sent your kids back to you. We have had an unbelievable time with them. We have watched them paddle through massive rapids, climb and rappel from great heights, explore the mountains of the North Cascades with only a backpack, and enjoy the beautiful San Juan Islands by sea kayak. We have done so much these past two weeks, and we hope your kids will remember this trip for many years to come because we certainly will. While we have you, we’d like to give you one last update on how our sea kayaking adventures went.
After making it out of the backcountry, we stopped by a local place to fill up on burgers and fries. A much-needed greasy hit after eating dehydrated vegetables and rice for the past few days. Then, we hit the road to the coast, where a ferry awaited to take us across the sea to the San Juan Islands. We had a big 4th of July dinner of pasta, meatballs, lemonade capri suns, and pancakes prepared by Patrick and Isaac. Interesting combo, but it is just what the kids ordered, and all of them were stuffed to the brim. Bellies full, we headed into the town of Friday Harbor to watch fireworks over the water. No 4th of July is truly complete without fireworks, and these were amazing as the reflection danced off the water in the harbor.
AHOOY!! Our day of yaking is upon us. That is kayaking of course, and today is the day we trek across the SALISH SEA!!! Some of the most unforgiving (absolutely beautiful) and brutal (totally safe) waters we have ever yakked. As morning dawned upon the shipmates, our wee pirates are already prepared to wake up with the sun as we had to be out on the waters bright and early. Chum (a hearty bowl of yogurt) filled us up before we embarked on a quick wagon ride to meet our shipmates (outfitters). Captain REI ELI and Captain Chef Chanse were our brothers in boats for the day and our crew was captivated by their knowledge of their home waters. Our shipmates loaded up our yaks and we geared up to battle the wind and currents ahead of us.
And just like that, the two boat crews left from shore. They would not return until the following day, as they planned to explore the legend of Jones Island. While protected by the shores and seals we passed along San Juan Island, the yakkers paddled smoothly through mild current and dark blue water. They watched jelly fish and sea stars living in the world below until suddenly, a burst of water plumed from the sea. What’s that? Could it be? A KILLER WHALE!?! Yes! Indeed. Rook, the biggest and baddest orca in the San Juan islands swam gracefully past our ships as we moved across the channel. Our boats bashed onto shore as eyes were fixed on the majestic creatures. Everyone was star struck. It appears Lady Luck paid a visit to the Moondance ships today, and as the whales disappeared into the waves in the distance.
Sandwiches were eaten fast as the winds pointed faced directly opposing the bows of our ships (kayaks). Captain REI ELI remarked the the wind speed were at 10 knots and the swells in the water were 2-3 feet! How was the rookie crew going to make it? Would they? Of course the would. This is Moondance we are talking about. The strongest children this side of the Mississippi. With our captains by our side, the yakkers paddled hard against the water. Each stroke made us on step across the channel and one step closer to a nap. But it appeared that with every stroke forward, the wind would shove us back. Not today wind. Adam gave one of the most motivational speeches ever heard on those waters, and rumor has it that on a windy day, you can still hear him yelling in the wind. Isaac bellowed Country Roads for all to hear, 8 times in a row, which kept Alice, his shipmate, cruising through the water at rapid speeds. Livi and Caroline had laughter and hope as there fuel while Kate and Adam sang Payphone or Everything is Awesome on repeat. They were not wrong, everything was indeed awesome. Liv and May paddled in unison as the traversed the waters. Their Camp Seafarer bond brought them closer together and wind, wave, nor tsunami could break a bond that strong. Everything was smooth sailing until Duncan and Patrick faced the most challenging obstacle yet. While crossing the channel, the ruder on there boat was ripped of by a massive swell. Although discouraged, they would never be defeated by any sea and they used all there might to dip there paddles deep in the water and carry on. You would think Poseidon himself was pulling the boat forward and they surged passed everyone else. There story is now whispered in rumor between anyone and everyone who call the water there home. The seas were brutal, the swells were high, but their spirit were higher until suddenly… LAND HO! The the long (and I mean long) paddle came to an end with kayaks pulled up on beaches and a rather large harbor seal cheering the paddlers in. It’s a pirates life for these kids and pride could not fill my little heart any fuller. Everyone passed out after setting up camp. The long paddle day was ruthless and took a lot of strength. The waters are no joke, but neither is the workout the kids endured. Captain Chef Chanse whipped up a delicious meal of tacos. But a pirate loves nothing more than a s’more and they were eaten like savages. Faces full of marshmallow and graham cracker before hiking out to one of the most authentic sunsets eyes have ever gazed upon. Patrick and Adam then swam in the frigid waters before eyes were closed for another night.
The next morning was another early one as we needed to face the wind once again. This time however, the winds were much calmer as the paddlers passed the channel and cruised right into the landing spot in a fraction of the time. Lunch was enjoyed all together before we parted ways from our fearless and loved captains. They still yak the Salish sea to this day and were hopeful we will reunite with them someday. Oh wait! What’s that? Did somebody say… ICE CREAM!?! After an experience such as that one, everyone needed a hearty bowl, or cone, of ice cream in Friday Harbor. A nifty little town that was enjoyed before heading back for the campsite for the night. The waters tired everyone out, and once again, they all passed out. However, they were awoken to the smell of May’s Famous curry which was enjoyed, savored, and laughed over. Boy oh boy did that dish have flavor and was a huge hit from the crew. And tonight, it was one hit after another as the kids devoured and scraped the pot clean of Adam’s pineapple yellow cake. As our time on the San Juan Islands drew to a close, the kids enjoyed a moonup, before hitting the hay one more time.
And we made it. The last full day with our session two students. A sad day for us all as we have had the pleasure of watching them grow and develop into better leaders throughout the past two weeks. Our last day started with the kids favorite, yogurt and granola as we had an early ferry ride to catch for the main land. With sleepy eyes, we pulled onto the ferry and then hiked up to the deck to get one last glimpse of San Juan Island.
Back on land, the group scrubbed the van clean of the memories of they had written on it and vacuumed up the snacks and crumbs they were leaving behind before being treated to chipotle. After some needed burrito bowls, we were off to our last campsite. There, everyone played games and laughed joyfully before they realized there epic adventure was coming to an end. The van, which portrayed a certain form of home for the kids through the weeks, served as a great spot were we could let out a little cry. Tears of joy, friendship, and sadness drizzled in the back seats. Unfortunately, the door to the great Moondance adventure of PNW 2B has closed and it’s moral is now carried in memories and stories that each student will cherish between each other. May and I are going to miss these kids. They brought laughter and life to each day, and while they are sad to leave each other, we are proud of how much they have grown. Life is a little bit sweeter when it is shared with friends, and this trip certainly has proved that. When eyes were dry, a feast was had at a local taco spot, dressed in wacky outfits purchased at the local thrift store. All were dripping in style before they were treated to cookies and muffins for desert. Finally, after a thoughtful last moonup, everyone laid down their head for one last time on their travel pillow.
And just like that, dawn came and the moon dancers were riding in the van for one last time. All feel asleep, except for Liv, who was captivated by as the northern cascades faded into the lush greenery of the Washington countryside. From here window seat Liv got one last good look of Mt. Rainer before it faded away as the van pulled into the airport. And the airport is where I now write my last final goodbye. It has been my pleasure to be everyone’s counselor and May and I are going to miss each dearly. I urge you all to continue to get outside, enjoy those great outdoors. There are sights to be seen and laughs to be had! See all of you next year on Moondance!
All the best,
Adam & May
Happy 4th from the PNW!
July 4, 2025
Hello again!
We wanted to give you all another update on what we’ve been up to the past few days. After our climbing adventures in Smith Rock, we headed north, back to Washington where the mountains of the North Cascades awaited us. But before we hit the road, we couldn’t leave Smith Rock without treating the kids to some ice cream. They were all so amazing and brave on Monkey’s Face, and a sweet treat was definitely what they needed. While on our drive, we passed Mount St. Helen’s, Mount Hood, and Mount Rainier! Liv and Alice kept the vibes high with lots of great singing suggestions. Duncan snoozed peacefully but woke up to sing along to some Taylor Swift. That evening, we had a hearty chicken and pesto pasta dinner and everyone went to bed early after a long day.
Day six was our final travel day before heading into the backcountry. It started off with some delicious egg and bagel sandwiches courtesy of Isaac and Patrick. If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Isaac, it’s that he looooves to cook! We hit the road again to continue north towards the North Cascades National Park. The vibes were high and songs were sung on the drive up. Some people sang karaoke while others got a few extra zzzs before the big adventure into the woods. Once we arrived at our campsite, we set to work organizing our food and teaching the kids how to pack their backpacks. Isaac brought his pickle-flavored ramen! Afterward, Adam made a big fire where he taught us how to make personalized pita pizzas cooked by the flames of the fire itself. Before heading to bed, we had a peaceful Moonup by the river where laughs were shared and stories were told.
Day 1 of backpacking was awesome! We had one last big front country breakfast of sausage, eggs, and hash browns before loading up our packs into the trailer. We had a short hike down to the dock, where our water taxi awaited to take us to the trailhead. Once we arrived at the trail, the kids had their first taste of a backcountry lunch specialty, PB&J tortillas. Our LODs, Kate and Duncan, did an amazing job navigating for the group and keeping us on track. Once we got to our campsite, we immediately put on our water shoes and headed for the lake. The sun was hot, and the water was so refreshing. The flies were buzzing like crazy, but that didn’t stop Adam, Isaac, and Patrick from scrambling on the shore of Ross Lake to find some neat jumping spots. Everyone else chose a more relaxed afternoon in the water or enjoying the sun. They swam and relaxed on the shore for the afternoon, and Liv, Isaac, and Patrick cooked us some chicken and bean tacos. We ended the night with Moonup on the beach, where we were joined by some very curious deer.
To start our second day of backpacking, Duncan, Isaac, Kate, and Caroline made our group a delicious hash brown scramble with cheese and summer sausage. We definitely needed a hearty breakfast because we had some miles ahead of us. The first part of our route was certainly a little spicy. Lots of elevation gain, but our LODs, Livi and Isaac, kept group morale high, and the group moved up the side of Desolation Mountain. We lunched on some PB&J or summer sausage tortillas on a bridge that crosses over Lightning Creek and continued to hike through the forest, dominated by towering pine trees. Patrick said the forest reminded him of the “Forbidden Forest” from Harry Potter, while Livi and Kate thought it looked more like the enchanted forest from Sleeping Beauty, and we couldn’t agree more with both. We got to camp a little early, so we spent the afternoon napping and reading by the river. I think the slow afternoon was just what the doctor ordered. For dinner, Adam and I cooked up some backcountry chicken and veggie pad Thai, which Liv absolutely loved and claimed to be her favorite meal of the trip. After Moonup, we hung out and chatted while we watched the sun go down. Eventually, everyone slowly dispersed as the forest grew darker and as soon as the stars came out, Adam took Patrick and Isaac to look at star trails on the GoPro. Then, each fell peacefully asleep to the ambiance and white noise of a soothing rushing river beside us.
Day three of backpacking started off with some cheesy grits, a favorite for our southern kiddos, while Patrick and Adam still don’t quite understand the hype. During breakfast, Isaac found, and studied, banana slugs. Most everyone was interested in checking them out, except Alice and Liv, who were not big fans. After the dishes were clean and the campsite was spotless, the crew set off for day three. Day three was fast and short with Patrick and Liv Hogan at the helm. Liv studied carefully and took no wrong turns as our LODs charged us through the woods at a speedy pace. Everyone learned that trail talk, makes backpacking a little sweeter and a whole lot less sour. It’s what May and I have been trying to tell them all along, but finally playing the alphabet game, won gracefully by Alice and Livi, and wavelength made it so that no one was hungry for lunch until we made it to camp. The one, the only, stunningly beautiful Hozomeen Lake. A crystal clear lake of glacier water underneath towering mountains and lush greenery. It’s a sight to behold, so get ready for some pictures! After enjoying lunch, people either enjoyed swimming in the water or taking a nap. Eventually, the swimmers either got cold or tired, and everyone enjoyed listening to the birds sing as they closed their eyes, and I got to write this update. Talk about working with a view! After the naps, we cheffed up some delicious veggie fried rice. Patrick and Liv led us through a great Moonup by the lake, and we settled in for an early night since we had a big day coming up.
Happy 4th of July! What a great way to end our backpacking section than on America’s birthday! We had an early start, but after some oatmeal and some “Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen, we hit the trail for our final stretch before our takeout. Throughout our time in the North Cascades, the kids did amazing! They were so supportive of each other and really took in every moment. After one more water taxi and a last uphill push, we made it back to the van. Next up on our big adventure is sea kayaking in the San Juan Islands! We are so excited for the next few days, and we will be sure to update you guys again soon!
Talk soon,
Adam & May
Shoutouts:
Alice Stronach-
Mom and Dad,
I’m having fun. Miss you so much. See you soon! ☺️✌🏿😍
Liv Hogan-
Hi ma and pops 😚
I just finished backpacking 🎒. It was deffently something! I made some new pals. Please bring me a big fat Zac pack (zaxbys) 😏😁🤭 to the air port! Love y’all! Also bring Al a Zac pack! TANK YOU!
Livi Mason-
Hi everyone! I miss everyone from home! I can’t wait to see you soon! We just finished backpacking! It was hard…I can’t wait for our trip! When I get home on the 8 I want ground beef bowls… I can’t wait for normal food, I Miss yall!!💕💕
Kate Rentch-
Hiii, I miss you guys so much and can’t wait to see you. Been having a much fun.
Caroline Couey-
Hi mom and dad I’m having such a fun time here. We just finished backpacking and are about to go sea kayaking. Mom make sure to pack me cute clothes for Nantucket! I miss y’all!
Isaac Marks-
Dear mom and dad
Man the deer here are weird.
Patrick Arts-
Hi mom and dad,
We just finished backpacking and the views were insane. We are going sea kayaking soon. Can’t wait to see you guys at the airport.
Duncan Grant-
Dear Mom and Dad,
Just finished backpacking and going sea kayaking tomorrow, having a lot of fun. Can we have fried rice or poke bowls when I get home, that sounds so good right now. Tell Cate good luck today and goodbye.
Rock Walls, Rapids, And Radiant Smiles
June 29, 2025
Hello from the sunny and stunning Pacific Northwest! Adam and May here to give you some updates on how the first few days of our trip have gone. This crew is truly unbelievable. They have brought so much energy to the start of the trip, and their eagerness to jump into every activity whether it’s rafting or cooking has been so cool to see.
After all your kids landed safely in Seattle, we hit the road to our first campsite. Liv (Liv H.) was giving Adam lots of song suggestions for the car ride and keeping the vibes high. Alice and Livi started up a game of wavelength to pass the time and to get to know their peers. We had a hearty first day dinner of pizza and salad and then we got back on the road to finish the drive to our campsite. Our first moonup was a great one. We learned all about the goals your kids have set for themselves for this trip, and we hope that when they come back they will feel accomplished and proud of all their hard work.
Day two started early, but with some delicious pancakes courtesy of Adam, Isaac, and Patrick. After breakfast, we headed down to the White Salmon River for a big day of rafting. All the kids crushed it! We hit some major rapids but all the kids paddled through them with ease. Kate was an amazing source of energy out there. She kept the vibes high and smiled her way down the river. I think it’s safe to say that both rafts had an awesome time. After our rafting adventure, we headed back to camp for some showers and a delicious pasta and read sauce meal prepared by our first cook crew of the session, Duncan, Kate, and Caroline, aptly named “Duncan and his donuts”. After dinner, we heard some stories from our campsite host, Big Dawg, about his adventures in Alaska and on the White Salmon.
Day three started bright and early because we started climbing today! The kids were able to take a snooze in the van and before they knew it we were hiking down to our first climbing spot to learn all the essentials: tying into the rope, how to belay, and proper safety checks. After putting on their “climbing slipper” as they took to calling their climbing shoes, Alice and Liv were first to jump on the wall, eager to show what they had learned in our belaying lesson. Our wonderful climbing guide set up lots of routes for us, and everyone was able to try various types of climbs. Caroline quietly sailed up her first climb, revealing her stellar climbing skills on the “crux” (the hardest part of a climb). Adam and I are so proud of all the kids for giving every route they climbed their best.
After a fun afternoon in smith rock state park, we headed to Steelhead Falls to enjoy an afternoon swim. For dinner, Patrick, Isaac, and Liv made us a delicious sausage and pepper jambalaya, a great meal to kick off climbing. While our cook crew was cheffing away, the rest of the group picked our camping spot and turned into our own little tent city. After dinner, we gathered for a very entertaining moonup lead by Duncan and Liv. Let’s just say, there were a lot of “nugs” being shared. Duncan and Liv closed moonup with a game of Shake and Pop, a personal favorite of Adam and myself. After our shake and pop dance party, Patrick spotted a horned owl silhouetted in the setting sun, with the tall rock spires in the background. It was certainly a rare sight.
Day two of climbing started as the sun rose over smith rock. We kicked off the morning with some French toast sticks, fruit, and sausage prepared by Duncan, Caroline, and Kate. Today, we hiked along the bottom of the canyon to our climbing spot, passing lots of ponderosa pines and even spotting a Golden Eagle nest high up on a rock face. Our guides set up some more challenging routes that the kids breezed through. Livi powered through the crux of her climb and Patrick’s feet were barely on the ground as he was eager to climb everything he could. Everyone got a chance to practice a rappel, in predation for our big adventure on the Monkey’s Face. Lowering yourself over a cliff edge can be terrifying, but everyone was able to successfully rappel and get a stunning view of the canyon you can only get from high up on the wall. We climbed into the afternoon before venturing into the town of Bend for some lunch at a local food truck spot, and to explore the town. That night, the kids hung out around camp and hit the bed early since we would be up before the sun for Monkey’s Face!
The big day had finally arrived. All our climbing and rappelling practice had lead to this moment, conquering the Money’s Face. Our day started early, so early that the roosters on the neighboring farms were our alarm clocks. After a quick breakfast we hit the trail to hike up to the monkey. Monkey’s Face consisted of Tyrolean Traverse, a brief climb 200 ft above the air, followed by a rappel down to the base. Isaac, our fearless climber, led the group and boldly did the first descent. Some students rappelled slowly to enjoy the view while some were eager to get two feet in the ground, but every student tackled some gnarly height throughout our time climbing in smith rock. After some worrying she wouuldn’t be able to do the rappel, Liv performed flawlessly. We are so proud of this group, they really pushed through their fear and ended up having a great time. After an unbelievable morning, we headed back to camp to pack up and get on the road. Next stop, the North Cascades for backpacking! We can’t wait to share all about our backcountry adventure in a few days.
Bye for now,
Adam & May
Student Shoutouts:
Liv H: Hi mom and dad, me and Al are having a great time. I went rafting and got to wear wetsuits. All my clothes are brown because I keep falling but it’s okay because me and Al got a new wardrobe at Walmart. We are currently sitting in the van for a 4 hour car ride. I had to climb climb a mountain today and a few tears were shed. Miss y’all
Duncan: The trip is a lot of fun, we are about to start backpacking and we have done rafting and climbing so far. Both have been really fun.
Patrick: I am having a lot of fun, so far we have done rock climbing and white water rafting. I really like rock climbing and the views are incredible.
Livi M: Hi guys! I am having such a fun time! I miss y’all so much! I am writing this on day 5 and we have rafted and we climbed/rappelled Monkey’s Face! We are going into the backcountry in 2 days. Wish me luck. Kate and I got some Fourth of July gear from Walmart! Also, don’t forget to get a gym in London/Paris. I love you guys so much! Tell nana and pop I said hi!!
Caroline: I’m having a great time so far, we have rafted and done rock climbing. Everything has been so fun and I hope y’all are doing well.
Isaac: We are having a fantastic time and I am really enjoying the climbing.
Alice: I have had a great time so far! I have made new friends and tried new things, we have rafted and gone rock climbing. Miss y’all so much. If you see my friends tell them I miss them.
Kate: Hey everybody! I’m having a really good time! So far we have climbed and rafted. The campsites we have been staying at are super nice! Miss you so much. Hope you’re having a great time without me 🙂
Let the Fun Begin!
June 25, 2025
Hello Pacific Northwest Families!
We heard from our leaders that the group has landed safely in Seattle! 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
