Pioneer Trek

At the end of June our ward did a family pioneer trek. It took a little bit of effort to get ready for it, and not everyone was thrilled about going, but we had a great time! We went to a place called Hardware Ranch near Hyrum, Utah. It is beautiful there! Our family was assigned a handcart with another family (the Pughs) and we started the trek to our campsite. It was just a few miles, but it was hot and I had a horrible cough and sore throat, so I was very glad to get to camp. The kids did great on the walk and when we got to camp, they loved running around with their friends, playing cards, and fishing. Josh found some new friends in a family that moved into our ward right before trek and got put in our company. Their boys were older than Josh, but they were nice to let him tag along all weekend and Josh loved showing them how to use his fly rod (he only got the hook stuck in his hand once). That night we sat around the campfire while a few people played their guitars and Nate and some others sang along. The second day we did the women's pull and pulled the handcarts up an enormous, rocky hill. I was so impressed with how everyone helped each other get up the hill. Nate and Josh worked so hard and the girls were great too--they stepped up and were more than willing to help. I wasn't allowed to pull our handcart. I was told I was sick and just needed to get myself up the trail. I don't like to sit and watch and was embarrassed to not be doing my part, but the truth was I couldn't remember the last time I was as sick as I was that week. My throat hurt pretty bad and I could hardly talk or take a deep breath without coughing. I kept thinking about how insignificant my cold was compared to what the pioneers went through. The second day we also had a square dance. I wish I had pictures from the dance. It was my favorite part of trek! Almost everyone participated, including Josh. I was especially impressed with the young men that participated. Nate had a really great time swinging me around and nearly sending me across the field every time we linked arms. I laughed so hard I forgot how crappy I was feeling. That night, we had a devotional led by Nate and a few other people. He did a nice job. He also did a great job trying to help me feel better and get some sleep. The walk back to the cars on the last day felt longer than it really was. Megan had had enough fun, which included getting a tick behind her ear, Josh had one too. Nate carried her on his shoulders for part of the way, and then Hillary Pugh held her hand and talked to her to get her the rest of the way there. I was so grateful for her! All in all, it was a great experience. It was  a great experience for our ward and for our family and I'm so glad we got to go.