Latest Word...

We are still planning to meet at the Stake Center around 5:15 as they should be in not long after that. The buses will be coming east on Parleys Canyon Blvd. from 1700 East.  Please keep the street North of the Stake Center cleared of cars as the buses will pull up there. We would like to keep the parking lot as cleared as possible... If you could please park at the East end of the parking lot, the South side of the building or on the Stake side as they have several LARGE support vehicles that they need to park closer to the building for unloading purposes.

Woo! Hoo!

Just heard from the trail! Everyone is safely on the buses and in cell phone range again. They are hot and sweaty and tired and first time estimate for arrival is 5:15!!! They will check in again after they stop for a break and we will have an even better idea then!! Keep checking back and we will see everyone at the Stake Center soon!!!

And don't forget…

Trek Fireside
(for Trekkers AND their families!)

Sunday, July 1st

5:00 p.m.

Stake Center

For the Willie Company, the 16 mile pull from 5th Crossing to 6th Crossing was a bleak day. They knew that they had to make it in one day because there was nowhere to camp between these two spots that had water or wood for fires. They were abysmally low on flour, hadn't had anything substantial to eat for days and their spirits were low. Where was the aid that had been promised by Elder Richards? What choice did they have but to keep moving? Unknown to the company, the rescuers were not far beyond 6th Crossing, however they were on the other side of Rocky Ridge - a most difficult stage. 6th crossing of the Sweetwater was frigid and treacherous for the Willie Company. For the Parleys trekkers it was a little different from the crossing of the day before. 

The gathering before 6th Crossing of the Sweetwater.

Yesterday's crossing was filled with reverent thoughts. Today, our youth enjoyed the blessed relief that the cool water brought to them. Waterfights and laughter were the order of the day.

When the Willie Company reached 6th Crossing it was decided that they would stay there and send James Willie and Joseph Elder on ahead to try and meet the rescuers. The weather was so bad that the rescuers had stayed in one place. Brothers Willie and Elder made the long and arduous trek over rocky Ridge and found the rescuers and told of the dire circumstances of those in the company. The rescuers then hitched up the wagons and left to find the Saints. Back over the Ridge went Brothers Willie and Elder with the supply wagons. One of the rescue party was William Kimball who had been partially responsible for the errors in judgment which led to the late departure. Not one to blame others, he had volunteered to join the rescuers. As they rode into the desolate camp, Brother Young barely recognized 20-year old Emily Hill, whom he had known while on his mission. He gave her an onion to eat and cried to see how starved they all were. Instead of eating the onion, Emily saved it and gave it to another man in camp who was in worse shape than was she. He later said that the onion had saved his life.

After 6th Crossing came one of the day's highlights - the women's pull. The men were pulled off the carts and the women of the Stake were left to carry on alone - yet not alone. The men went to the top of a ridge removed their hats and watched in reverent silence as the women made the pull. The women were singing and encouraging each other along the dusty trail. So many of the women in that fateful 1856 journey made the Trek alone and so many others carried their husbands or children in their handcarts and pulled them  - refusing to leave them behind.

The Women's Pull

Though our Stake was unable to obtain the permits to make the actual pull over Rocky Ridge, they were able to camp Friday night at Rock Creek. 

Friday evening camp at Rock Creek

Rock Creek is near the site of the common grave where 13 Saints are buried who died after the journey over the Ridge. Two more died the next morning and were hastilly buried close by. Think of the story of sweet little Bodil Mortensen, whose parents had entrusted her to travel with Jens and Elsie Nielsen when they were unable to emigrate. After the lengthy journey over the Ridge, she was sent to gather sagebrush for the evening fire. Overcome by exhaustion and cold, she was found frozen, leaning against a handcart wheel.

Tonight, in the peace of Rock Creek the Pony Express Mail delivery brought welcome letters to all of the youth from those who love them and were left behind in Salt Lake. As on the other nights, they are footsore and weary, but no serious health issues and they should sleep very well tonight - with dreams of showers tomorrow!!!

Thank-you to Paul Bradley who has sent these pictures from his phone. The data transfer has not worked, but Paul has been fabulous in the photos he could send and we KNOW that the photos for the slideshow in Sunday's fireside will stir memories for all involved in this Trek. 

Remember…Keep an eye on the blog on Saturday as we will be giving you updates on the return. First update should be around noon.

Please, please, please pass the word to all you know to come to the Stake Center to Welcome them back to the Valley.

Transition...

This morning as the Trek arose they began a transition. Up to this point, the stories and experiences they have had have focused on the Martin Company - the last of the two companies to be rescued. They were a larger group, had left two weeks after the Willie Company and been more severely affected by the early storms and reduced rations. 

Friday morning begins their experience as the Willie Company.  What stories do you know from the Willie trail? What do the names Bodil Mortensen, Emily and Julia Hill, Reddick "Bulldog" Allred, Jens and Elsie Nielsen and Levi Savage call to mind?

What does the trail hold in store today?

"Welcome to the Valley" Reminder…

Please spread the word to keep a close eye on the Blog or Facebook on Saturday. The leaders will be messaging us to let us know when they are leaving Wyoming so that we can approximate the time of arrival at the Stake Center. It will be sometime late afternoon/early evening.

We really want as many people there to "Bring Them In" so tell your neighbors and friends! Wear pioneer dress…bring a hat or bonnet and be prepared to cheer and wave! 

What an amazing day!!!

Early rising is the order of the day. Think of the pioneers and how it must have felt day after day to begin - not feeling rested from the day before and hungry. To have subsisted on 3/4 cup of flour…or less. Fortunately for our youth the food has been plentiful and tasty.

Today was warm! Less breeze meant more heat and the temperature climbed into the high 90's. Even that didn't put a damper on the trekkers spirits. Making sure that everyone is staying hydrated (and sun screened) meant another day without injury.

They began with a handcart trek to the pathway into Martin's Cove. President Sorensen requested that everyone travel up into the Cove in silence. What a sobering experience for all as they trekked into that sacred place. The Martin Company spent 5 long, cold days in the cove after the crossing of the Sweetwater River and lost many more of their company.  Our modern company had a beautiful devotional with a talk from President Sorensen. 

The trail into Martin's Cove!

The other highlight of the day was the actual crossing of the Sweetwater River. Once again, as they began the crossing they were asked to Remember and treat this experience with reverence. The water was only knee high and though it was very hot and the temptation to have water fights and splash each other must have been very great, everyone felt of the Spirit of the occasion and crossed with care. They even had some of the young men return and carry some of the girls across so that they didn't need to get wet!

The Spirit was also invited in by a talk from President Larkin, violin music from Tiffany Munns, flute music from Angela Bennion and the recounting of several pioneer vignettes. Who can forget the story of Sarah Ann Franks and George Padley - the young couple who were engaged to be married and refused to be married until they could be married in Zion. George passed away in Martin's Cove and Sarah, concerned that his body not be desecrated by the wolves, had his body wrapped in her shawl and some of the brethren raised his body into a tree. When President Faust heard their story, he proclaimed it "one of the great love stories of the western migration".

Back in camp this evening, footsore and weary, they have cooked and eaten, played games and enjoyed singing and playing on makeshift musical instruments and prepared to gather for a testimony meeting before turning in for the night. Oh, how their testimonies have been strengthened by their experiences. We are sure they will sleep well!

Waiting patiently...

…for updates from the trail. What do you think they experienced today? Early rising, walking, Sweetwater Crossing, Priesthood Monument, walking, imagining the icy waters of the North Platte River in 90 degree weather, hearing the stories, working together as a "family", walking…
I guess we will wait and see.

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.