Well, Dad and I just got back from our Stake Pioneer Trek. We were Ma and Pa to 10 great kids. The ages ranged from 17 to 12 years. We had a handcart to pull as a family with all our gear. Just like the pioneers. We even went on our trek in the same area that they would of traveled the last stretch before coming to the SL valley. We spent 4 days on this trek and covered about 20 miles. 10 of which was on the first day. Lots of hills and dry dusty HOT trails. It was very hard! We did not see a tree pretty much the whole time. Our family faired pretty well, but many had blisters, sprained ankles, and heat problems. But as you can see from the picture, we ate pretty darn well. That was our third day breakfast. Sausage, eggs, potatos and cheese....YUM
We camped and made our own shelter with a big tarp and the handcart. Some nights were better than others. our kids loved to sleep under the stars mostly. It was so hot during the day that we thought we would die, and then it was freezing at night. The dew caused us to have wet sleeping bags every morning. One morning, Gabby (one of our kids)'s sleeping bag had frost on it. We also slept among the dried cow pies (:
My family were good trekers.... the handcart was very heavy and some of the hills were a bit steep. Really good kids!!! We had a couple of strong boys and some strong girls. They were real troopers. IT WAS HARD!!!
We also had a girl that had damaged her knee and could not walk. So we put her on top. We only went about an hour that way before leaders in charge of the land ( a couple missionary cause it is church owned land) said we could not do that. She had to be pulled in a seperate handcart. 2 or 3 of us then helped with that. I have to say that I felt my 56 years on this trek and realized just how out of shape I am. It was a very good experience. We did a lot of family things together and had a good time. We had some super kids to work with.
This is our family on the last day ready to do the last few miles and go home. I must say, that I am glad to be home now and on to the other exciting things coming up in our lives.
Dad and I did a great 24th of July hike. It is now one of my favorites. It is the Millcreek to Lambs canyon. Once at the top, you can see both Parleys Canyon and the Salt lake Valley. It has been a wet year, and the growth and wildflowers were unbelievable. What can I say but "Awesome".
It was pretty steep, but Dad slowed down so that I could keep up with him. Going back down was hard on the knees, but it was so worth it. I love that we can drive 20 min. to a trail that will totally take your breath away. It was just the two of us on the tops of the mountains....the world was ours and we loved it!!!
