Pioneer Trek July 2012

Dale and I had the opportunity to be a "Ma and Pa" in a 3 Ward trek in our home Stake. This was the wonderful family of eight youth that was assigned to us. Sidney, Tyler, Carly, Austin, Karina. Matthew and Jacqie. 

The 2nd day trekking to Martin's Cove. We walked around 5 miles and spent time hearing stories about the handcart pioneers involved in this sacred area. 

They had the groups walk without the handcarts to Martin's Cove. They asked us to have quiet voices and a reverent attitude as we visited this very sacred site. Many pioneers lost their lives here. Of course I had my eyes pealed for rattlesnakes. Luckily I never saw one.

The third day we did the women's pull which was a very tender experience for all of us. 

 

During our first pull through the Sweetwater Dale slipped and almost fell under the cart. Luckily all he ended up with was stinky mud on his nice white shirt.

For lunch we were given the ration of flour the the pioneers received daily. It really impressed us how they were able to survive their daily struggles with such a small amount of food. As you can tell by their faces, it did not taste very good!

Our family after their 15 mile trek to Rocky Ridge. Dale and I came as part of the rescue party to encourage them the last mile. We were so proud of how well they all did and wish we could have been with them. The BLM only allows 200 people per day over Rocky Ridge so some of the kids and many of the adults had to stay home. We worked so hard taking down camp and setting it up at our last campsite so they were able to rest after their long day.

Pres. Hinckley had a memorial set up that listed the names of the 13 pioneers in the Willie Company that died during one of the worst nights. The next day 2 more died. I felt such a reverent feeling as we walked around this area. This ended up being such a challenging and strengthening experience for Dale and I. We were grateful for the blessing we received by our Bishopric that promised us we would have the health we needed to accomplish all that needed to happen. I have to say I was very happy to see my bathroom and feel our air conditioning when we got home.