Pioneer Trek

 The youth in our church, ages 14-18, go on a Pioneer Trek every few years, and since Justin serves in the bishopric, he went along to help supervise.  It was a 3 day, 2 night trek, covering about 25-30 miles total, with each pioneer "family" pulling one handcart.  Everyone had to wear pioneer clothing and take only enough belongings that would fit into a 5 gallon bucket.

Ready to leave for trek

Youth gathered at the church and organized into pioneer "families" before leaving for the trek.

The first day wasn't too bad and the weather was nice...

...although there were several steep hills and not much of a trail.

Then the rain came.  They were supposed to hike up a dry river bed, but with all the rain, it quickly became a creek.

The rain continued the rest of the trek, creating deep mud, and increased difficulty in pulling the handcarts.

 

Meanwhile, back at home, the rain gave way to this beautiful rainbow, and I was extremely grateful I wasn't out pulling a handcart in the rain this week!

Justin did make it back safely, but I forgot to get an "after" picture of him!  There was no time to stop him for a picture before he ran hobbled into the shower!  He's sore with lots of blisters from hiking in wet shoes for 3 days, but he said it was a good experience and he's glad he went!  We watched Ephraim's Rescue shortly after this trek, and also after having experienced the harsh winters of Nebraska, we have a new respect and appreciation for the Mormon pioneers.