Ward Trek

When our ward announced that we would be going on a ward trek I was ecstatic ! Our ward prepared for this trek for 1 year. We had all sorts of activities to get all the families ready, like dancing, sewing, bucket making, etc. Pat and I were in charge of buckets. We had a "make your bucket night" at the church. We stayed up three nights cutting foam seats for the buckets to make them comfortable. 

Our neighbor came over with his handcart and taught us about it and how to put it together. He brought dutch oven cobbler and we gave each-other rides around the block. This was supposed to be a block party but no one else showed up : ) We had a fun time anyway.

We also hiked up to the G several times a week to prepare physically for our journey. I also spent days sewing skirts, hats, and aprons.

The first day we drove to the Willie Handcart Place. Not sure the official name. We went on a 5 mile trek there. It ended up pouring rain and wind which added to the experience : ) Afterward we drove to Martins Cove where we set up camp and ate dinner. What a really neat experience!! During the whole trek, we walked about 20 miles total and all the kids other then Justin walked the whole way. Tanner was tough and didn't ride even once and one day we walked over 10 miles!

The family Picture

Ready to go come what may 

Brady helped a friend. Look at the girls all riding in the back. The boys didn't let this happen too long after reality set in : ) 

The storm!

 Jussie had it made and slept through the whole storm and it was a good storm!

Getting ready to cross a small stream.

We made it to Martin's cove and boy did food never taste so good : )

Day 2 was a long walk. We went about 10 miles. Jussie talked savy into carrying him a few times.

All natural! Beautiful!!

Above: The water pump where we got all our water.

Below: We found these cool caterpillars in the Sweetwater River

A flower in the river.

Resting after a long day. We were camped by the Sweetwater River. After walking each day everyone would go play in the river. It was so nice after a hot walk. Some would even wash their hair.

A little girl in our ward was baptized in the Sweetwater. It was a neat experience.

More treking...On the last day we visited Martin's Cove.

Here we are in the Cove. It was sobering to imagine what happen here. You could feel a connection. 

Getting ready to cross the Sweetwater

We we learned about the Sweetwater crossing and the men who carried people over on that cold day.

What sweet sacrifice people made that day. It's what Christ's love is about.

There wasn't a lot of shade so yes people used the stinky bathroon shade : )

Us getting ready for the women's pull

It was tough but we did it. I couldn't imagine having to do this on my own, without

 the men in our family.

Time for games and dancing!

On the last morning before we left the youth brought the carts back about 4 miles. Matthew said it was easy without all the stuff and having to wait for the little kids.

Then it was time to leave. I am so thankful for this experience!! It was a neat family and ward trek and one of the last times we got to spend with Matthew before he left on his mission. I'll never forget the experiences and feelings I had there.