4 years ago, Mike & I went on pioneer Trek with the youth from our stake. This time, we were able to go with Christian & Haley. :) They were placed in their own families, but it was fun to see them have their first trek experience.
Last minute hair braiding...
We took buses up to the high plains of Wyoming...
… where all of the kids posed with their new Ma's and Pa's and loaded their handcarts.
And then we were off :)
Mike & I took a moment with the kids at Brigham's Arrow. It's difficult to see in pictures, but it is a literal arrow made of rocks that Brigham Young created to show the pioneers following behind which path to follow.
Gravel Hill proved to be more difficult than some expected...
Tending to blisters in the medical tent
Dr. Kasteler and some of the medical staff drove these fun Rangers around.
I hitched a ride across Muddy Creek :)
The nightly scene of 'tent city'
On the 2nd morning, the leaders announced that there had been "deaths" in certain families the night before. They announced about 40 names, Haley included, and had them come stand in front. The most emotional part was when they called the names of an entire family but one of the children. All of the "deceased" walked ahead out of sight on the trail, leaving everyone else to pull their carts without them. People quickly jumped into action to help the one 'daughter' who was left on her own. Then, we started a 3 hour silent pull.
As we rounded one bend, we saw all of the 'angel pioneers.' They joined their families as they passed to help push/pull again, as many actual pioneers wrote in journals that they experienced themselves.
That night was full of pioneer games and fun competitions.
The Pony Express came the next morning with letters from home.
Women's Pull
And a triumphant finish!
We were all exhausted and filthy, but what a fantastic experience to have with our kids!
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