Colt and I were very lucky (especially now after experiencing it all) to have been called as Ma and Pa Kierstead - to be a set of parents to some youth (ages 14 - 18) in our ward. They were split up into families of three until the Hoovers were unable to make it due to the death of his mother. This left only two sets of parents - two families.
The trek was wonderful. People have asked me if we had fun. Well fun is just one of the things felt. Whatever emotion is available was felt. There was a wonderful spirit there. A spirit of friendship, love, kindness, respect, happiness, gratitude. It was such a huge blessing for us to be with this amazing young group. We learned so much from them while learning about them and growing to care and love for them. What an amazing experience. Thank you all for creating this memory for us, you were great!
DAY ONE
Arriving at starting point.
The handcart parking lot. Our ward members getting carts loaded and ready to go.
The Hoover Family.
They were split up and divided between the other two families.
Ladies
Gentlemen
Mecham Family
Kierstead Family
Me, Kathleen (she is in our ward, her husband is in the high council - they were stake reps), and Amy - the other Ma
Gary (other Pa), Bro Fulgham (Bishopric member), and Colt
On the trail... our ward color was yellow. We had PERFECT weather. We were very lucky!
This is the start of the womens pull. This is where they took all of the men away from us and the women pulled without them. you can see the trail going up the mountain. We went up and got to this landing spot and then had to take a left. The hill on the left was our final hill - definitely the hardest, pretty steep.
Our wards separated and went off to have a ward/family prayer. Then they men left.
The women stayed behind for a prayer.
Womens Pull.
Our men walked beside us. They were unable to talk to us or touch the handcarts.
Womens Pull.
Taking a rest on the hill.
The last hill. When we reached the top President Merrill (stake YM pres) said "Men, take the cart" and we all lost it.
Women after the Womens Pull.
Womens Pull - the view from the top. I was so proud of our YW. After getting to the top and getting a quick drink we all went back down to help other wards up. We were very lucky to have as many girls on our carts as we did (6 per cart). We found other wards that only had three girls. I don't know how they made it as far as they did. Very impressive the strength that comes out in moments like these.
Right after the Womens Pull Colt got really sick (to the stomach) and ended up leaving us after lunch. Or, rather, we had to leave him behind. He caught up with us a few hours later and slowly I walked with him into camp for the night. It was horrible. He got a blessing from my brother (who was a Pa in his own ward) and the men from our ward. We were lucky he was able to join us later that night.
Miles traveled - 14.
DAY TWO
This morning we were without food. We all started the hike pretty hungry but with pretty good spirits. Colt was alive and well with us. He felt perfect and stayed on the handcart the rest of the day. We were very lucky to have him with us since this day was pretty hard.
Miles traveled - on sore, blistered feet and tired legs - 6.
We walked over one mile from the bottom of this trail to the top of this hill before we had anything to eat.
The hardest part of day two, these series of hills. That's our family.
Our home camp for the next two nights.
Chris and Augmon
Playing "Electricity", a fun game the YW taught us.
Jaun and his sister Marissa
Cameron hog tied Kent - not sure. A boy thing??
Hoe Down pictures
Colt and I
Kent and Juan
DAY THREE
This day was our "Sabbath" day. We didn't hike anywhere - it was a great, restful day. We held our own church meetings as a ward. The kids all did a skit from the Book of Mormon - they did a great job! Then Bro. Fulgham taught us from the Family Proclamation and also of Jospeh Smith and the Book of Mormon.
Getting ready to eat - we definitely ate well!!
Playing "Electricity" again. Obviously this was a favorite around camp!
The afternoon was spent playing games around camp. Each stake rep held a game/activity for us to play.
Here is Bro. Hess (from our ward) teaching us the fine art of the Stick Pull.
Hatchet Throwing
Me and some of my boys
Augmon, Kent, me, Chris, and Landon
Leg Wrestling
Me tackling Marissa for beating me - badly - in the leg wrestling contest.
Tug - O - War
Kierstead Family
Potato Sack Race
The winners of each ward in the potato sack race went on to compete with the whole stake. Chris was the winner from our ward and he completely ROCKED everyone else.
GO CHRIS!!
Colt giving him the "lift" after the race.
He WON!!
Chris and Augmon
Marlee and I making friendship bracelets.
DAY FOUR
We finally got a pic with my brother and his wife. Not many people get the chance to trek with their brother each playing Ma and Pa. We were very lucky to share this experience with them and it was fun seeing them through out the trip.
Angie, Jon, me and Colt
The Mecham and Kierstead Families before heading out.
Jump roping - we got 11 kids in there, a new record from the night before.
Heading home! Miles trecked on day four - SIX.
I was so proud of all of these kids, and the adults that made it as well. What an enjoyable experience this was. If we were asked to do it again we would. We all made good relationships and built great memories that can last a lifetime.
