 Where does my trip start?
Pacific Northwest Exposure begins in Seattle, Washington. You'll meet your leaders and other Moondancers at the airport before embarking on either your backpacking or sea kayaking section!
What happens in a typical day?
That depends on whether you are backpacking, climbing, or rafting, but you can expect to laugh, see a beautiful part of the country, and learn a couple of things about each activity. Each morning, one cook group will prepare a feast for everyone to enjoy and then your group will start a day of climbing, or pack packs and start hiking to the next destination! After a morning and afternoon of telling stories, learning how to belay, or summitting a peak in the Desolation Wilderness, your group will pick a great campsite, and, after setting up camp for the evening, enjoy a warm meal and a hot drink. Each night ends with 'moonup;' a chance to debrief the day, talk about upcoming adventures and challenges, and just hang out.
Where are the San Juan Islands?
Also known as the "jewels of the Pacific," the San Juan Islands are just north of Seattle and extend to the Gulf Islands of British Columbia. With almost 780 islands uncovered as the tide recedes, sandy beaches filled with pebbles, kelp, sea stars, and barnacles come to life.
 What if I've never been sea kayaking before?
No experience required! You and your friends will learn basic paddling strokes together from professional sea kayaking guides as you learn to read the waters near Lopez and Orcas Islands. To ensure the safest possible experience, everyone is required to wear a Personal Flotation Device-a PFD-at all times on the water.
Do I need any special gear for rock climbing? What about experience?
There is no extra gear required for any climbing section on Moondance. It's great if you have your own climbing shoes-bring them!-but our professional guides will supply us with everything we need including ropes, harnesses, shoes when necessary, and helmets. Absolutely no experience is required to have fun on the rock. Once you try it, you'll realize that the learning curve is high! For our more experienced climbers, there are plenty of routes at Smith Rock to test your skill and to help you advance to the next level.
 The Tyrolean traverse looks a little scary -- what's that all about?
The Tyrolean traverse does look a little intimidating, but even the beginner climber will have no trouble crossing the bridge between the two rock outcrops at Smith Rock in Oregon. After climbing Monkey's Face, students will clip in to the "traverse" to transport themselves to the opposite side. As with most Moondance sections, the mental energy required will outshine preconceived, and sometimes overestimated, physical limitations.
Do I need to break in my boots for the backpacking section?
Absolutely. The most common medical injury we face in the backcountry is blisters. Though that may not seem like a big deal, blisters can turn a 6 mile hike into a nightmare if not properly attended. The best way to avoid blisters is to buy boots that fit you well and to wear them often to break them in. Leather boots can take 1-2 months to break in so start early! Once your trip starts, your leaders will show you how to care for your feet to avoid any unwanted blisters!
How many miles do we backpack in a given day?
Itineraries while in the backcountry can change often since poor weather is possible at any given time. Therefore, your instructors may decide that it is safer to set up camp early rather than continue hiking. Your group will begin to read weather patterns and will start to make these kinds of decisions too, with your instructor's help. Your group may also decide to stop early in order to take advantage of some great side trails that lead to a nearby peak. In any case, this may mean that some days you only hike a couple of miles, while on other days when the weather is perfect, and your group feels strong, you knock out 7-8 miles.
What else do we do during our backpacking section?
You'll hone your route-finding skills as you navigate through forests and mountain valleys and perfect your backcountry culinary skills at breakfast and dinner. You'll have the opportunity to lead your friends through the challenges and successes of a wilderness expedition as "leader of the day" and you'll realize the magnitude of what a former student said as you ascend one of the peaks in the area: "The toughness of the climb makes the view even better."
What kind of wildlife will we see?
The pristine waters surrounding the San Juans are home to porpoise, otters, sea stars, herons, and their most famous resident, the orcas, or killer whales, may pass by you! While backpacking in Desolation Wilderness, don't be surprised if you come across deer, cougar, grouse, marmots, and the occasional bear!
 What's the weather like in Washington?
Washington State experiences a mild climate during the summer with temperatures near the coast regulated by its marine climate. There are days when it may rain, so be sure to bring proper rain gear; however, you'll most likely experience sunshine and 70 degree temperatures on most days.
What will I learn by the end of my trip?
By the end of your Moondance experience, you may learn how to cook a great meal, how to find your way using topographical maps and a compass, or how to belay your friend who is climbing above you. Most of all, you'll learn that life's lessons are often camouflaged as a brilliant rainbow that follows a storm, a challenging mountain and a heavy pack, or strangers that become family at the end of 21 days. The self-confidence that you can gain by exploring the unknown will provide a constant foundation for your life adventures down the road.
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