The Trek

Last October we were called to be the leaders of our Stake Trek that took place July 14 through the 17th. It has pretty well been a full time calling ever since then. Someone suggested it was like serving a nine month mission. We trekked through Martin's Cove and had the privilege of trekking the sacred grounds of our pioneer ancestors.

There were 328 participants in the Trek. It is a little hard to see but they are strung out over about 1/2 mile when they were all moving together. It was an awesome sight and a great blessing to be a part of it.

We had the opportunity to reenact the crossing of the Sweetwater River. It was a lot of fun for us but pretty humbling to think that there were chunks of ice floating down the river with subzero temperatures, gail force winds, and a foot of snow on the ground when the Martin Company had to cross the river to get to the Cove. There was no place to get dry or warm once they crossed.

Our tent city was packed in pretty tight at Sage Campground. We had over 100 tents to house the trekkers. It made for a great party but after everyone went to bed there were plenty of snoring sounds throughout the camp.

This was the last day of trekking as we began the ascent over Rocky Ridge. Rocky Ridge is the highest point of the pioneer trail. We ended the day after trekking 16.2 miles into Rock Creek Hollow. Ilene's boots aren't pretty but they just kept on walking. We clocked over 30 miles on the Trek. It was an amazing experience and we are very blessed to have had the opportunity to participate. We learned a lot from our preparation and our participation. We survived our 9 month mission with no more wear than a few mosquito bites, sunburned lips, and not quite enough sleep.