Adventures in Paris and Final Hugs!
June 30, 2026
PARIS!
Now it is time for Paris, our reward! We woke up in Chamonix and made our journey to Paris. Excitement was buzzing as we talked about everything we wanted to see and buy. Our travel day wish list was packed with the Louvre, Notre Dame, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.
Once we arrived in Paris, we were thankful for a smooth travel day and excited to get out and start exploring. We dropped our things off at the hostel, and our LODs, Kenzie and Brady, took charge of leading us around the city. They checked in with the group and made a plan for the afternoon. The itinerary was simple and perfect: wander to the Panthéon, grab food to enjoy in the Jardin du Luxembourg, and finish with gelato.
We found ourselves wandering through Rue Mouffetard, one of the oldest streets in Paris. As we walked along the cobblestones, we admired the beautiful old architecture. Along the way, we stumbled into a centuries old church and took our time wandering through it. Eventually, we made it to the Panthéon, the iconic monument in the Latin Quarter. We stopped to shop along the way, with the girls picking out rings and the boys finding belts.
Brady and Kenzie led us to a delicious Lebanese restaurant where we enjoyed kebabs before heading to the Jardin du Luxembourg. Sitting together in a circle, we ate dinner while the sun slowly set over the city. Even with full bellies, there was still room for gelato. Double scoops all around made for some very happy campers.
Brady and Kenzie then led us to our Moonup spot, where they had an elaborate plan for our second to last Moonup. We kicked things off with Schomtus, which never fails to put smiles on our faces. Then we revisited an activity we first did in the Pyrenees section of the trip, five minutes of talking and listening. We paired up, spread out across the park, and settled in for what was supposed to be a short conversation. Five minutes quickly turned into forty five. That came as no surprise because this group loves meaningful conversations and getting to know one another on a deeper level.
Their final surprise of the night was a dance party followed by a sparkling apple juice celebration. Brady and Kenzie certainly do not mess around when it comes to Moonup. We headed back to the hostel excited for our big day in Paris.
Our full day in Paris had finally arrived! Annabelle and Emery were our LODs, and they had the challenge of planning an unforgettable day. The Eiffel Tower sat at the top of everyone’s list, but we had to save that big reveal for our final Moonup. We started the morning with classic French croissants and coffee before hitting the streets of Paris.
Our first destination was the Louvre, but not until, crepes. Annabelle and Emery led us to a crepe spot, where chocolate and banana was the clear favorite. Once we arrived at the Louvre, Lucy was determined to get the perfect photo where it looked like she was pitching the Louvre Pyramid. As we stood in front of the massive museum, we were amazed by its size.
Nearby, we spotted a Ferris wheel, and one thing quickly led to another. The boys, Sam, Cam, Brady, Emery, Eli, and Andrew, led the charge to ride the spinning swings. They convinced Reese and Margaret to join them. Flying high above the city ended up being one of the best ways to take in the incredible views.
We continued exploring the city, stopping for lunch before wandering into a thrift store. Brady and Cam left with matching bucket hats, while Eli scored a snazzy pair of jeans. Next stop was the mall, which may have been the biggest mall any of us had ever seen. After plenty more shopping, we made our way back toward the hostel, stopping at Notre Dame along the way. Back at the hostel, everyone enjoyed a well deserved nap before getting ready for our banquet dinner. Dressed up and ready to celebrate, we hopped on the Metro and made our way to the Eiffel Tower for the big reveal. It was breathtaking. The Iron Lady stood tall above the city, even more impressive than we imagined.
Our banquet dinner was nearby, where we enjoyed a wonderful French meal. Sam and Kenzie led the charge and were determined to try as many French specialties as possible, including frog legs, escargot, and beef tartare. They succeeded and left with clean plates. Annabelle happily ordered one of her favorite French dishes, boeuf bourguignon. Most of the group gave escargot a try, and surprisingly, it was much more popular than the frog legs. Eli and Sam were even bargaining for more snails before dinner was over.
Once we finished our final dinner together, we naturally made one more stop for gelato.
Annabelle and Emery did not disappoint. This was probably the best gelato we had all trip. With our cones in hand, we walked to the front of the Eiffel Tower just in time to watch the Iron Lady sparkle. Oohs and ahhs erupted throughout the group. Andrew pointed out the full moon sitting high above the skyline, perfectly positioned above the Eiffel Tower. It could not have been a more fitting place for our final Moonup. The time had come to end where we began, with Moonup. It was bittersweet.
Annabelle and Emery thoughtfully planned a Moonup that was meaningful and unforgettable. For hours, we sat together in a circle beneath the Eiffel Tower, laughing, crying, and sharing our favorite memories from the trip and the qualities we appreciated most about one another. It was a beautiful setting, made even more special by an incredible group of people who had been complete strangers just twenty three days earlier. Moondance brought this group together, and each student grew in ways they never could have imagined.
As your leaders, we will forever be grateful to you, the parents and guardians, for sharing these students with us. For three weeks, we woke up together, shared meals, walked countless miles, celebrated big moments, supported one another through challenges, and built friendships that will last far beyond this trip.
Cheers to Emery, Andrew, Reese, and Eli for their very first dance with us. Cheers to Lucy, Brady, Cam, Sam, Annabelle, Kenzie, and Margaret for choosing to come back for another adventure.
Thank you to each and every one of you. We recognize the courage it takes to step outside your comfort zone and embrace an experience like this. It has been an absolute joy to spend these past three weeks together, and we are so grateful for every moment.
With love,
Scarlet and Ben
Bonjour Mont Blanc!
June 28, 2026
Bonjour! Time for the Tour du Mont Blanc
After an incredible week in Spain, it was finally time to say goodbye. We woke up bright and early for one of our biggest travel days yet! After a quick breakfast and packing our bags, we loaded into the van for one last ride together. We jammed out to music for a few minutes before almost everyone quickly fell asleep, soaking up every bit of rest they could.
Once we arrived at the train station, our LODs, Cam and Annabelle, led us through the station and helped everyone get to the correct platform. We grabbed a quick bite before hopping on the first of three trains. Before long, we crossed back into France and officially said goodbye to Spain!
The first train ride went by quickly. Some students read while Sam, Cam, and Brady passed the time with a few competitive card games. After a short connection, we boarded our second train to Lyon where everyone shared snacks, talked about favorite memories from Spain, and enjoyed the scenery rolling by outside the windows. At our final connection we picked up sandwiches and salads before boarding one last train to Geneva. Three trains, three countries, and one very long travel day later, we climbed back into our vans and headed for Chamonix, France.
As the mountains grew bigger outside the windows, excitement spread through the group. The Alps had finally arrived! Chamonix, the namesake of our trip, was everything we had hoped for.
Our hostel greeted us with an incredible dinner of salad, ribs, and rice. Margaret declared it the best meal we’d had on the trip so far, and plenty of others quickly agreed. After dinner, we organized our packs for the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) and wrapped up the night with Moonup, where Margaret and Emory were elected to lead us into our first day on the trail.
TMB Day 1
After breakfast we met our guide, Chris, who would be with us throughout the Tour du Mont Blanc.
With Eli and Andrew leading the way, we began our first climb toward the mountain pass that would eventually take us from Italy into Switzerland. After a couple hours of hiking, we stopped at a mountain refuge where we could stand in one place and admire the ridgelines separating France, Italy, and Switzerland. To celebrate, many of us ordered authentic Italian hot chocolate, a rich, thick treat that was so dense it had to be eaten with a spoon! Cam was especially impressed.
We continued climbing until reaching our highest elevation of the day, where we stopped for lunch before making our way to the border crossing between Italy and Switzerland. Everyone gathered for pictures, while Margaret and Reese filmed themselves literally jumping from one country into another.
The afternoon was all downhill as we descended into the small Swiss village of La Fouly. After settling into our hostel, students explored the town. Eli quickly made friends with the local grocery store owner, who generously let him sample dried pork and beef before sharing it with the rest of the group.
Dinner was another success, with Brady and Ben making sure no food went to waste by enjoying second helpings. Afterwards we headed to the park where the evening quickly turned into one of the most fun of the trip. Sam mastered the swings, while McKenzie, Lucy, and Margaret convinced everyone to film a music video together. After several foot races, one thing became very clear. Cam is officially the fastest person in our group. We wrapped up the night playing Calabria and Sardines before Margaret and Emory led a beautiful Moonup as the sun disappeared behind the mountains. They passed the LOD responsibilities on to Lucy and Sam for the next day.
TMB Day 2
Lucy and Sam did a fantastic job leading us through another beautiful day on the trail. Temperatures were warm, so water breaks became a regular part of the day. During one of those breaks we discovered a zip line, and both students and leaders took turns flying through the air before continuing our hike.
Much of today’s trail wound through shaded forests that reminded many of us of hiking back home in North Carolina. When lunchtime arrived, Lucy and Sam picked the perfect spot to enjoy our sandwiches loaded with local Swiss meats and cheeses. The real surprise was our upgrade with the addition of green Dijon mustard and pesto mayonnaise, which became instant favorites around the table.
The afternoon climb rewarded us with one of everyone’s favorite moments of the trek, an alpine lake! Most of us settled for dipping our feet, but Andrew wasn’t satisfied with that. He jumped into the freezing water and swam all the way to the middle of the lake. After arriving at our hostel, students explored the nearby town while we picked up lunches for the next two hiking days. Dinner featured a delicious potato, cheese, and ham dish that was another crowd favorite. During dinner, Emery had everyone laughing after deciding that Ben looked exactly like Vector from Despicable Me.
The evening ended with one of the most meaningful Moonups of the trip. Lucy and Sam planned a thoughtful time of reflection that brought everyone closer together before electing Andrew and Reese as the next LODs.
TMB Day 3
Our morning began with a busy breakfast as hikers from all over the world prepared for another day on the trail. Annabelle, became friends with almost everyone in the hostel, even early in the morning she’s conversing with those we have passed along the way.
Today’s lunch stop was unforgettable, a mountain refuge perched high on the ridge with picnic tables overlooking the surrounding peaks. We enjoyed homemade peach pie while taking in the scenery.
The afternoon brought a bit more climbing before a long downhill into our next village. Along the way we passed the beautiful pink church that caught our eye. Dinner featured another local specialty of cheese and meat, this time served with small square pasta instead of potatoes.That evening everyone piled together for an energetic game of Fishbowl before ending another wonderful day with Moonup.
TMB Day 4
Our final big hiking day was led by Margaret and Eli. The goal today was to make it to the top of the climb by lunch, where we’d cross back into France and finally get our first full view of Mont Blanc since arriving in Chamonix several days earlier.
As we approached the refuge sitting directly on the border, excitement built and there it was.
Mont Blanc stood towering above everything around it.
Cheers erupted across the group. Smiles spread from face to face as everyone stopped to soak in the incredible view. It was one of those moments that made every step of the climb worth it.
After lunch we descended toward Argentière while passing runners competing in a massive two-day ultramarathon around Mont Blanc. Having now spent several days hiking these same mountains ourselves, we had an entirely new appreciation for just how impressive those athletes truly were. We cheered as they passed, knowing firsthand how challenging the terrain really is.
That night we gathered for Moonup beneath a sky full of stars with Mont Blanc standing watch above us, a perfect ending to our final full day on the trail.
Our Final Trek
The final morning on the Tour du Mont Blanc felt surreal. It was hard to believe the journey was already coming to an end. We tightened our backpack straps one last time and made our way back toward Chamonix.
One thing we all agreed on was how special this trek had been. Along the trail we kept running into familiar faces, people we’d met at lunch, passed on the trail, or shared hostels with. It was a reminder that everyone was on their own adventure, yet for a few moments our paths crossed.
Back in Chamonix, there was only one place to celebrate: Poco Loco. As our guide Chris had promised, the “legendary burgers” absolutely lived up to the hype. Kenzie could not let down that she got the best burger! Sitting together over lunch, surrounded by the mountains we’d just spent days crossing, gave everyone time to reflect on what we had accomplished. We spent time in Chamonix, enjoying ice cream and shopping. The boys took shopping to the next level, so many outdoor gear shops!
We ended our night with a homey meal at our hostel, starting with cantaloupe. The sweetest cantaloupe ever, Sam was a big fan! Our main course was mashed potatoes and chicken. Dessert was cobbler, and there was none left! So yummy! Closed off moonup with a nice reflection of our time trekking and singing “The Chair” by George Strait.
From saying goodbye to Spain, crossing three countries in a single day, hiking through France, Italy, and Switzerland, swimming in alpine lakes, playing countless games, laughing through Moonups, and making unforgettable memories together, the Tour du Mont Blanc became so much more than just a hike.
We are headed to Paris! We can’t wait to put our hiking boots away, and see what Paris has to offer. We are all taking in every moment we have together!
With love,
Scarlet and Ben
A little thank you! We appreciate you all sending your kids on this trip with us! A little note from each of them for the opportunity to spend three weeks in Europe!
Lucy – Hey y’all! Thank you for giving me the chance to go on this awesome trip! It’s been so cool and I’m so grateful for this opportunity. Can’t wait to see y’all soon!!! Love, Lucy
Sam – Thank you guys for sending me on this amazing trip it has been great thanks
Cam –Thank you for sending me on this trip. I have had a great time and met some really good friends. I am excited to see y’all in a few days.
Reese- Thank y’all so much for giving me this opportunity to go on this trip and meet new people!!! I am missing y’all so much and can’t wait to see y’all!
Margaret- Thank y’all so much for sending me on this trip! It has been such an amazing experience! I’m so excited to see y’all soon and tell you all about it! I miss y’all so much!
Emery – Thank you so much for sending me on this trip it’s been really fun
Kenzie- Thank you so much mom and dad this trip has truly been life changing. I feel like I got myself back and have never felt better. Thank you for every opportunity y’all give me. I’m pumped about the island school. thank you I love y’all! Tell Quinn I say hi!
Brady- Thank you mom and dad for this opportunity I have had a ton of fun and met a lot of new friends and I was thinking of you guys when we were walking around Chamonix I can’t wait to see yall in a few days love and miss yall
Eli- Mom and dad thank you so much for this opportunity, I’ve had an amazing time and I wish you guys could see this. I can’t wait to see yall. I love and miss you both
Andrew – Hey! Thank y’all so much for this trip. It was a once in a lifetime experience, and one of the best things I’ve been a part of. See y’all soon
Annabelle- Hello family and friends!! I have had the trip of a lifetime, I’ve learned so much from the people I’ve met and the things I’ve seen. I can’t wait to see you guys and tell you all about it. Hey Henry! Love yall
Chef, Sun, and Swimming
June 22, 2026
Hello Moondance Families, and greetings from Spain!
We woke up feeling rested after our long days of trekking and excited for the beach portion of our adventure.
After a quick breakfast, we packed our things, loaded up the van, and hit the road. Before long, we were jamming out to country music. Sam was particularly excited to listen to his favorite tunes, while Margaret and Kenzie taught Annabelle how to make bracelets. During the drive, we stopped for lunch and a chance to stretch our legs. Afterwards, everyone slipped into a bit of a food coma, and the van went silent for about an hour as people drifted off to sleep. While everyone was sad to leave the Pyrénées behind, the group was excited about crossing the border into Spain and spending time at the beach, a dream that was soon realized.
Once we arrived at our campsite, we quickly tossed our bags into our tents, threw on our swimsuits, and headed straight for the beach. Everyone loved exploring the little town we walked through on the way. The beach itself was nestled in a small cove surrounded by steep rocky cliffs. After a long day in the car, everyone was eager to jump into the ocean. We soaked up the sun, and Lucy and several others were happy to relax on the beach while some of the boys explored the shops and grabbed smoothies.
Our LODs, Brady and Margaret, stopped by the supermarket on the way back from the beach to pick up ingredients for tacos, homemade guacamole, and pico de gallo. Sam mashed and mixed the avocados for the guacamole while Emory chopped ingredients for the pico. Annabelle cooked the ground beef, and before long, the tacos came together beautifully. Everyone enjoyed dinner and quickly cleared their plates before jumping into cleanup. Afterwards, we gathered for Moonup, where we reflected on our day. Our LODs elected Reece and Emory to serve as our fearless leaders for the following day before we turned in for the night.
The next morning, we slept in a little later than usual since we didn’t have an early activity. We started the day with a five-star breakfast of eggs, sausage, yogurt, and fresh fruit. Lucy, Margaret, and McKenzie took charge of cooking the eggs and sausage. After cleaning up breakfast, we suited up and headed back to the beach. Everyone was eager to swim, relax, and continue exploring our little ocean town. We wandered through the shops and came across fresh smoothies, once again. The kids used this time to regroup and recharge after an action-packed week trekking.
When our beach time came to an end, we cleaned up and headed to a local restaurant for dinner. Many of us took advantage of the fresh seafood options on the menu. We were having such a great time that we suddenly realized the gelato shop was about to close. That got everyone moving, and we made it just in time. After our gelato adventure, we returned to camp for Moonup, led by Reece and Emory. They graciously recapped our relaxing day and elected Lucy and Eli to lead us on our first day of sea kayaking.
We woke up bright and early the next morning, eager to hit the water. After a quick breakfast of yogurt bowls and fruit, we hurried to the beach to meet our guides. They were knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and excited to teach us how to get the most out of our kayaks. We had two double kayaks, which are a bit more challenging than solo kayaks. Two teams eagerly stepped up to the challenge: Sam and Cam, along with McKenzie and Reese. They absolutely crushed it. Both teams skillfully navigated the rocky shoreline and explored coastal caves alongside our guides. Eli got a bit excited in the waves and took the group’s first spill, but we quickly emptied his kayak and got him back on the water.
Along the way, we learned about different algae and marine life native to the area. One creature, called tomate de mar, looks like tiny tomatoes attached to the cave walls, with small tentacles that emerge to feed, and sting anyone who touches them. Luckily, nobody confused them for a snack, and we eventually turned around and paddled back to our home beach.
With our first day of kayaking complete, we reluctantly dragged everyone out of the sun and headed to one of the most anticipated activities of the trip: our cooking class. Once we arrived, we were immediately put to work. Our chef wasn’t messing around. Eli took charge of the paella. Kenzie, Lucy, and Reese prepared the guacamole and beautifully arranged the salmon on top. Annabelle and Andrew teamed up to grill the lettuce and bread. Sam and Cam made a fresh pesto using basil, Parmesan, hazelnuts, and olive oil. Delicioso. Brady grated cheese like a champion, while Emory and Margaret grated tomatoes and spread them onto the bread.
Once everything was assembled, we enjoyed our first course, which featured guacamole, tomato bread, salad with pesto, calamari, and croquettes, a classic Spanish dish. Then came the main event: the paella. The entire table couldn’t stop talking about how incredible the meal was. By the end, we were stuffed to the brim. We practically rolled out of the restaurant and headed to Moonup. Lucy and Eli shared a thoughtful quote about character and treating others well before electing Brady and McKenzie as the next day’s LODs.
The following morning, we woke up bright and early for our second day of sea kayaking. After packing our bags and eating a quick breakfast, we hopped into the van and headed to a new launch location. During the hour-long drive, everyone started getting a little sleepy, so we held a spontaneous dance circle to wake everyone up and get excited for the day ahead. Andrew was particularly impressive with his dance moves.
Once we arrived, we suited up and launched our kayaks. Lucy and Ben tackled the double kayak and quickly became the fastest pair on the water, arguably the best and most humble kayaking duo to ever grace the Mediterranean Sea. Nevertheless, they graciously stayed with the rest of the group as we explored the deepest cave along the Costa Brava coastline. Inside, the cave was completely dark, illuminated only by our guides’ headlamps. On the way out, Cam accidentally bumped into the cave wall and tipped out of his kayak. Reese helped guide him out while Ben emptied his kayak, and before long we were back on our way.
At lunch, our LODs helped set up and clean up our picnic while others swam and explored the rocky shoreline. Annabelle and Sam even practiced sailing knots with one of our kayaking guides. After lunch, we set off quickly to beat the incoming wind. We needed to make good time in order to get back for that evening’s activity: Iron Chef.
On the drive home, we stopped at a market and split into two teams. Each group was given a budget and a limited amount of time to purchase ingredients for their dinner creations. Both teams chose pasta dishes. McKenzie’s team decided to make fresh pasta from scratch, while Brady’s team went with Margaret’s famous homemade Alfredo recipe.
On Team Kenbot and Friends, Reese and Sam kneaded the dough and carefully cut each strand of spaghetti by hand. Eli and Andrew worked on the sauce and cooked the meat. There was some confusion in the grocery store about whether a sauce they bought was salsa or gazpacho, but nevertheless, the dish came together wonderfully. We were incredibly impressed by their homemade pasta.
Team Brady and Friends crafted a delightful Alfredo sauce with chicken and pesto. Annabelle took charge of the chicken while Margaret perfected the sauce. Although they didn’t make their own pasta, they did an outstanding job creating a rich and flavorful sauce from scratch. Both teams knocked it out of the park, making the judges’ decision incredibly difficult. In the end, Team Brady won in a split decision and took home the gold.
After dinner, we tackled a massive cleanup before heading to the beach for one final swim. We wrapped up the evening with an energetic Moonup led by our LODs, where Cam and Annabelle were elected to lead us through our upcoming travel day.
Tomorrow, we’ll say goodbye to Spain one last time and return to France to take on the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Till next time, Scarlet and Ben
Bonjour from the Pyrenees!
June 17, 2026
Bonjour!
The first 10 days of our three-week adventure have been nothing short of incredible. We traveled to Luz and began our seven-day trek through the Pyrenees, hopping between France and Spain, eating fantastic food, pushing ourselves physically, and learning how to work together as a team. Every day has been packed with adventure, laughter, and memories we won’t soon forget.
It all started on arrival day!
After a long day of travel that included a metro, train, and bus ride, we finally arrived in the Pyrenees. The journey gave everyone plenty of time to jump right into conversations, get to know one another, and sneak in a few naps along the way. Once we arrived in Luz and settled into our accommodations, we explored the town before enjoying a much-needed dinner. Afterwards, we held our first Moonup of the trip and headed straight to bed.
Following our travel day, we enjoyed a slower morning before beginning our seven-day trek. Brady and Annabelle were chosen as our first Leaders of the Day (LODs) and had the task of guiding our slightly jet-lagged but very excited group around Luz. The town is small enough that getting lost is part of the adventure, and eventually we found our way to a castle perched on a hill overlooking the Pyrenees. Standing there, excitement buzzed through the group knowing we’d soon be trekking through those very mountains.
Lunch consisted of loaded baguettes, and we held our first duffel shuffle demonstration to learn exactly what to pack for the trek. That’s when it really started to sink in–we were about to spend seven days together crossing back and forth between France and Spain. That evening, Brady and Annabelle led our first student-led Moonup, our nightly tradition where we reflect on the day together. Moonup includes a quote, reflection questions, compliments, choosing new LODs, and a fun closing activity, whether that’s a group hug or a round of howling. They did an excellent job setting the tone and showing everyone how to facilitate a meaningful and fun Moonup.
The next morning, McKenzie and Andrew took over as LODs for our first big trekking day. We strapped on our hiking boots, adjusted our packs, grabbed our trekking poles, and hit the trail. Mathieu, our mountain guide, briefed us on the importance of sunscreen and blister care before sending us on our way. Just 20 minutes into the hike, we spotted our first patch of snow. Naturally, everyone dropped their packs and sprinted toward it, with Emery leading the charge. Before long, we were sliding down snowy slopes and laughing together. It was impossible not to smile. After our snow adventure, we continued climbing until we reached our first view into Spain. Soon enough, we crossed our first border and officially entered a new country. Andrew and Eli helped lead the group down the mountain toward our lunch spot beside a beautiful river, where we once again enjoyed baguettes stuffed with delicious meats and cheeses. One of the most impressive things to watch was how quickly the group bonded. Even after a long day of hiking, conversations never seemed to stop. Toward the end of the day after a long hike, we rounded a bend and saw Torla, Spain, spread out below us. Sam immediately pointed out how exciting it was to finally see our destination, and suddenly everyone had a fresh burst of energy.
We arrived with sore feet but huge smiles. McKenzie and Andrew found the perfect Moonup location, a playground in the middle of town overlooking the mountains. Moonup was filled with stories, laughter, and the sharing of everyone’s middle names. Of course, the night ended with everyone playing on the playground.
The following morning brought our earliest start yet and one of our toughest climbs. Over the next two hours, we gained more than 1,000 meters of elevation. This was true bonding time. Our fearless LODs, Sam and Cam, made themselves easy to spot by wearing matching bright red berets all day. No matter where we were on the trail, we could always find them leading the way. After lunch beneath a shaded tree, we challenged ourselves to a 30-minute silent walk to reflect on the trip so far.
At first, the idea was met with a little hesitation, but afterwards many students shared how much they appreciated the experience. Annabelle especially embraced the challenge and showed a lot of enthusiasm for the activity, encouraging others to buy in as well. Once the silence ended, everyone excitedly shared the plants, flowers, insects, and scenery they had noticed along the way.
Later in the day, we ran low on water, giving Cam the opportunity to teach everyone how Aquamira works and how we purify water on trail. Once our bottles were refilled, we continued climbing toward the beautiful Góriz Refuge nestled high in the Pyrenees. Throughout much of the hike, we followed the stunning Cola de Caballo waterfall, known as the Horse Tail. Its powerful roar echoed through the valley long after it disappeared from view. When we arrived at the refuge, we celebrated with cold sodas while soaking up the sunshine. Dinner consisted of mushroom pasta, chicken, and potatoes. One of our unofficial trip mottos has become “try new things,” especially when it comes to food. Margaret surprised herself by loving the mushroom pasta despite mushrooms not usually being her favorite. That evening, Scarlet and McKenzie introduced the group to Shmotus, a hilariously silly game where participants try not to show their teeth. The game had everyone crying with laughter and reminded us that being a little weird is often the best part of the day. After an intense final showdown between Brady and Lucy, the winner was ultimately decided with a dramatic veggie-off. Brady emerged victorious, and we headed to bed ready for another day of adventure.
We woke up bright and early the next morning and quickly realized we weren’t the first ones awake. Andrew had already gotten up in time to catch the sunrise over the mountains.
“Holy cow, that was a sight to see,” he reported to the group.
By this point in the trek, everyone was definitely feeling the miles in their calves and shins, but spirits remained high. Mathieu continued proving that he is part mountain goat and part encyclopedia. Whether he was teaching us about the history of the Pyrenees, explaining the landscape around us, or sharing the medicinal uses of local plants, students were constantly racing to hike near the front and pick his brain. Margaret and Emery, our LODs for the day, led us to one of the most memorable lunch spots of the trip, a waterfall tucked into a rocky cliffside. A rainbow shimmered through the mist at its base. Lunch is always a highlight on trail. We never know where we’ll be eating or what surprises our packed lunches might contain. This particular lunch came with an unexpected challenge when Emery realized a lunch had been left behind. Students immediately began offering parts of their own meals. It was one of those moments that perfectly captured the generosity and teamwork that has developed within this group. We continued onward to San Nicolás where the warm sunshine welcomed us after a long day of hiking. The afternoon was spent swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying some well-earned relaxation. Of course, relaxing only lasted so long. Eli, Andrew, and Annabelle quickly found a boulder hanging over the water and turned it into an impromptu climbing challenge. After Mathieu demonstrated the route, the trio eagerly followed suit. Dinner didn’t arrive until much later than we’re accustomed to in France, giving the group another opportunity to notice cultural differences between the two countries. Once we finally sat down to eat, everyone devoured the meal. After dinner, Ben introduced the NOLS Leadership Grid, an activity designed to help students better understand their individual leadership styles. As we worked through the exercise, many students discovered they fell into the categories of Relationship Masters or Spontaneous Motivators. McKenzie had one of the biggest realizations of the evening. As we discussed the characteristics of a Relationship Master, she immediately connected with nearly every trait. The smile on her face made it clear she was having a major “aha” moment. The activity also helped the group recognize that while we naturally excel at building relationships and supporting one another, stepping into the Driver role sometimes requires extra intention. It was a thoughtful conversation that gave everyone a deeper understanding of themselves and each other.
The next morning it was time to head back into France. Our goal for the day was to climb back toward the border we had crossed earlier in the trek. The morning began with a long uphill section, but thanks to a strong pace we earned ourselves a beautiful lakeside lunch. Lucy led the charge all morning. She set a steady pace, encouraged teammates along the way, and helped keep the group’s energy positive even during the toughest sections. At the lake, boots and socks immediately came off. Students stretched out on the shoreline, soaked up the sunshine, and enjoyed the stunning mountain views surrounding us.
After lunch, we crossed back into France and began a long descent toward Gavarnie. By the final stretch, legs were tired and everyone was feeling the mileage. Fortunately, great conversation carried us through. Brady, Sam, Cam, Emery, and Ben spent much of the descent swapping stories, sharing laughs, and encouraging one another all the way into town. The moment we arrived, we discovered an ice cream shop and morale skyrocketed. Dinner that evening featured salad, steak, and what many students confidently declared were the best potatoes they had ever eaten. As we sat outside, the setting sun painted the mountains pink and orange around us. The evening was spent playing music, kicking around a hacky sack, and enjoying the local park. Lucy and Eli led Moonup that night and kept things lighthearted and fun. Their opening question, “What was your favorite TV show growing up?” sparked plenty of laughter and a few surprisingly passionate debates. The following day, Reese and Sam took over as our fearless LODs as we explored the beautiful town of Gavarnie. Before leaving town, we stopped at a historic church. Students took their time wandering through the building, admiring the architecture, lighting candles, and quietly reflecting. There was a noticeable sense of appreciation and gratitude during our visit. Mathieu explained the history of the church and shared stories about the alpinists buried there. It was a meaningful pause amidst the adventure. Later that day, Scarlet led the group through a listening exercise. Students paired up and found quiet places throughout a nearby meadow. One person spoke for five minutes while the other listened without responding. Initially, there was some hesitation. Five minutes can feel surprisingly long. However, when we regrouped afterward, many students shared how impactful the exercise had been. Being fully heard and fully listening turned out to be more powerful than expected. As if the day couldn’t get any better, Mathieu gathered us into a circle and began playing his flute. The beautiful melody drifted through the mountains and left everyone completely silent. When he finished, he was rewarded with enthusiastic applause from the group. Then came one of the more unusual moments of the trip.
Mathieu introduced us to a wild trail snack: ants.
Brady, Sam, Cam, and Emery bravely volunteered first. Margaret and Scarlet quickly learned that Brady can be a very persuasive teammate when it comes to trying new things. Before long, everyone was sampling ants and discovering they taste surprisingly similar to vinegar. Not exactly everyone’s favorite snack-but definitely memorable. Dark clouds rolled in later that afternoon, motivating us to pick up the pace. We arrived at our refuge, Espeguette, just before the rain began. The refuge felt like something out of a storybook. Horses grazed nearby while sheep, donkeys, and marmots wandered around the hillsides. After the brief rain passed, we sat outside watching the sunset illuminate the snow-capped Pyrenees.
For our final full day of trekking, Annabelle and Andrew were elected LODs. Determined to help the group soak in every last moment, they organized another silent walk and encouraged everyone through one final steep climb. When we reached the top and looked back across the mountains we had crossed together over the past week, a collective sense of accomplishment settled over the group.
We had done it.
At the refuge, our reward came in the form of freshly baked blueberry pie and chocolate crêpes. Needless to say, they disappeared quickly. That evening we reflected on our journey through Rose, Bud, and Thorn before sharing dinner with a hiker who had already spent a month on the trail and planned to continue for another month. The students were fascinated by his stories and amazed by his commitment to life on trail.
Annabelle and Andrew then led our final Moonup in the Pyrenees. There was plenty of laughter, reflection, and appreciation for everything we had experienced together.
The next morning greeted us with sunshine and one final chance to enjoy the views that had become our home for the past week. Our hike was relatively short, giving us plenty of time to appreciate the landscape. Along the way, we came across the remains of a cow that had passed away long ago. While some students kept moving, Emery and McKenzie were completely fascinated by Mathieu’s explanation of the natural decomposition process and how ecosystems recycle nutrients back into the environment. As our trek came to an end, it was impossible not to reflect on how much this group had grown in just seven days. From sharing lunches and tackling steep climbs to trying ants, leading Moonups, and supporting one another through challenges, the students have built something special.
The Pyrenees tested us, inspired us, and brought us closer together. We leave with stronger legs, countless inside jokes, and memories that will stay with us long after the mountains are behind us.
Next stop: Costa Brava!
Thank you for sharing your kids with us,
Ben and Scarlet
Shout outs!
Kenzie: hey mama I miss you a lot the back packing is supper hard but absolutely insane most beautiful place ever text. Text Quinn, I said HIII and send any picture of me here you have. I have some sick blisters and it’s supper spiritual here. I love you so much my group is awesome. Tell Sam dewey to BREAK IN HIS .BOOTS. 🥾
Reese- Hi mom and dad! I miss yall so much and I really hope winnie is good, the girls here are the best. I can’t wait to talk about my trip and eat sushi as my first meal when I get home. Love yall!
Margaret- Hi mom and dad! I miss y’all and Liza so much! I hope Sadie and Zoe are good! This trip has been amazing!! I can’t wait to tell y’all all about it! Tell Tommy I said hi and that I miss him too! Thank y’all so much for sending me here I am having the best time!! Love y’all so much!
Eli – hey mom and dad I’m having a great time and the views are incredible. I miss y’all so much.
Lucy – Hi Mom and Dad! I miss and love yall so much, and I can’t wait to see you guys soon!! This is so cool!
Sam – hey mom and dad it is so much fun it is so cool like nothing I’ve ever seen and I miss the dogs can’t wait to see y’all
Brady – Hello, this place is super cool and so is our group, I miss y’all and food and Toby back at home but hope yall are having fun in California. Miss you guys
Andrew – Hey! We just finished trekking through the Pyrenees. We had a very fun guide with many amazing views. Thank you!
Emery – Hey mom and dad we just finished hiking in the Pyrenees and are on our way to Costa Brava. The views have really been amazing. I can’t wait to see you guys and fletcher.
Annabelle- Hi everyone back home! I miss you guys so much. We just finished up a 7 day trek in the Pyrenees which was so challenging and rewarding. I love you guys and I can’t wait to see you when I get home!
Cam- hey mom and dad we have been hiking in the Pyrenees for 7 days and it has been a lot of fun. I have tried a lot of new things like eating ants and the trip has been really exciting. The views here have been the best I have ever seen and I have the best group. Excited to see yall soon.
Safe Arrival!
June 9, 2026
Hello Chamonix Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that the group has landed safely in Paris! The trip is off to a great start, and we cannot wait to hear more stories from their adventure as they prepare to begin their trekking section!
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
