Ziplining and Final Celebrations!
July 3, 2026
One final time… it’s time to catch everyone up on what we’ve been up to over the last few days in Croatia! It’s hard to believe our two weeks together are coming to an end, but before we say goodbye, we wanted to share the final adventures that made this trip so special.
After waking up on Rab Island, we piled onto the bus and headed toward one of the most anticipated activities of the trip: Caving! On the way, we stopped at a gas station to grab some drinks and snacks before arriving at Bartolo for lunch, where we fueled up with chicken tenders, fries, and plenty of water before the busy afternoon ahead. We then suited up in bright royal blue jumpsuits, looking like everything from coal miners to painters. Although it was 105 degrees outside, stepping into Modrič Cave felt refreshing as the temperature dropped to a cool 64 degrees.
As we explored deeper into the cave, everyone was fascinated by the incredible rock formations that had taken millions of years to form. Bee shared that she had never seen anything like it before, while Bobby and Henry kept our guide, Marian, busy with questions about the history of the cave. Brooks was amazed by just how massive the cave was, while Chase and Rome spent time pointing out some of their favorite formations along the way. One of the most memorable moments came when we reached the deepest point underground. Everyone turned off their headlamps, and for ten seconds we stood together in complete darkness and silence. You couldn’t see the person standing next to you, or even your own hand in front of your face. On our way out, Marian introduced us to the cave’s famous “honesty test,” where everyone placed their hand between two rocks that legend says will only spare honest people. Thankfully, every member of CRO2B passed! We even managed to add a little adventure to the day when Bee accidentally led us down the wrong path, sending us into a section of the cave that many agreed ended up being their favorite part of the entire experience.
After leaving the cave, we cooled off in the restaurant, rehydrated, and then headed to Paklenica National Park for our hike to the mountain hut. The trail climbed over 1,200 feet of elevation, and despite the heat, everyone pushed through together. Brendan and Ozzy led a steady pace while the rest of the group passed the time playing Wavelength and sharing plenty of laughs, with Merrill keeping everyone entertained throughout the hike. Reaching the mountain hut felt like a huge accomplishment after such a full day. Once we arrived, Brendan, Bobby, Bess, Andie, and Julian immediately jumped into the water to cool off after the hike, splashing anyone standing nearby. That evening we enjoyed a traditional Croatian dinner of goulash before hiking up to watch the sunset. Along the way, we met a friendly French bulldog named Chop, a tabby cat named Sphinx, and a giant frog. Moonup was led by our amazing LODs, Bess and Bobby, and the night ended with Bobby and Rhett playing “A Horse With No Name” on the guitar before everyone gathered together for a few hilarious rounds of Paranoia, where Chase kept the laughter going with some especially funny reactions.
Our next morning started bright and early with Bobby and Rhett waking everyone up by playing guitar through the mountain hut. After enjoying pastries, eggs, and sausage for breakfast, we packed up and hiked four miles back down the mountain before traveling to Omiš for ziplining. The first zip line was the fastest and longest of the course, giving everyone an adrenaline rush right away. Later, everyone had the chance to zip alongside a partner, and by the final line the group had turned it into a competition to see who could scream the loudest across the canyon. CC and Bee loved flying together, while Merrill and Rome couldn’t stop smiling after their partner line. That evening Bee and Cooper served as our LODs as we explored Makarska, enjoyed pizza for dinner, and were surprised by Brendan with ice cream before ending another night with even more games of Paranoia.
Our final full day brought us to Dubrovnik, a destination everyone had been looking forward to since the beginning of the trip. After grabbing breakfast from a local bakery and trying burek, a flaky cheese-filled pastry, we made our way into the beautiful Old Town. We explored the historic streets, cooled off with gelato and chocolate-covered bananas, and challenged ourselves to the famous Maskeron Challenge near Pile Gate. Rome was the only person able to complete the challenge, earning bragging rights for the rest of the trip! After shopping for souvenirs, Chase and Cooper made sure to find a few final keepsakes to bring home while Andie, Brooks and Bess searched through nearly every shop in Old Town. Brooks walked away with some awesome glasses. We gathered for our final banquet dinner at Dundo Maroje. During dinner we celebrated some exciting personal news when Marlin found out she had been accepted into Vanderbilt’s Master’s of Marketing program. The group erupted with excitement! That night we reunited with CRO A and CRO C before making the walk back to the hotel for our final Moonup. For our last serious question, everyone shared something they admired about the people sitting to their left and right. The kind words, encouragement, and appreciation shared throughout the circle perfectly reflected how close this group had become over the past two weeks. We finished with one giant group hug, realizing how incredible it was that just fourteen days ago we had all been complete strangers.
Before we knew it, departure day had arrived. We made our way to the airport blasting “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” as we headed home just in time for the Fourth of July, along with all of our favorite group songs that had become the soundtrack of the trip. Many students proudly wore their Croatian jerseys, especially Luka Modrić’s iconic #10, or the funny shirts they had picked up on Rab Island. One by one we checked in, said our goodbyes, HUGGED, created a group chat to stay connected, and shed more than a few tears.
Thank you, CRO2B, for saying YES this summer. Thank you for saying yes to Moondance, yes to adventure, yes to challenges, and yes to one another. We leave Croatia with unforgettable memories, stories, and friendships that will last a lifetime. Two weeks ago this group was made up of strangers, and now we leave as family. We couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of these students, and we’ll miss them more than words can express.
Soaking in the Sunshine!
June 30, 2026
Hello CRO2B families!
What an incredible few days we’ve had! From waterfalls and cliff jumps to sea kayaking and island adventures, this group has continued to embrace every opportunity with enthusiasm. It has been so much fun watching friendships grow as everyone cheers each other on, laughs together, and makes the most of every moment.
Our first full day started with a few early risers as Marlin, Merrill, and CC snuck in a quick morning run before everyone else woke up. Our LODs for the day were Andie and Henry! After breakfast, we loaded into the bus and headed to the beautiful Mrežnica River for our first kayaking adventure. Our kayaking pairs were Julian and Rome, Bobby and Bess, Rhett and Andie, Marlin and Chase, Cooper and Bee, Brooks and CC, Henry and Merrill, while Brendan paddled alongside Ozzy. We made our way down a series of rapids and waterfalls, but it didn’t take long before the splash wars began! Julian and Rome were the first to start soaking everyone, and soon Cooper, Chase, and Rhett had formed an unofficial “flip squad,” paddling over to unsuspecting kayaks and tipping anyone they could. We even paddled backwards down a waterfall before stopping for cliff jumping. Bobby led the way, and every single person found the courage to jump into the chilly water. Before heading back, Marlin and Henry played “What Are the Odds?” and, of course, both ended up diving back into the river after they had already dried off. On the ride home we stopped for Nutella biscuits, sang along to John Mayer and old country music, then spent the evening playing volleyball, soccer, and relaxing in Bobby’s hammock. We wrapped up the day with Moonup before jumping into another game of Mafia. Henry has officially become our designated storyteller, while Merrill and Marlin somehow fooled almost everyone as the killers, Brooks kept everyone safe as the medic, and Andie did her best to solve the mystery as detective..
The next morning, our LODs were Merrill and Chase, and we climbed aboard what everyone agreed was the nicest bus we’d seen yet as we headed to Plitvice Lakes National Park. The bright blue water almost didn’t look real, and every turn seemed to reveal another incredible waterfall. During lunch, CC, Merrill, and Rome held an impressive handstand competition, and Merrill definitely proved she can hold one for a really long time! Chase quickly made some local Croatian friends who insisted he be in all of their family pictures, and then one of them jumped into our group photo as well! On the ride home everyone decorated their water bottles with meme stickers before cooling off with watermelon and ice cream after a hot day of hiking.
The following morning, Rome and Rhett led us as our LODs while we packed up and said goodbye to Lana Haus. To everyone’s surprise, a U-Haul arrived just for our bags, making the move to Rab Island much easier. After a ferry ride and a grocery store stop where it felt like we bought out the entire store, we settled into our apartments and grabbed lunch before spending the afternoon at the beach. Bee showed off her volleyball skills after some local Croatians invited us into a game, and later that evening Rhett grilled burgers while Chase and Cooper handled the hot dogs. Bess and Rome made a delicious salad, Bobby and Henry knocked out clean crew in record time, and we ended the evening with Moonup on the beach. Afterward, Brooks and Marlin couldn’t resist one final jump into the ocean before bed.
Quote of the day: “Did Kanye just drop the album of the summer?” — Brooks
Our adventures continued with a full day of sea kayaking on the Adriatic Sea. Our LODs for the day were CC and Cooper! After breakfast burritos, we walked down to the water and paired off into kayaks. Julian paddled with Andie, Bobby with Merrill, Rhett with Bee, Chase with Bess, Cooper with CC, Brooks with Rome, Henry with Marlin, while Brendan and Ozzy each paddled solo. It didn’t take long before Rhett decided everyone needed another swim break, and soon nearly every kayak had flipped over as people jumped into the crystal-clear water. Our strategy quickly became paddle for a few minutes, then hop out and cool off with another swim! Bess also made Rhett’s day by finding the flip-flop he had lost earlier. After plenty of paddling, we reached a secluded beach where everyone swam and played games. The girls and Bobby attempted a “try not to laugh” competition, but it’s safe to say Merrill walked away with the win. Brendan became the official beach pitcher, throwing our skipping ball farther and farther out while everyone dove through the water trying to catch it before it skipped by. Back in town, Bobby, Brendan, and Henry returned from the store sporting cowboy hats and “Legend” shirts while Brooks, Julian, Rhett, and Cooper came back wearing captain hats and hilarious Croatian T-shirts. The inflatable water playground quickly became everyone’s favorite hangout before Brooks spent the afternoon convincing everyone they were seeing things with his secret laser pointer. CC and Cooper wrapped up the day by cooking a delicious taco bowl dinner before another beautiful Moonup on the beach.
Our day was spent exploring the Adriatic by boat. Our LODs were Henry and Andie! We covered ourselves in sunscreen before climbing aboard and cruising to our first stop: a cave that we could only reach by swimming underneath the rocks. The boys bravely led the way before the girls followed close behind. Inside, bats flew overhead while everyone squeezed through the cave before heading back into the sunshine. We snorkeled in the water, explored another cave where we spotted “sea pickles,” and watched Chase throw bread into the water as hundreds of fish swam right up to us. Rhett also treated everyone to his signature “scuba dance” before Bobby once again led the group during cliff jumping. After returning to shore, a few of the boys made one last souvenir stop while the rest of the group enjoyed some free time at the beach. Merrill, Bess, and Andie joined a soccer game with some local Croatians. That evening we had pizza, where the biggest debate of dinner became whether pineapple belongs on pizza, before making one final ice cream stop. We wrapped up the night with one of our favorite Moondance traditions- a packing party! Picture everyone’s favorite songs playing while the whole group danced, packed their bags, sang at the top of their lungs, and helped each other get ready for our next adventure. We ended the evening with Moonup where everyone reflected on a mistake they’ve made and what they learned from it.
Watching this group continue to grow closer each day has been one of the highlights of our summer. We can’t wait to share the rest of Croatia with them!
Thank you’s from CRO2B
Brooks: Dear Mother and Father, I’m having so much fun! Thank you for sending me to Croatia💓
Rhett: Dear Mom, Dad, Kathryn, and Annie, I am having the best time in Croatia. Sorry for the ATM charges Dad. I love y’all!
Bobby: Dear Mom and Dad, Croatia has been awesome and the activities have been sick.
Merrill: Hey Mom and Dad! I’m having so much fun! We have done lots of cool activities! Love y’all.
Rome: Hey Mom and Dad! I’m having the best time. We have done some of the coolest things the past few days. Thank you so much for this! Love and miss y’all.
Chase: Hello family! As the trip winds down, I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I’ve learned lots of Croatian and made European friends. However, I have two cents to my name and I’m considering selling non-vital organs.
Julian: Hey family! This trip has been awesome. We’ve been doing every activity imaginable and it’s been fun. Thank you for giving me the chance to be here. It’s beautiful. See y’all soon.
Cooper: Hi Mom and Dad! Thank you so much for sending me on this trip. I had such a fun time. Love you guys.
Henry: Hi Mom and Dad! Croatia is awesome. We’re about to go on a hike. Thank you so much for letting me come here. I’ll talk to y’all in a few days.
Bee: Hey guys! This trip has been so much fun! We’ve done and seen so many amazing things! I’ve loved the hiking and we’re ziplining tomorrow. I think it’ll be so cool! Love you guys!
CC:Hi Mom and Dad! Croatia is beautiful and thank you so much for sending me on this once-in-a-lifetime trip. I’m having the best time. Love you and miss you!
Andie: Hey guys! I miss and love y’all so much. Thank you for letting me go on this trip and giving me the chance to travel this summer. I’ve had so much fun! Grateful to see you soon!
Bess: Hey Mom and Dad!!!!! Thanks so much for sending me on this trip! We’ve had lots of fun and see you soon!
Singing and Dancing Through the Mountains!
June 24, 2026
Wooohooo Moondance families!
We have been counting down the days until we got to meet your amazing kids face-to-face, and the wait was absolutely worth it. Once everyone arrived in Zagreb, it was time to get loose, learn some names, and start building our CRO2B family. We kicked things off with some quick introductions before challenging everyone to dance with the person to their left. What better way to start a trip than watching a bunch of strangers bust a move to “Juju on That Beat” and “Roar”?
Afterward, we piled into our randomized van groups and hit the road. We were all more than ready for our first meal in Croatia, so we stopped for some giant pizzas that were exactly what everyone needed after a long travel day. From there, we headed to the grocery store to stock up on food for the next few days as we prepared to trek through the Velebit Mountains. We are still figuring out how to translate everything to English, but we’re getting there!
A few hours later, we arrived at our mountain accommodation just as the sun was beginning to set. That evening we introduced everyone to Moonup. For those new to Moondance, Moonup is our nightly tradition where we read a quote, share gratitudes from the day, and answer both a silly and serious question. For the silly question, everyone had to act out an animal chosen by the person to their left. Brooks was an anteater and immediately put his nose in the dirt, Rhett gave us a very interesting lion roar, and Rome’s fish impression was unforgettable. We wrapped up our first night by announcing CC and Bobby as our first Leaders of the Day. After just one day together, it was already clear this group was going to be something special. Happy Father’s Day to all of our amazing dads!
The next morning we eased into our first full day in Croatia with a little extra sleep after a long travel day. Breakfast burritos were on the menu, and before we knew it, we were off to begin trekking through the North Velebit Mountains. CC and Bobby proudly sported their Croatian jerseys as part of their LOD duties. Our hike covered about 3.5 miles with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. At the top, a cool breeze greeted us and it felt like we were standing on top of the world. While taking in the views, Bee and Bess taught our DMC, Ozzy, some classic dance moves, including the Dougie and the Floss. Back at the mountain hut, it was time for Dancing with the Stars: CRO2B Edition. Everyone was assigned a partner and given 30 minutes to choreograph a routine and choose their song. The performances were incredible and had all of us laughing, cheering, and dancing along. After careful judging by Marlin and Brendan, our finalists were Bobby & Bess, Brooks, Henry & CC, and Chase & Merrill. Following an intense dance-off featuring everything from Soulja Boy to freestyle moves, Chase and Merrill were crowned our champions. They left absolutely everything on the dance floor.
The fun didn’t stop there. We blasted music, played hacky sack, and watched Bobby and Julian dive all over the place making impossible saves. If you asked them, they’d probably tell you their middle name is “Hustle.”
Dinner that night was pasta enjoyed outside with an incredible mountain view. For Moonup, we climbed a small hill overlooking the mountains. Bobby kicked off the Nug Jug with one of the most memorable openings we’ve ever seen. As he was telling a story from the hike, he suddenly ripped off his shirt to reveal that he had drawn the Nug Jug all over himself in Sharpie. None of us saw it coming, and the entire group was crying laughing. We ended the evening with a chilly Moonup, a beautiful sunset, and everyone snuggled into their sleeping bags after an amazing day.
“Kako ste?” This means “How are you?” in Croatian, and it became our phrase of the day. Today was a BIG day. Bess and Julian stepped up as our fearless LODs as we prepared for a 10-mile trek through the mountains. We fueled up with yogurt bowls before hitting the trail and spent the day covering miles, sharing snacks, and having some of the funniest conversations imaginable. Long hikes always seem to lead to the best discussions, and we covered just about every topic under the sun. The hike was challenging, but the views made every step worth it. Along our route, there was an optional detour that climbed straight up to a breathtaking overlook. From the top, we could see mountains stretching for miles and even spot our mountain hut in the distance.
Back at camp, we played Mafia, where Henry led us through one of the wildest storylines we’ve ever heard. The game somehow took place in Atlanta, and despite everyone’s best detective work, it was nearly impossible to figure out the killers. We later discovered Bee and Cooper had fooled us all. We also squeezed in a few rounds of Uno and listened to plenty of music before settling in for dinner. Taco bowls were on the menu, and they definitely hit the spot after such a long day. As the sun began to set, we gathered for Moonup and reflected on all we had accomplished. Brooks and Bee were announced as our next LODs, and everyone crawled into bed feeling proud after conquering one of our biggest hiking days yet.
Today was a VERY special day because our very own Bobby Durkin turned 16! We woke Bobby up with balloons and a full-blown rendition of Katy Perry’s “Birthday.” CC, Brooks, and Bee took charge of pancake duty and crushed it. We had every topping imaginable, including M&Ms, sprinkles, and Nutella. Pancakes came in all shapes and sizes, including a giant “16,” hearts, and even a snowman. After breakfast, we took in the incredible views from Zavižan Mountain Hut before packing up and heading to our next destination. Everyone had to carry out three days’ worth of trash, which was definitely not a crowd favorite, but they handled it like champs. Along the drive, we stopped for lunch where most people opted for margarita pizza and fries. With temperatures climbing, ice cream quickly became a necessity. Once we arrived at our next accommodation, everyone enjoyed some well-deserved downtime. Footballs were flying, hacky sacks were being kicked around, and laughter filled the afternoon. Dinner was burgers and fries, which disappeared quickly, and then it was time for the birthday celebration. We surprised Bobby with a cake, sang Happy Birthday, and watched him blow out the candles.
Later that evening, Bee braided Henry, Julian, Rhett, and Bobby’s hair before the group broke out into an impromptu dance party. To celebrate Bobby’s birthday, we transformed Moonup into a glow party complete with glow sticks for everyone. After Moonup, we ended the night sharing scary stories. Henry had everyone on the edge of their seats with a story about the Zodiac Killer. We have been having so much fun together, and the friendships forming within this group have been incredible to watch. Henry and Andie will be leading us tomorrow, and we can’t wait to see what the next adventure brings.
Bess: Hey fam!!!!! I’ve been having so much fun in Croatia and I can’t wait to see y’all in Linville soon. Love y’all, Bessie.
Brooks: Hello mother and father, I’m having a splendid time here in Croatia. The sunsets are very orange. Love you guys!
Julian: Hi Mom, Dad, and Adrian. I’ve had so much fun and done a ton of hiking. It’s so beautiful. Miss you.
Rhett: Hey Mom, Dad, Kathryn, and Annie. I’ve been having an amazing time in Croatia! Thanks so much for sending me here. Love y’all!
Chase: Hey Mom & Dad, I hope Father’s Day celebration went well. I’ve settled into a fun little group of East Coasters and Southerners. Love you guys!
Cooper: Hi Mom and Dad. I am having a lot of fun so far. We have hiked 14 miles. Miss and love you guys.
Rome: Hey Mom and Dad!! I’m having so much fun!! Miss and love y’all.
Bee: Hi Mom and Dad! Miss y’all but I’m having so much fun. Happy late Father’s Day! Love you guys!
Merrill: Hi Mom and Dad! I’m having the best time! Miss y’all and love y’all!
CC: Hi Mom, Dad and Win! I’m having the best time and Croatia is beautiful. Happy Birthday Dad! Love you all!
Andie: Hey, miss and love y’all! Having so much fun. Excited to see y’all.
Henry: Hi Mom and Dad. Croatia is great. It’s hot out here. I’m a bit burnt but it’s cool. My sunglasses tan is amazing. Can’t wait to see y’all in two weeks.
Bobby: Hey Mom and Dad, this place is awesome and gorgeous. I hope Bareto and the wedding went well. I love you both and happy birthday Dad.
Safe Arrival!
June 21, 2026
Hello Croatia 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
