Pioneer Trek Part I

Brad and I volunteered to be a "Ma" and "Pa" again this year for the youth conference pioneer trek. At one point we thought it might not happen because of all the rain. Even though it was cut short, it was still a wonderful growing experience for youth and adults alike. Here we are loading up vehicles for the windy ride to southern, KY.

Meeting together (two Stakes) for last minuet instructions before our journey. 

Our pioneer "family" visiting and eating together before starting the trek.

MaKenzie Barber saddling up her horse for Rex Holt (trail master for Lexington North Stake) to ride.

The first few miles of our journey involved walking along a paved road (I am sure the pioneers would have loved a paved road to walk on!).

We then loaded our belongings onto the handcarts and were off again (on the paved road of course).

Here are "our girls" are bringing up the rear.

Several pioneer "families" waiting with their handcarts.

There were a few steep hills to go down,

as the terrain slowly changed.

This is when we began to sing, "For some must push...

and some must pull as we go marching up the hill,

so merrily on the way we go,

until we reach the vally'O.

Well, this wasn't quite the valley,

but it was very beautiful,  

and the perfect place to soak our tired feet!

Even the horses were ready for rest and water.

Once our feet were feeling a little better

and shoes and socks were back on,

we all had a good time visiting 

  with our pioneer families, as well as our ward family,

 as we joked around,

relaxed, napped,

freshened up, and played music? (Breck's sad attempt at the Recorder).

Little did we know that the long break was to prepare us for what lay ahead. In several places, the trail was covered knee-deep with water.

Some of the girls discovered the ideal way to cross the rushing water

Here "our boys" are leading the way with the handcart,

and the girls are bringing up the rear.

In fact, that seemed to be a re-occurring theme  

(at least it was in our family).

After walking about thirteen miles, we made it to our stopping point.

Only ours wasn't a valley, it was atop a beautiful mountain.

The kids enjoyed throwing a blanket down 

and finally having the opportunity to rest, 

as they ate a wonderful meal prepred by the Stake of homemade chicken soup and rolls (somehow I don't think the pioneers had a hot meal waiting for them either). 

It was nice to just talk and laugh with one another,

as we watched the sun go down.