Trekkers!

They arrive each week, anytime from Monday to Wednesday, and stay for 3-5 days.  They fill the air with their excited laughter and the grounds here at Martin's Cove and Willie Sixth Crossing with the vibrancy and exuberance that is found only in the young.  Most have been waiting for four years for this experience.  That's the waiting list and time frame necessary for trek groups from Wards and Stakes.  Each June the trekking season begins, as summer break from school begins.  Each August the trek groups slowly diminish, until by the last week there are no trekkers on the trails except family groups.

Buses and cars in Staging area

Kids getting their handcarts

Orientation before starting on Trek

As they meet each evening in nearby semi-primitive campgrounds (pit toilets, water pumps, fire rings and log benches scattered amidst the sagebrush); they share the stories of the hand cart pioneers they're "walking for".  Many carry a name and have researched that individual and their experiences and challenges as they crossed the plains on their 1300  mile journey for religious freedom and sacred ordinances to be obtained only in  holy houses of God. Testimony meetings at the close of their trek experience are tender and filled with love of God, appreciation for their fellow trekkers who have helped and buoyed them up through hard times on the trail, gratitude for parents who are recognized anew for their sacrifices and devotion, and a new-found respect and awe for those who came before at such a high price, all for the gospel's sake. 
There is no experience like trekking to bless the lives of the youth of the Church.  It is a marvelous work and a wonder.

Some of our groups are small - just a little family trying to understand and appreciate the handcart experience.  Oscar the dog has adopted this family for the day and stays with them throughout their experience.

This shot was taken across the valley so is not a good detail one,

but I love the American flags that each handcart carried on this

special day, the birth of our country - July 4th.

We have a few trek groups that are small, only 20-40 youth and leaders.  Most are 125-350, some up to 400.  They come from all over the USA-Montana, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Illinois, California, Arkansas, Nevada, South Dakota, North Dakota, Colorado, Iowa - & many states beyond for our smaller family groups.

In the evenings, after trekking 7-14 miles, they gather to learn how to square dance.  We have this opportunity to teach the youth 2-4 nights each week.  It's a joy to see them catch on and then become exuberant in their dancing.  Tired feet and aches and pains are forgotten in the fun of the moment.  We see how the pioneers were at times able to relax and find happiness in this simple pleasure after a hard days travel.

Trekking is GREAT!!!