Final Update from Slovenia!
July 15, 2025
Hello everyone!
We are writing to report that all of your kids are safely on the plane back to you! We were so sad to see them go but we had the absolute best two weeks exploring Slovenia with them!!
Since we last checked in, we’ve been exploring Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled. After our rewarding dinner of massive burgers to commemorate trekking, we enjoyed one of the prettiest sunsets yet before heading off to bed for an amazing nights rest.
The following morning we were up and ready to head to Lake Bled. George was so excited to see the famous church and it did not disappoint! Eleanor was a rowing queen and gracefully rowed her boat across the lake. We headed up 99 stairs to the only island in the entire country of Slovenia! Some explored the church while others enjoyed the gift shop. We headed back down to the water where everyone swam for a bit while the sun was shining.
We headed into the town of Bled for some poke bowls on the water and everyone loved them. After lunch we wandered around the streets of Bled for a bit before it was time to head back to the hostel. Everyone quickly regrouped and we headed to rock climb. Mary Mac and Cole absolutely dominated the wall and showed the rest of us how it was done. We played with some goats and cheered everyone on before it was time for dinner. Everyone cleared their plates of pizza and pasta and talked about just how good the food has been on this trip.
We headed back for a special Moonup led by Carlin and Graham which ended by everyone jumping in the lake to close it out.
The next morning we headed up to a ski resort where we hiked up into the clouds. Although the view wasn’t the greatest we felt like we were in a movie with the clouds surrounding us on all sides. MC kept the energy high and everyone laughing as we hiked along the ridge. We snapped some photos and explored a World War I bunker before heading down for some lunch. Everyone scarfed down their lunch before we descended back down the mountain.
The rain rolled in as we all began to pack our things to head home. One last activity was on the docket: stand up paddle-boarding! Everyone grabbed a board and we headed out. It drizzled on us creating a picturesque scene for our activity. The boys paddled all the way to the other side of the lake while the girls joined boards and played games.
A quick shower and we were out the door for our final dinner with Jaka and Sarah! Zoe and Riley spearheaded making cards to thank them for our time together and got the whole group to sign them. They absolutely loved them and were so excited to have a momento from this amazing group. Everyone loved our dinner which consisted of a meat roast, potatoes, delicious bread, veggies and of course, crepes to finish it out.
Extremely full, we headed back for one last Moonup by the lake. Millie and Ryan came up with some awesome silly questions that got everyone thinking. We closed out with our favorite game, Calibra, before we were off to bed.
Our final day together started with a delicious breakfast and lots of sunshine!!! We packed our things and hit the road to Ljubljana.
Once arrived, dropped our bags and bid farewell to Jaka and Sarah, who were so important to our two weeks together. We then walked into town and began our afternoon with some amazing burgers. After some fuel, we shopped around until our feet hurt. From souvenir shops to European Zara there was so much to see. We headed back to the hostel where we got ready for banquet and headed out in our new fits. We took photos to commemorate our last night and talked about things we’re going to miss from the trip. Finn kept the boys end of the table cracking up as we shared one last pizza dinner together. Post dinner we headed for gelato and then to a park for our closing Moonup. We wrote each other personal nug jugs to remember our time and of course played one last game of Calibra. With high energy, everyone pulled an all nighter until we headed for the bus before the sun was even up. Lillian helped everyone keep the adrenaline pumping getting us all the way to Venice with a smile. As the sun rose everyone dozed off for a couple hours of rest before a long travel day.
We kept reminding each other that this isn’t goodbye-it’s just a “see you later.” Words can’t fully capture how incredible your children are or what an honor it’s been to explore Slovenia with them over the past two weeks. Each and every one of them made this trip unforgettable, and we’re excited to continue watching them grow as leaders. We will miss all of them so so much!!
All the love, one last time,
Kate + Nate
Thank you's!
July 11, 2025
Cole: Thank you so much Mom and Dad I love you!
Eleanor: Thank you both so much for sending me to this amazing place with these amazing people!
Ryan: Thank you so much, I’m having fun!
Riley: Thanks Mom and Dad for sending me to this cool place!
Carlin: Thank you so much for this opportunity it really means so much to me. I am having so much fun love you!
Zoe: hello!! Thank you so much for sending me on this trip! Hope yall are having fun!! I’m basically fluent at this point mom you are going to be really impressed!
Mac-Mac: Thank you so much for sending me on this trip! I’m having so so so much fun! This place is so cool! See you soon
Lillian: Thank you so much for sending me on this trip! I have had so much fun and I really liked trekking. Love y’all and see you soon!
Finn: Howdy Ma and Pa, thank you for letting me to go to Slovenia, Having a blast. Will be home soon, or not, depends on how much I love this place. Živela SLOVENIA!
Graham: hey mom and dad I love yall but I might stay here, it has been a blast 💥
MC: Thank you so much for letting me go on this amazing experience. I truly had the best time and met some of the best people. Love you so much!!
Millie: Thank you for sending me on Moondance I am incredibly grateful!! I always have the best experience ever and meet the most amazing people!! Love you so much and hope Callie is well!!
George: Thank you so much Mom and Dad I love you!
Fun in the Sun!
July 11, 2025
Hi everyone!!
We are writing to you from Lake Bohinj after completing the trekking section of our trip!! Everyone had a blast, and we have made it to the other side safely!
On our first day, we set off after waiting out the end of the rainstorm that lingered over camp. We ate one last meal from Chef George and said goodbye before we were on our way!! Everyone was in great spirits to begin our trek and get to the first hut. George and Ryan tied their Slovenian flags around their backpacks and led the group up our first climb.
We shared stories and encouragement as the group absolutely crushed the first part. We finished our first few miles in record time, and everyone was feeling great. We were greeted by the other group, who had mementos to share about their trekking section so far. We walked over to a cheese farm and got to see the cows and sheep that are used for the delicious cheese. We then headed down to a lake for some photos before hiking back for dinner. Carlin led the way home, and everyone eagerly followed with hungry stomachs. Eleanor and Graham led us through an extremely impactful Moonup before we headed off to bed.
The next morning, we started our day with some eggs and coffee before we were back out on the trail. Zoe and Millie were our fearless leaders and LODs as they commanded our group the entire day. We trekked to a World War II remains spot, and everyone was so excited to learn about the history and put their AP World knowledge to the test. We then meandered into a bunker to explore before we put our packs back on and were on our way. Once we arrived at our favorite campsite, we bundled up as the chilly weather rolled in. The girls made friendship bracelets while the boys told stories as we waited for dinner. Everyone scarfed down dinner before we played our new favorite game, Calibra, and had Moonup as the almost full moon rose. It was a moment we will never forget! Everyone warmed up and headed off to bed, ready for another day on the trail.
Finn and MC led us through the third and final full day of trekking as our LOD, and they did an amazing job stepping up as leaders! We started the day descending into the valley while playing wavelength and telling hilarious stories from back home. Lillian kept everyone laughing on the trail, and Riley kept the energy high. We arrived at our campsite and quickly ate some goulash before taking a huge group nap. In the afternoon, we hiked to a beautiful lake to take in the views and watched as a helicopter flew over, dropping off supplies to our mountain hut. When we returned for dinner, some local Slovenians were singing songs outside, and all of the girls joined in. We sang the English version of “Take Me Home Country Roads” as they sang it in Slovenian. We played Calibra once more, where Graham held his own and then settled down for Moonup. We talked about our favorite compliments and songs from our childhood before tucking in for the night under the full moon.
On our final day, Mary Mac got the group up and at ’em for our last push. We ate some breakfast and layered up for the homestretch. We hiked along the ridge and down to another cheese farm where we stopped for lunch. The cows greeted us, and everyone was so excited to see them and snap some photos.
We finished our final downhill and arrived at the vans, ready for a shower and a nap. We are now headed for some much-deserved burgers and can’t wait to tell you the stories from the next couple of days.
We have absolutely loved getting to know this group and have learned so much from each and every student! They are all so excited to see you and tell you all about our time here 🙂
All the love,
Kate + Nate
Hi Everyone!!!
July 7, 2025
Sending love from the stunning Soca Valley!! Our adventure is off to a fantastic start, and we already have a ton of stories to tell! After everyone safely landed in Venice, we quickly set off on our first journey. Our Slovenian guides, Jaka and Sara, were thrilled to meet the group and finally kick off the trip.
We soaked in the views on our scenic drive to Croatia and stopped along the way to enjoy our first (of many) pizzas for lunch. With excitement buzzing, we chatted about what we were most looking forward to on the trip. It didn’t take long before everyone was fast asleep in the van, catching a much-needed nap before arriving in Pula. Energy was quickly restored when we pulled up to a stunning beach just a short walk from camp. Without even unpacking, we all threw on swimsuits and dove straight into the water. Laughter and stories from home were exchanged as we began to bond. After our swim, we feasted on a delicious local dinner prepared by our wonderful campsite hosts, then gathered for our first Moonup at sunset-it was nothing short of magical. We cracked open the Nug Jug, where compliments are shared and everyone was excited to hype one another up. We ended Moonup and then crawled into our sleeping bags for a much needed night of rest.
Our first full day together started bright and early with a Croatian breakfast and, of course, some coffee. It was the 4th of a July holiday which everyone was excited to celebrate in a new country together. We were off to our first activity-sea kayaking! Our inaugural LODs, George, Carlin and Mary Mac helped get everyone paired up and into their tandem boats and get the energy high. We paddled down the coast, soaking in jaw-dropping views of the Adriatic Sea. At a cave stop, we hopped out, grabbed goggles, and swam inside to explore. The crystal-clear water and arched rock formations left everyone in awe. Afterward, the whole group lined up to leap off the cliffs beside the caves, cheering each other on as fish swam below. Millie overcame her fear and majestically jumped into the water below. Once back on shore, our LODs surprised us with a bit on the water blob, which the group absolutely loved! That was followed by lunch at an olive oil vineyard, where we dove into some delicious homemade pasta dishes.
Next on the agenda: cliff jumping in a famous section of Premantura National Park. Lillian was fearless and had the mentality that we’re only cliff jumping in Croatia once! After drying off, we headed to back to camp for a quick rinse before heading for dinner. We arrived to town early so we walked around and explored some shops. Dinner was in the charming city of Pula, where we enjoyed more pizza and pulled pork sandwiches. We ended the evening with a Moonup under the stars before turning in for the night.
The next morning, we packed up camp and set off for our namesake destination-Slovenia! Along the way, we had an unforgettable cooking class. Everyone helped to whip up the most amazing peach pie, the perfect dessert after a hearty meal of soup, pasta, turkey, and mashed potatoes. LOD Ryan commanded the group to keep everyone on track for our delicious meal! Once we said goodbye to our wonderful host, we finished the drive to our Slovenian campsite. We ate some yummy dinner prepared by chef Big George at our campsite and then had Moonup surrounded by our tents and the mountains.
The next day began with a quick breakfast of oatmeal, toast, and fruit before heading off to explore the canyons. We geared up and hiked to our Canyoneering spot, ready to slide down waterfalls. The group was all smiles as we jumped, slid, and rappelled through the cool, rushing water. Millie was a superstar at having a positive attitude about being afraid of the jumps, but everyone killed it! Zoe asked the guide if they could rappel her from the highest point on our last waterfall and a few followed after her. We headed for lunch at camp before some folks took naps and others got to know one another better. In the afternoon we headed to a river for a quick swim spot before hitting the town of Bovec for gelato. Once back at camp we played football and gave each other hair tinsel. We had dumpling soup and then the kids cheffed up some delicious chocolate crepes for dessert. The storm clouds rolled in and the temperature began to drop. As it began to rain we decided to all squeeze into a yurt together for our Moonup. Finn and MC led us as we talked about our goals and how we would spend our last day on Earth. Eleanor always has insightful comments during our moonups to open up the group. The lightening lit up the sky and we all fell asleep to the natural white noise.
Up early again, we headed out for white water rafting on the Soca River. The water almost looked like milk following the storm and the clouds sat very low which created an amazing scene for our morning raft. Riley commanded our boat and made sure we were all in sync. Graham and Cole captained their boat and pulled funny pranks on the girls boat! Everyone loved this activity and was sad as we pulled into our take out spot.
Following rafting we headed to camp for some delicious pasta and a refreshing cucumber salad. Sara and Jaka prepped us for our trekking section and we all began to collect our things. We headed for a short hike to an amazing lake that was even bigger because of the rain and after that we went back to Bovec to pick up a few things we will need for the chilly trekking temps and some souvenirs! We are having a BBQ tonight and gearing up to head into the mountains tomorrow!
This group has blown us away with their maturity and quick bond. We are so grateful to you for allowing us to spend these two weeks with your kids!
Next stop: trekking in the Julian Alps!! We’re so excited to share what comes next!
All the love,
Kate + Nate
Shoutouts:
Carlin: Hey Mom and Robby, I’m having so much fun, there are so many beautiful views! Tomorrow we start trekking which I’m excited for but a little nervous! Can’t wait to tell you guys about it! Hope you’re having fun on your trip! Love you!
Eleanor: Hi Mom, Dad, and Willie! I’m having a great time over here in Slovenia! I can’t wait to see you all but in the meantime make sure you give Willie extra love for me and watch a good docuseries! Love you all endlessly!
Lillian: Hey Mom and Dad! I’m having so much fun here! I really appreciate yall sending me on this trip! Happy Birthday, Dad! Tell Rosie and Byrdie hi for me! Love and miss yall!
George: Hey Mom and Dad! Having a blast! Shoutout Kate and Nate they’re super fun! Cliff jumping was so awesome!
Cole: Hey Mom and Dad! I’m having so much fun and Cliff jumping was lit! Miss yall!
Finn: I LOVE MY MOM! I LOVE MY DAD! MOONDANCE IS GREAT!
Graham: Thank you Mom and Dad for this trip! I love you so much! I’m having a blast!
Zoe: Hi Mom, Das Zach and KK, I love you so much! I’m having so much fun and I can’t wait to tell you all about my trip! Ps: kk I’m sorry about your charger I used it because I miss you
Riley: Dear Mom Dad and WB, I’m having lots of fun and I miss yall tons! Can’t wait to tell you all about the trip when you get home! Ps: Willbill play well!
MC: Hey Mom and Dad! I’m so excited to tell you about all of my new memories and friends! We’ve done so many cool activities and my favorite so far is Canyoneering! I’m having such a great time! Love you so much!
Mary Mac: Hello Mom and Dad! Hope you guys are doing good! I’m having lots of fun in Slovenia! I’ve met a bunch of awesome people and my leaders are great! We’re about to start trekking and I’m really excited the views here are insane! Love you all!
Ryan: Hi mom! Miss you so much! I’m having the best time ever and I can’t wait to tell you all about it!
Millie: Hey Mom and Dad! I’m having so much fun and am so excited to tell you all about it! We leave to go trekking tomorrow and it’s going to be so fun!
Safe Arrival!
July 3, 2025
Hello Slovenia Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that the group has landed safely! 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
