Arrival…and first leg of the journey...

What a wonderful first day! After a little bit of a late start, the buses made the 350 mile trip to Independence Rock. Due to some minor technical difficulties we don't have many pictures - yet! But until we do, here is the report. They stopped at Independence Rock and learned about its significance for the handcart companies and then made their way to the Martin's Cove Visitors' Center. 

They waited patiently for another Stake that had arrived ahead of them before they were able to start on the activities there. (Hmmm…does this mean that our Stake is the Martin Company?) After a presentation where they saw a video with President Hinckley speaking about the importance of remembering the sacrifices made in this sacred place, our intrepid band of Trekkers gathered into their families, loaded their gear onto their carts and left for the 3-mile trek to Cherry Creek Campground.

They have had a beautiful day. Though it was quite hot, it was also breezy and that has made the journey much easier. Everyone has been staying hydrated and even with sore feet and tired muscles there are happy hearts. They enjoyed a delightful meal of barbecue beef prepared in their families, a stunning sunset and are settling in for an evening of activities, dessert and a devotional. 

Thank-you to all who are making this experience possible!

Wednesday evening - 1st Camp at Cherry Creek Campground
As you can see, the land is fairly flat and they haven't had mountains to climb…yet.

Tents pitched…carts braced…families gathered…what a sight!!!
So thankful for modern conveniences and the safety of good preparation.

Check back with us often to see how things are faring with our travelers.

The Departure...

President Sorensen and President Larkin oversee the gathering of the families.

Delightfully controlled chaos as the youth come in and are welcomed into their new families.

Last minute braiding!

Boss Proctor can't get enough of the Trek experience!

Notice the Red Cross? Everyone is in great hands with the experienced medical team. They can handle everything from ticks to headaches to blisters and then some!

Leaving the chapel after the 1st devotional - heading into the gym to grab their gear and get on the buses!

Everyone has smiles - even at this VERY early hour!

Could you fit your <17 lbs. of gear into a 5 gallon bucket for the Trek? So thankful for good walking shoes and warm sleeping bags!

President Larkin is happy to be with the youth of the Stake!

These wonderful women have planned and prepared and will be working behind the scenes to make sure that all goes well. What beautiful women and what a great experience they have ahead of them!

Getting on the four buses that will take them to Wyoming.

Trail Boss Tim Hatch making sure that the drivers know where they are going!

Does Bishop Worthlin ever NOT have a smile on his face?

Porter Moffitt with the food truck. Please don't get lost, Porter!!!

Dave Robinson making sure that the food and supply trucks are ready to roll!

Dear Members of Parleys Stake:

We will have the rare opportunity to help the youth complete their trek by “welcoming them into the valley” this Saturday, June 30^th, tentatively around 5:00 p.m.. Check the blog on Saturday, when they will give us an approximate time for their arrival at the Stake Center. We invite EVERYONE to come down to line the pathway as the buses arrive and cheer our youth and their leaders home!!! The late notice is because we have wanted to keep this a secret from all of the participants. Please…SPREAD THE WORD, keep your eye on the blog and come join us in celebrating their experience. Dress in pioneer clothes, bring a sign (we will have a banner), wave your bonnet or your cowboy hat or your bandana and CHEER!

Contact your ward Relief Society President or Janice Rampton – jwrampton@gmail.com - with any questions.

Trek Tip of the Week - June 24 - GEAR CHECK AND PACKING

Trek Tip of the Week - Gear Check and Packing

Get pumped.  It’s trek time.  Come with you personal gear (packing bucket and sleeping bags, NO contraband [electronics, treats, etc.]) on "Trek Eve", Tuesday June 26th – no exceptions unless arranged with Tim Hatch (801-455-0416).  We suggest that you bring your sleeping gear in a duffel that keeps things together.  If you are missing anything on the checklist you will be sent home to get it before your gear will be checked in.  Be sure to bring a cup for drinking during meals.  This was not on everyone's list. 

Please come during the assigned time for your ward.

• 6:05 - 2nd and 4th Wards
• 6:25 - 3rd Ward
• 6:45 - 1st Ward
• 7:05 - 5th Ward
• 7:20 - 6th Ward

For the morning of trek (Wednesday, June 27) please arrive in time for our start at 5:55 a.m. sharp.  Come having eaten a full breakfast and with lunch plus a morning snack.  After that we’ll have plenty of food.  Please be there five minutes early.  We’ll be loading the buses for Wyoming shortly after, returning late afternoon / early evening Saturday, June 30.  A specific arrival time will be posted on the blog (see address below) Saturday afternoon.

On Sunday, July 1st we will have our Pioneer Trek Fireside at the Stake Center at 5:00 p.m. 

Follow all trek related activities and updates each day from the trail on our blog (http://parleystrek.blogspot.com/) or on Facebook (Parleys Trek 2012 – you’ll need to request to be added). 

Trek Tip of the Week - June 17 - BLISTER PREVENTION

Trek Tip of the Week #10: - Blister Prevention: The best way to prevent blisters from forming is to have broken-in, good-fitting shoes and dry, moisture-wicking, synthetic socks. It also helps if you have been walking and conditioning with the shoes and socks you will be wearing on the trek. If you are prone to blisters, apply bandaids, duct tape, or moleskin prior to walking. If you notice a small pebble, dirt, or debride in your shoes, stop and remove it immediately. At the first sign of a “hotspot” (heat, pain, tenderness, discomfort), apply moleskin- available through your Ma & Pa. For recap of previous Trek Tips, check out the blog at http://parleystrek.blogspot.com/

Tip of the Week - June 10 - BUGS AND CRITTERS

Trek Tip of the Week #9: - Mosquitoes, and bees and TICKS, OH MY!

While mosquito bites and bee stings can be uncomfortable, deer ticks can actually transmit debilitating diseases. Ticks are commonly found on sagebrush, tree bark and woodpiles. On your skin, they look like a scab: flat, adherent, sesame seed-sized, dark or reddish-brown. If you have a tick, contact a medical team member to remove it immediately (disease risk after 24 hours.)  NEVER attempt to remove a tick on your own! Most effective way to reduce risk of Ticks: Permethrin clothing pre-treatment (Kirkham’s, REI, and Recreation Outlet $10- $17.) Also recommend: Insect Repellent with minimum 30% DEET. Eliminate skin exposure with well-fitting bloomers or light-weight tights under dress and calf-high socks for girls. Boys should tuck slacks into socks. 

Tip of the Week - June 3 - DAILY DUTY

Trek Tip of the Week #8 - You may be wondering why this subject is being addressed.  Well…it’s a problem when we are not in our own homes.  We frequently avoid using the restroom because of the facilities available.  Sometimes we even reduce our food and fluid intake to avoid using the restroom. (very bad!) For our bodies to work properly they need to maintain regular cycles—including using the bathroom.  So everyone needs to make sure they take a trip to the local outhouse EVERY DAY.  Your tummy and body will thank you.

Tip of the Week - May 27 - SUN AND WIND PROTECTION

Trek Tip of the Week #7 - Protection:  Sunburns are no fun.  Plus, too much sun exposure can lead to sun sickness or sun stroke in extreme cases.  The use of sun screen with SPF rating of 30 or greater is recommended.  It should be applied to all exposed areas (face, ears, neck, arms/hands) every 2 hours.  Sunscreen alone won’t protect you completely so you also need to wear long sleeve shirts, pants/skirts with bloomers, wide brimmed hats, and sun glasses (to protect your eyes). Lip balm with sunscreen is highly recommended.