Pioneer Trek

This summer our ward did a pioneer trek.  Many times it is just the young men and young women that participate in it but our Bishop wanted our entire ward to do it.  We were put in families and we pulled handcarts just like the pioneers did.  Of course we had the modern convenience of a porta potty that followed us along!  We did go without showers for three days though!

We laughed, we talked, we sang, we danced and we grew closer together and to our pioneer heritage.  The most inspiring part to me was the woman's pull.  The last morning, all the men were taken to be in the Mormon Battalion.  That left the woman and children to pack everything up and start on the trail without the men.  There was a steep mile hill to climb.  It was hard and long but we felt angels helping us as the men quietly slipped back and helped us to the top and then left again.  

I loved watching the children along the trail.  They would play with each other, picking flowers, catching butterflies or playing cowboys and Indians, just like I imagine the pioneer children.  It was a wonderful experience that I will never forget!

 Of course, Erin found the water…mud and all!

 The Sweet Water Crossing enactment….Josh and his friends figuring out how to get everyone and everything across the "Sweet water River".

 

 Josh and James bringing Brother McKee across.

 Every night we had music with square dancing.  Even Austin joined in.

 Ausitn and Erin square dancing.

 The Mormon Battalion leaving…..

 The view from the top was breath taking.

Our family….Erin, Josh and I and Garrett and Noel Anderson.