B&D Adventures

Will be continues.

2011-10-05T07:29:00.003-06:00

Stay tuned for more Wedding Pictures of Braxtin and Abbie Ellett. Married Sept 9, 2011. I no longer have internet as we are leaving today to head home from our mission. We have served at the Mormon Handcart Historic Sites for the past 6 months. It has been truly amazing. We were able to attend Brax & Abbies wedding. All my posts are really behind. Much more to share but will have to wait until we get home and settled with internet. We are headed home to sign papers on the sale of our home so we will continue to live in our home on wheels, (5th wheel) for a short time. Our future is as bright as we make it. And ours is staring us in the face. Near future.....of course it is hunting season. So can you guess where we will be.

Braxtin's Family

2011-10-05T07:29:00.000-06:00

Abbie's Family

2011-10-05T07:27:00.000-06:00

Brax & Abbie tie the knot for real

2011-10-05T07:25:00.000-06:00

I guess when you sign the marraige license it becomes for real among the records of the church and state. For real and for certain.....they are Mr. & Mrs Braxtin Ellett. YaHoo

Brax & Abbie say "I do"

2011-10-05T07:08:00.001-06:00

Brax & Abbie were married September 9th, 2011 at Abbie's family cabin in American Fork Canyon. The view was awesome. Abbie's Aunt's bishop married the kids. He had broken his leg playing basket ball with the priests in his ward. He visited with the two of them the night before and asked each to write down what they admired and love about the other one, as well as their goals. Next year around this time they are planning to be married in the temple, so we will all gather again as they are sealed for time and all eternity.

What a beautiful couple. They are picture perfect. Everything was amazingly beautiful.

Our Baby "Brax" is quite the "Man"

2011-10-05T06:53:00.001-06:00

We are happy to announce the wedding of our youngest son Braxtin. Where has the time gone? It seems just like yesterday that he was our little boy. Now he is the tallest of all boys. A very handsome young man. He and Abbie have been together for 5 1/2 years. This is a big step for them but a very good one. There were married at Abbie's family cabin up American Fork Canyon. So we reserved rooms for all our kids and their family at the Hampton at Thanksgiving Point. Right on the same exit to head up the canyon. Brax stayed with us for two nights before the wedding. We only had to travel half way home to the wedding.

Celebrating Abbie at "Dear Lizzie"

2011-10-05T06:48:00.000-06:00

We were able to sneak home for an exciting weekend Celebrating Brax & Abbie. Congratulations to the "Newly Weds". We arrived just in time for a get together with just the girls at a quaint little place in Highland Utah - "Dear Lizzie". One of Abbie's favorite places to shop. This cute store is also a "Bistro". We enjoyed visiting and delicious sandwich and salad with of course, Abbie's favorite: designer cupcakes. Yummmmmmmm

Sisterhood and Celestial Friends

2011-10-02T07:51:00.001-06:00

Sister Casi Smith (our resident photographer) & Sister Elaine Bagley (our resident Martha Stewart, she can do everything) are serving in the Welcome Center this morning. Can't sit still, always working on a project. Love you both!!!

I loved spending time in the Humanitarian Center with the Sisters. This is where we really learned about each other and grew to love each other more. Girls just need girls around them. We accomplished alot of humanitarian project while visiting with each other. Many learned to do things they didn't know how to do and many relearned things they hadn't done for years.

FHE Steak Fry

2011-10-02T07:44:00.001-06:00

Sister Bulechek shows how big the steak was in her package. Notice that a piece has been cut off. These were some big hunk of steakes, and ohhhhhh so goooooooood! A reminder, this is a working ranch. Tom Abernathy, rancher who leases the property from the church, always has a freezer full of meat for the missionaries in the trek center on their arrival to 6th crossings.

Family Home Evening is always a fun event around here. Especially all the food. You have to be careful, I think we are all going home just a tad bit bigger than when we came.

Fly-by

2011-10-02T07:39:00.001-06:00

It's a plane, It's a plane!!!! Who is that crazy guy getting so close to the phone wires? Elder Bagley, this years director, and Elder Brunson, next years director, flew to SLC for meetings with the big wigs. Just had to do a fly-by on their way to Lander to land.

So long our good friend "Earthquake"

2011-10-02T07:36:00.001-06:00

Elder Henry heads across the field to see why Earthquake is down.

So many Hand Carts

2011-09-29T20:31:00.002-06:00

The week we were the Handcart Wranglers was a busy week. We went to RCH to pick up hand carts that had been used by trekkers during the week about 3 times. This particular day we had to go to Sage Camp ground to drop some hand carts off. We were pulling two trailers with a total of 22 hand carts. Hand no idea we had a flat tire until we were turning into Sage campground. The dust from the road kept it too dusty to notice a problem. Notice how shredded the rubber is. We got this tire changed with the help of a guy who had his young family with him from Idaho for a day trip to see the sights. We were on a one lane dirt road. He stopped to help. We were back on the road and almost got to the black top, about another 8 miles down the dirt road, just to bet another flat tire. What a day!!!!!

I went jogging this morning and thought this would be a great picture. We have about 140 handcarts at our site for trekkers who come to our site and go on trek. The picture below has a cool picture of the new Visitor Center between the cart wheels.

Robin & Jeff come for a visit, Yahoo!!!

2011-09-29T20:19:00.001-06:00

Robin and Jeff came for a quick trip. Arriving on a Friday at 11:00 pm and left Saturday at 7:00 pm. Not a long stay, but we had so much fun. A missionary couple left the day before for home and the trailer they were living in won't be gone for another month, so they slept there. We took them to Rock Creek Hollow and to the Wind River Mountains.

We saw a fire chopper sucking water out of the resivoir and heading to a fire.

We have been over the dirt road to RCH many times. You can't go too fast because the road is lined with sharp rocks. But today Doug went a little too fast and look what happened.

How many men does it take to change a flat tire???? This guy stopped to see if we needed help. They couldn't figure out how to get the spare tire down from under the bed of the truck. If all else fails, read the info book.

Took them to Gannet Grill in Lander. It was pretty yummy. Thanks for coming to see us you two. We so appreciate it. Love you so much.

Girls day out!

2011-09-29T20:08:00.001-06:00

All the sister missionaries from both the Martin's Cove and the 6th Crossing Sites went on a shopping spree to Casper Wyoming. Christopher Banks store in the East Ridge Mall had a special just for missionaries. An hour before regular hours, they took 25% off of sale items for the missionaries. It was a great fun day. After shopping we all met at Olive Garden for lunch. All 65 of us. I rode with Sister Hege, she had invited Sim, a new convert who brought her little boy Simon. Sim and her husband Jimmy own the Muddy Gap gas station, that is between 6th Crossing and Martin's Cove. They are from India. The attend church with us every sunday at the Cove. Simon is 3 1/2 and a very smart boy. He is always the life of the party around all the grandmas in the crowd. We became good friends. He thought my sunglasses were great fun.

Fun surprise! Friends from Home

2011-09-25T22:00:00.002-06:00

We had a fun surprise while at church at Martin's Cove over Labor Day weekend. Brad and Tode Hafen came up and said hi and gave us a hug. Tode and her first husband were my Sunday School teachers when I was a laurel in young womens. I will never forget her kindness and friendship then. She helped me to make my Junior prom dress when I was in high school.

We made arrangements to meet up with them the next day and take them around the sites by 6th crossing. We met them at Rock Creek Hollow and then went to Rocky Ridge with them. Brad and Tode were on a mission to Africa when we were on our Mission in New York. She kept an awesome blog of all their amazing experiences in Africa. Thanks for the fun memory, so glad you were there to pull us out of the mud bog. luv ya

Always an ADVENTURE!

2011-09-25T21:57:00.001-06:00

Our Fearless leader, all bandaged up!!

2011-09-25T21:46:00.001-06:00

Elder Bagley a week after his accident when he fell off the new 3 story visitor center we have been building all summer long. This is the first and only major accident while working this summer.

Sister and Elder Hege, assistant director couple are being presented with a quilt the sisters made in the humanitarian center this summer. Thanking them for all their love, kindness, service and hard work this past summer.

Elder and Sister Bagley, the directors are also being presented with a quilt made by sister Vinton in behalf of all the sisters in the humanitarian center. We love you all and are so blessed to have had the opportunity to know you, serve with you, be lead by you, enjoy and admire your example and hard work. We will "Always REMEMBER you!!!"

Accidents happen!!!

2011-09-25T21:27:00.003-06:00

August 30th we had a couple of accidents at the new visitor center site up on the hill. Doug was working on the decking with Elder Peterson. Elder Peterson was below on the ground cutting the wood and then getting it up to Doug on the deck to nail in place. Doug was sitting on a support beam bent over backwards cleaning out the area next to the logs where the deck supports were being nailed in place. Elder Peterson didn't see him, thought he had gone in the building for something. Just as Elder Peterson was chucking the cut 2X4 up on the deck, Doug turned around where he could be seen and got it right in the face. Knocked him out for a bit. Elder Peterson had to fun around to the front of the building to get up to the second floor where Doug was at. He helped him to the truck to go down the hill to the trailer and get a bandage and stop the bleeding. Doug was a little dingy for a while. Just as they were headed back up to the building site, another missionary was headed down to the village to find Doug, the site paramedic, to help with Elder Bagley, the director, who had just slide about 25 feet off the roof of the building. Doug was able to help with Elder Bagley as he ended up going to Lander in an ambulance with a broken and dislocated shoulder, broken ankle and scruffed up face. Angels were definitely among us, as usual, blessing the construction and those who serve there. It was another one of the "miracles on the sweetwater river". Elder Bagley could have been killed, or even had head, spinal or internal injuries. Doug could have lost an eye, or had a subural hematoma. He did experience a concussion, which has had some lingering effects. Both are on the mend. Poor Elder Peterson felt so awful for not seeing Doug. Accidents happen Elder Peterson, no worries!!!

Two weeks later, he still had a nice shiner for Braxtin's wedding pictures.

A quick dip in the HOT SPRINGS

2011-09-25T21:24:00.000-06:00

We went to Thermopolis after a day of work to let the guys relax in the "Bath House". Sherrie and I stayed in the lobby visiting with the lady behind the counter. Brought some crocheting to keep us busy for the 30 minutes the guys enjoyed in the bath house. It is free to the public. When the government bought these hot springs from the indians at the turn of the century, part of the agreement was that some of the water would be free to the public. At the "bath house" there is an indoor and out door pool.

A few of the natural beauties of Wyoming

2011-09-25T21:16:00.000-06:00

P-Day, a visit to "Sinks Canyon"

2011-09-25T21:04:00.001-06:00

I should have put the lower picture first before this top picture. The lower picture shows you where the river sinks into the ground in this cave area. A quarter of a mile down the road it re-surfaces. There are huge fish in the little pond where it re-surfaces. We hiked up to the Aggie Popo Falls, followed the river up the mountain to these beautiful falls. What was supposed to be a mile and a half hike ended up being a round trip of about 7 miles. A beautiful several hour adventure.

These two pictures were taken in the cave area where the water disappears in the earth. "Sinks" right into the ground.

Finally when we reached the falls we found it worth the trek. Above are the lower falls and the picture below is at the upper falls. there is a natural rock slide where kids were sliding on their bums into the pond below.

Thermopolis Hot Mineral Springs getaway

2011-09-25T20:57:00.000-06:00

We enjoyed a weekend away about 70 miles north of us at Thermopolis Hot Mineral Springs. The Jacuzzi at the motel we stayed at has the hot mineral water piped in. It was a nice time together at this little get away.

Trekking on the Nation Historic Trail (NHT)

2011-09-25T20:28:00.002-06:00

The water Buffalo is a water tank the trek groups can get from us to haul extra water in. The tank shifted in the truck and they couldn't access the valve to fill up their 5 gallon jugs that ride in their carts. They had to play tug of war to pull the Buffalo to the edge of the tail gate.

Here the priesthood brethren are walking up the hill, they have been called out from among the sisters in preparation for the women's pull. It always tugs at my heart to watch the priesthood walk away. What would we do with out the priesthood in our lives? The sisters stay at the bottom and I have the opportunity to visit with them about honoring, cherishing, supporting the priesthood in our lives and helping them know they can do "HARD THINGS" as they prepare to pull the hand carts up the hill. Food for thought: "What's in your hand cart you are pulling and is it worth it's weight?"

While on the NHT we are not suppose to get off the trail for any reason. An agreement made with the BLM. So when we arrive at any bog on the trail, we tredge right on thru it. Many a shoe is lost and swallowed up in the bog.

We loved the opportunity to share pioneer stories with the trekkers while trekking with them. These pioneers have become our friends. We love them and are so blessed by their sacrifice, faith, obedience and charity.

Hanging out together

2011-09-19T13:24:00.001-06:00

Papa, let's go for a ride in the big green tractor!!!!

How about a ride in the basket attached to the fork lift. How high can this go?????

River crossing on the Sweetwater near Flagg Ranch.

Mini trek at 6th crossing. A little flavor of the past.

2011-09-19T13:12:00.002-06:00

Dusty and Cari, Tryston, Trey & Little Teegan came for a visit. We had so much fun.

We went on a mini little trek with a river crossing.

Using His skills

2011-09-11T20:16:00.002-06:00

We enjoyed riding horses with the trek groups. Missionaries could ride the horses, their bikes or walk with the groups as we acted as monitors on the trail.

Doug was able to use his skills today as a Paramedic. We trekked with a group on the first section of the NHT (National Historic Trail). It is about 14 miles. About 10 miles in a young girls was really dehydrated. The Dr. with their group was not able to start an IV so he gave Doug the go ahead to start it. "Slapped it right in." he is amazing!!!

Found the Oregon trail right thru Willow Creek

2011-09-11T08:56:00.001-06:00

Here is the original Oregon/Mormon/California/Pony Express trail. Found it headed out of Rock Creek Hollow to the south.

More RCH

2011-09-08T08:29:00.001-06:00

Look what rode in to RCH

2011-09-03T09:57:00.002-06:00

While at Rock Creek Hollow late in the afternoon on Saturday after all the youth groups had left, in rode a wagon pulled by three mules. Buck and Nick Rucker from back east. Buck is a journalist who is writing a book about the Oregon Trail. What better way to know the trail than to ride the trail with wagon and mules. We invited them to share our evening meal. We enjoyed conversation and then took him to find the Oregon trail up out of RCH and into Willow Creek. Afterwards we gave him a tour of the Memorial site and amphitheaters and share testimony of the temple and the blessing of forever families. He said how impressed he was with what we do here and how great the Mormons have helped preserve the Oregon Trail. In the morning when we woke, they had already left and were on their way to Oregon.

Rock Creek Hollow Week

2011-08-28T21:28:00.001-06:00

The Wyoming sky is so beautiful. We went for a ride to the south of RCH to get a picture of the Sweet Water River and had to have this one of the western sky.

Sweet water river about 5 miles south of Rock Creek Hollow

Rock Creek Hollow

2011-08-28T20:54:00.001-06:00

We had a great time at Rock Creek Hollow for the week we were there. This flag pole is near the entrance to the memorial section of the Hollow. This brother and his two boys are related to the young man whose eagle project this was about 10 years ago. George had received permission to erect a flag pole Rock Creek Hollow. All the plans were in place. While serving a sister in his ward, helping with lawn care, he jumped on his motor cycle to go get trimming line. He was hit by a semi truck and killed. His brother, who is the dad in these two pictures, was on his mission when this happened. George's priesthood quorum went to the bishop after the funeral and asked if they could complete his project for the family. Permission was granted and all 16 of them sat in on the two merit badge classes he needed to receive his eagle award, as well as erect the flag pole for his project.

George's brother brought his two boys here the last night while we were at RCH. We asked the boys if they would like to help us retire the flag for the day. This was a wonderful moment to have George's brother and nephews here at his eagle project to participate in retiring the flag.

Every day the we had the raising of the flag and the retiring of the flag. We would ask a group who was there camping if they had any scouts who would like to participate with us. We would tell them about the history of the flag pole and the great service that George's priesthood quorum did in memory of their fallen member. We had many great experiences here.

On Sunday while at RCH the missionaries take turns going to church in Lander. One set will go in the morning while the other goes in the afternoon. There are two missionary couples at RCH all summer long. The Martin's Cove couples and the Willie Site couples. We all are assign one week during the summer. The Sunday we were at RCH the Wyoming Riverton YSA Branch brought Sacrament meeting to us. What an awesome experience.

Brother & Sister Gard were the guest speakers. Brother Gard was in the stake presidency of the Riverton Stake when alot of the eagle project were completed here at RCH. They shared some of their experience when the 2nd Rescue was taking place. (The 2nd rescue is when the Riverton Stake did all the temple work for the Willie & Martin handcart saints.)

Doug had the opportunity several times to do the "Pony express" for the groups who trekked into RCH. He would share a short history of the Pony express and then he would deliver the mail to them. Letters from home that the trek leader had brought with them unbeknown to the youth.

The only horse available for the pony express was Doug's bike he named "Cody" after a pony express rider, wild Bill Cody.

We spent the week with Elder and Sister Siler who are from Riverton Utah. We have forged a eternal friendship. We had great fun with them and love them tonz.

We had many opportunities to share pioneer stories about the handcart pioneers who were buried in the common grave at RCH.

Rock Creek Hollow Week

2011-08-17T18:51:00.002-06:00

We spent a couple of days mowing the amphitheaters. Had to move all the benches or trim underneath them. This amphitheater is the biggest and is at the end of the Hollow on the east side. It is so beautiful. The picture below is before we started. Next picture is after we spent a half a day there.

This is the smaller amphitheater that we moved all the benches out of the bog they were in. At the first of the season a snow drift covered the whole area. Below you can see where we moved it from and the water that we had to muck thru.
Over by the bushes is a fire pit, wasn't moved, to much water.

P-day - Horse ride to Freemont Canyon

2011-08-15T20:29:00.002-06:00

Elder Brunson let us take the horses for a P-day excursion to Fremont Canyon where the sweetwater river runs about 18 miles south of the Willie Site. I am on Trajilla and Doug is on Earthquake. You can surmise why the handcart pioneers went over rocky ridge instead of trying to wind their way thru the canyon in the middle of a snow storm.

Willie Center 4th of July celebrations

2011-08-15T20:28:00.000-06:00

Spectacular 4th of July

2011-08-15T20:22:00.001-06:00

This was the most awesome fireworks show we have seen. It is at Dr. Bills home. A member of the church who is a dentist in Lander. He has been hosting fireworks for many years now. Every year it gets just a little bit bigger and better.

4th of July celebration in Lander

2011-08-14T22:27:00.000-06:00

If you ever want to see a spectacular fireworks show on the 4th of July, this is a must see. Lander is 39 miles to the west and north of our mission at Sixth Crossing Sweetwater station. The missionaries are asked to help with the clean up after the show. They requested 2 trucks to help with all the equipment afterwards. We volunteered to take our truck and stay after. The best part about that is we get to drive right up on the hill where he lives. Everyone else has to find somewhere to park and walk up the lane that goes up the hill to his house. We arrived a couple hours before the show to enable us to have our truck in place before all the people started arriving. Sorry the colage of pictures is hard to really see what it was like. We were able to meet Dr. Bills, his wife, sisters and mother. Dr. Bills has been doing this fireworks show on the 4th free for the public for about 30 years. His mother used to have all the neighborhood kids over for fireworks and always served ice cream. So he has continued that tradition and served ice cream cones and watermellon to the public that came for the show. He went thru about 12 - 5 gallon containers of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla ice cream and about 8 huge watermelons. Margie Hutchins, his sister was a very nice lady that took us behind the scenes. She was incharge of the calvary uniforms that were on loan for the reinactment program they do prior to the fireworks.

The program was so spectacular. 10,000 people come from all over to enjoy this beautiful program. The fireworks and music are choreographed together along with the narration of the begining of our land of promise, the home of the brave and the free!!! It is worth seeing. We would travel up here just to see it again. Doug's parents loved the show. Couldn't stop talking about it. I am glad they were here to go with us.

Doug's parents come for a visit

2011-08-14T16:55:00.004-06:00

We really enjoyed Elva and ReVon when they came for a visit. They stayed with us here in our 5th Wheel. They came for the 4th of July Week-end. We went touring on Saturday to the Lower monument at the base of Rocky Ridge. Decided to take the scenic route over the Hudson Atlantic and to some of the support roads for the trek groups. We also traveled along the National Historic trail and had quite an adventure before ending up at Rock Creek Hollow.
We came to this bogg in the middle of the trail. Uhm, do you hink we aught to drive thru it? No, maybe not right thru it, let's just drive to the side of it. HA! I don't think that was a bright idea. Now what are we going to do? I know, I'll get my hitch out and see if i can jack up the truck. Then maybe I can put a big rock under the tire to get some traction. But before I can do anything, Beth made me take off my white shirt and socks and shoes so I wouldn't get them muddy.

<a  onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"  href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmM-YM0JioM/TkhTmfbZgaI/AAAAAAAADZQ/yGcAqx8TrV0/s1600/Elva%2B%2526%2BReVon%2Bvisist%2B034.JPG"> </a> <a  onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"  href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bO_Ys3CQbFA/TkhTmMuwOpI/AAAAAAAADZI/mAwJbTSzcK4/s1600/Elva%2B%2526%2BReVon%2Bvisist%2B001.JPG"><img  style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;  cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;"  src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bO_Ys3CQbFA/TkhTmMuwOpI/AAAAAAAADZI/mAwJbTSzcK4/s320/Elva%2B%2526%2BReVon%2Bvisist%2B001.JPG"  alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640850448999004818" border="0"  /></a><a  href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmM-YM0JioM/TkhTmfbZgaI/AAAAAAAADZQ/yGcAqx8TrV0/s1600/Elva%2B%2526%2BReVon%2Bvisist%2B034.JPG"><img  style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;  cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;"  src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmM-YM0JioM/TkhTmfbZgaI/AAAAAAAADZQ/yGcAqx8TrV0/s320/Elva%2B%2526%2BReVon%2Bvisist%2B034.JPG"  alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640850454018097570" border="0"  /></a>We really enjoyed Elva and ReVon when they came for a  visit.  They stayed with us here in our 5th Wheel.  They came for the  4th of July Week-end.  We went touring on Saturday to the Lower monument  at the base of Rocky Ridge.  Decided to take the scenic route over the  Hudson Atlantic  and to some of the support roads for the trek groups.   We also traveled along the National Historic trail and had quite an  adventure before ending up at Rock Creek Hollow.

After spending an hour trying to get us unstuck, Beth finally thought of using the phone to see if she could get a hold of the office at the Willie Center and get the phone number for the missionaries at Rock Creek Hollow and see if Elder Freeman could come and pull us out. The connection was scratchy but we were able to get the info to Elder Freeman. We waited for about 45 minutes and then Doug tried to call and see if Elder Freeman was having any vehicle trouble on the trail somewhere. Doug couldn't get any service on the phone. About 10 minutes later we could see a white ford coming down the trail to help us. We were blessed with a tender mercy, phone service just long enough to get help coming. After getting unstuck we passed by this old Pony Express station. And then on into Rock Creek Hollow and enjoyed the sights there before heading to Atlantic City for dinner at the Grubsteak and on into Lander for the fireworks show.

On theTrail

2011-07-25T19:31:00.002-06:00

We shared the story of the Willie Company when they were bogged down in the snow here in this meadow, freezing, starving in such a weakened condition. Then the group headed down the trail to where we do the "men's call-out and the women's pull." It always pricks at my heart strings when I watch the priesthood brethren walking away and up the hill. What would we do with out the priesthood in our lives?????

The girls came forward and sang "Sisters in Zion" right before they pulled up the hill with out the priesthood helping them.

Water Crossing

2011-07-25T17:47:00.002-06:00

We did a "Water Crossing" message to the SLC Tongan stake. Each trek family made their own flag. Some were awesome. Here is a few:
At the water crossing we have them pick up a rock and throw it in the river when they cross representing a bad habit that they want to get rid of. They commit to throw away their bad habit and be better. Many picked up 2-4 rocks. They really took this serious.

This "Ma & Pa" had brought their little 3 year old boy with them and he was determined to walk through the water. So cute!!!!

E/S Errol Bagley's grandson's baptism

2011-07-25T17:32:00.003-06:00

This is the first baptism we have witnessed here at the Sixth Crossing of the Sweetwater river here at the Willie Site. The river was very high and had to put this pole out in the water in case it swept dad and son down the river.

Martin's Cove "Oscar"

2011-07-10T07:26:00.002-06:00

Martin's Cove has a dog like the Willie Center does. Actually Oscar doesn't belong to the Cove but to the Sun's who use to own the property. When trek season starts, Oscar comes to trek with the family he chooses. He goes on trek with them, stays with them and is like a protections for them. Truly! Once he wouldn't let kids into their tent and no one could get him to move. Later it was found that there was a rattle snake in the tent. Another time he would let a motor home leave, he laid down right in front of it. The driver couldn't get him to move until a little boy came out of the restroom. They didn't know the little boy was missing and sure enough as soon as the little boy got into the motor home Oscar moved.

Kari Isaksen - Beautiful Temple Day

2011-07-06T07:27:00.002-06:00

Kari Isaksen received her temple endowment today at the Denver Colorado Temple.
She invited us to join her and be her escorts. She has waited a long time to be able to enter the temple of the Lord and enjoy the blessings to those who covenant with the Lord. Her sister Beth and brother-in-law Jeremy and his sister live in Denver near the temple. They are the funnest people. They have 5 darling boys. We had so much fun spending time with them.
Kari, We are so proud of you. Thank you so much for inviting us to participate on this beautiful day with you.

River Crossing with Riverdale ward

2011-07-06T07:06:00.002-06:00

The Sweetwater river is so full. It is running over it banks and has been for the last month. We are unable to allow the trekkers to cross in the river because it is too deep and too swift. So we have an alternate crossing at several places on the trail. This is just one of them. They are crossing a irrigation ditch here in the picture. Doug was in heaven as he shared a little time with some of the young boys as they trekked to the river crossing. We share a message about the importance of water in our life and then share a pioneer story about saints helping each other as they cross difficult challenges in their life.
Before we shared our part before the river crossing, 4 darling primary girls were prepared and sang a beautiful song called:"Somewhere there's a mountain," from the CD "Trek" by Jason Deere. We had never heard it before so we went on line and ordered it from Deseret Books.

Somewhere there's a mountain
it must be far away
'Cause I stand on my tiptoes
And I can't see a thing.

Somewhere there's a mountain
I heard the prophet say
That we'll build a home there
And never have to go away.

It's a long, long way to walk
But one day I'll climb to the top
Somewhere there's a mountain
With flowers in the spring

I will take my shoes off
and wake the mountain stream.

It's a long, long way to walk
But one day I'll climb to the top.

And that's where I'll find Jesus
And when I see Him smile
I'll put my arms around Him
It will be worth every mile.

Somewhere there's a mountain!

Planting Trees

2011-07-03T21:08:00.002-06:00

Elder & Sister Christensen have the job of yard care specialist for the Willie site. Last year many small tree twigs were planted to see if they would grow. Some budded this spring but many didn't make it. So they were replaced. They have a few sister missionaries helping with the yard care by the visitor center, this is their whole job while a missionary, except for telling pioneer stories out on the trail when the trekkers come, just like all of us. Our trailer and two other have a little grass out their door. Most just have gravel. We have a nice view out our door too, where others view is the trailer next to them. We had to move about a month ago because we needed 50 amp service, not 30 amp. Elder and sister Brown went home for shoulder surgery and we took their spot, just move their trailer to our old spot and we took their spot.

Sqare Dancing

2011-07-03T20:16:00.002-06:00

Square Dancing isn't just for the 2nd years like Elder & Sister Freeman. We have had the opportunity to do the calling as well as the teaching. In fact all the missionaries are needed and used when doing square dancing to teach the participants especially with a big group over 100.
Most all the youth really like to square dance. We had a huge group the other night of about 600 people. That was so hard. Too many, but what do ya do? The best you can!!

Beautiful Wyoming skies

2011-07-03T20:09:00.001-06:00

National College rodeo Finals in Casper Wyoming

2011-07-03T20:03:00.001-06:00

We enjoyed a fun week end in Casper at the Rodeo.
Doug shopped for a new hat to go with the outfit.

Women's pull 'n' men's call out with 2 huge groups

2011-07-03T19:42:00.004-06:00

Doug and I had the opportunity to do the women's pull 'n' the men's call out. Doug called all the young men and male leader out to follow him. They proceeded to head up to the top of the hill and Doug and the stake president are to share a message with the young men about honoring their priesthood and honoring womenhood. While the men walked up the hill, I and the stake young women's president shared a message about the importance of the priesthood in our lives and what they should do to help them cherish and be worthy of the priesthood they hold. I also shared with them how they might have to pull the handcart alone at some time in their life. How they need to ponder what burdens they are carrying around and to get rid of them. Distractions and bad choices can weigh us down.

At the top of the hill by the time the young women had pulled and pushed their handcarts up there the young men and leaders were standing on both sides of the trail with hats over their hearts witnessing the struggle and triumph of the young women. Awesome experience!
Elder & Sister Brunson are here posing after their Ephraim Hanks and Thisbie Read Pioneer story that we all get the opportunity to do for the trekkers who come.

Bread making day

2011-06-22T14:23:00.000-06:00

Progress, amazing progress on Visitor Center

2011-06-22T13:55:00.004-06:00

Are ya sure that's how it goes?
let's have a look see at the plans, yep, that's the way it goes.
Okay, I'll get it set right up here and see if it fits tight.
Windows look like they will do!
Hey wait a minute............
Let's put this log right up there on the top. Got it guys???
Hey down there, we got a kodak moment here!!!
Great group of elders that Doug works with. One is an accountant, One is a Pilot, One is a Forest ranger, One is a contractor but not for log buildings, Doug's the paramedic and only one is a log builder. Amazing HUH???

Is this a government job??????

2011-06-22T13:48:00.003-06:00

Doesn't this guy look like a government or county employee? Just kidding Elder E. Bagley. I saw you working on the bridge below.
Elder J. Bagley the direct, his brother Elder E. Bagley, is here with his wife too as missionaries. He was painting the railing on the bridge that was just installed, that spans the Sweet water. river. Our missionaries are jacks of all kinds of trades. If there is something they can't do, there is someone else here that can.

"WILLIE"

2011-06-22T13:43:00.002-06:00

Willie the dog was given to Elder Bagley, the director of our center here. Willie has become a part of the Willie missionary family. He really likes it when the trekkers are here. Some are a little intimidated by him as he is still just a pup of about 8 months. He is reckless and very friendly. Elder Bagley likes to play tag with him. Willie trekked with the trekkers you can see in the back ground and came when he saw all the missionaries getting ready for a square dance in the meadow.

River Rising slowly

2011-06-20T06:14:00.002-06:00

This is the path to the little school house that is just outside the visitor center. This one room school house was built in the early 1900 was brought here a few years ago, and was used in this valley for many years. A couple of years ago the missionaries re-did the inside. Kids can come play school in the school house.
I am standing on the road that drives right into our site. On both sides of the road it looked like a lake. Usually this is a beautiful meadow. Below is the entrance off the highway to 6th crossing.

New Willie Center at 6th crossing

2011-06-19T21:58:00.002-06:00

Isn't this view incredible? From up on the hill you can see the whole valley. Look how high the water is. And we haven't seen all the snow melting from the mountains.
This area you are looking down on will be the Museum area of the Visitor Center
This is the main entrance from the east side. This is where the parking lot will be. You will be able to see in the front windows and look on thru to the west windows and over the Sweetwater Valley.
Here's my guy!!!

FHE Concet

2011-06-14T06:21:00.003-06:00

We enjoy an amazing pianist that lives in Atlantic city. A little mining town about an hour away from here at 6th crossing. However Atlantic City is just 7 miles away from Rock Creek Hollow, where the memorial is for the 13 who died after they had traversed over "Rocky Ridge". John M., the pianist, was awesome, he took many request. One he played "Oh Danny Boy" and Elder Erwin stood and sang it with this amazing baritone voice. Brought many to tears.
John M. plays in the mercantile, (a bar) in the little mining town. He said that the next song he was going to do goes with a banjo. Lo and behold, we have a banjo player here with us. Bing Roberts is the only paid professional on the visitor center work site. He has built log homes for a career. He commutes back and forth to Idaho. He has a couple of CDs out and is an awesome banjoist. So he went and got his banjo and they played a few songs together. John M. the pianist specialty is 1800 music. He is amazing.
After he was finished Elder Bagley presented him with a quilt the sisters had made in the humanitarian center. The Bagleys, a couple years ago, were in the only eating establishment in Atlantic City while staying at RCH for their turn as missionaries, and John was playing the piano there. Elder Bagley went up to him and started talking and the next thing you know he comes and puts on a concert at the Willie Site Trek Center a couple times every year.

China Palace date night

2011-06-13T06:15:00.001-06:00

After a long week of working (serving) we all went to town (Riverton) and enjoyed a fine Chinese meal and wonderful company. It is amazing how quickly your love increases to include many more especially when you serve a mission together.

Spring has sprung

2011-06-13T06:04:00.003-06:00

For most of you and where you live, spring has already come and gone. I actually get to enjoy spring twice this year. Once in St. George and now here in Wyoming. We have had some warm days in the 80's finally. There is beauty here in this wild western place. A couple is over the ground maintenance here at the 6th crossing and they have 4 sisters that help them near the visitor center. Each have flower beds that they are responsible for.

Trekking Season is upon us.

2011-06-12T22:24:00.002-06:00

Our first big group was the Cody Wyoming Stake. They had about 320 kids. The river crossing was an awesome experience. They had appointed about 15 young men to either carry or push the handcarts loaded with kids on them thru the water.
You can't tell from this picture but this isn't even the river. The water is so high that it has swelled out over the banks. They had to cross this bit of water to get to the bridge. And then after they crossed the bridge they had to go thru the water to get on dry land again.
Doug and I was assigned the "Men's Call-out" and the "Women's Pull." Here the boys are told to leave the hand carts and follow Doug up the hill. Once on the hill he talks to the boys and men about the sacred privilege it is to hold the Priesthood of God. He also share with them the important roll priesthood holders have to honor and respect womenhood. They then line the trail and watch and ponder what it is like to watch these sisters pull the handcarts on their own up the hill.
While the guys are walking up the hill, I then have the opportunity to share with the young women and sisters the important roll they play. Sometimes we are faced to pull our handcarts alone. Sometimes we need to consider what is in our handcarts and are they worth they weight we are carrying around. Are there things we need to let go of, prioritize our lives. What really matters. We can do hard things and we also need to reach out and help others when they are pulling alone. As the guys are walking away, I have them turn and watch as they do, and then ask them how it makes them feel to see the priesthood walk away. What would they do if they didn't have the priesthood in their lives and what are they doing to help the young men they know to honor and cherish the priesthood they hold. If the young men are honoring their priesthood, they will be able to bless the sisters lives. It is a wonderful experience.

Rocky Ridge

2011-06-07T06:02:00.002-06:00

The missionaries from the cove all came to our site for a quick prayer and instruction and then we all drove the actual trail to Rocky Ridge. We pulled up the caboose, as were to close all the gates we traveled thru. From the Willie Meadow it is about 12 miles to the Lower Monument of Rocky Ridge. The trek groups trek this trail with handcarts. This is called the "National Historic Trail". Better known as "the Oregon Trail, the Mormon trail or the Pony Express trail." They all used this trail to head west. At the Lower Monument we have to park the cars and walk up over the 2 1/2 mile uphill climb of Rocky Ridge. No cars are allowed up over Rocky Ridge.

As we were driving to the Ridge, out in the middle of the barren landscape there was a lone Moose.
For the more adventurous we had the experience of pulling a cart up over Rocky Ridge. Here we are near the top of the Ridge. Notice how many are pulling the cart. Many times with the handcart people of the Willie company, there was 1,2, 3 people pulling or pushing the cart. They did it in a foot of snow with a bitter cold northwest wind blowing in their faces. Once reaching the top of the Ridge they had to continue on to camp for another 12 miles. It took many all day long and into the night before they reached camp, which was called "Rock Creek Hollow." 13 died that night and were buried in a common grave. Two of the brothers that helped dig the grave died the next day and are buried near by.
Here we are at Rock Creek Hollow enjoying a few of the stories about some of those amazing handcart people. Notice the snow in the back ground. This is a beautiful sacred place where the spirit is so strong.

Visitor Center progress

2011-06-07T05:33:00.003-06:00

The wind here makes the progress very difficult. It doesn't keep them from working, just wears them down. Even tho we have 20 elders here at the Willie Site, 6 of them are the main course at the building site. Elders Freeman, Smith, Vinton, Peterson, Bagley and Doug

Doug often goes for wild rides in the fork lift basket. Kink a like a ride at disneyland but not quite as fun or safe.

The progress with the visitor center is amazing. Especially when you consider that the construction hands are missionaries and the majority of them over 55. Doug enjoys working there, but it wears on him because he is the youngest and expected to be able to do a lot of the lifting. He is usually in the fork lift basket scaffolding.

We have enjoyed wonderful Firesides.

2011-05-23T17:29:00.002-06:00

President Scott Lorimer, He used to be the Stake President for the Riverton Stake for many years, years ago. He and his wife are amazing. They have had amazing experiences with the Mormon Handcart Historic Sites starting way back in 1971. He was very instrumental in aquiring much of the property here at the sites. He has entertained Prophets and Apostles, Govenors, Senators, many many people here at the Historic Sites. Before the missionaries were here, The Riverton Stake was here. His spiritual insight is responsible for the "2nd Rescue". His stake was responsible for the temple work that was done for those in the Willie and Martin Companies, the Rescuers, and the Hodget and Hunt wagon companies.

We have enjoyed many wonderful firesides.

Doug is in Heaven.

2011-05-23T17:12:00.003-06:00

White Tail deer in the yard of the Welcome Center. I just think they are so cute with their white tails bouncing as they trot off to the river.
Willie joined Doug as he was down at the river hunting. Yes I said "HUNTING".
Elder Bagley gave Doug his rifle to get the beavers who are causing havock in the rivers with their lodges. They back up the river so we have more flooding than normal.
So far: 2 down. We are yet to find them floating to be able to get to them to skin 'em and hang the skin up in the trek center.

The Logs have arrived

2011-05-23T16:56:00.002-06:00

It is exciting to see the logs delivered for the new Visitor's Center up on the hill.
Elder Brunson and Doug are tweeking the jig they made for cutting the logs in half. The saw blade doesn't go all the way through the log.
There are just a couple of the Elders who have their CDL license, Doug is one of them. We have quite a bit of big heavy equipment here at the Willie Site.
All the walls are framed in the basement and the 2nd floor, floor has been completed. Ready for the logs to be stacked.

"The town is filled with Mormons....."

2011-05-23T16:34:00.003-06:00

"The Town is filled with Mormons....but the largest part of them are going to Salt Lake this Spring."

CES Bus Tour

2011-05-22T21:39:00.003-06:00

Joel Richards and Jeff Myservy were our tour guides on our CES bus tour. Very fun guys who shared so much knowledge.
Doug was asked to read a portion of the Ephraim Hanks story when we were at "Split Rock".

Sister Turek and I slid down the west side of Independence rock in a hurry to not be left behind. There was only three couples who were adventurous enough to climb over Independence Rock.

Notice the rabbit laying flat as a pancake trying to camouflage it's self from us intruders.
After climbing down the back side of Independence Rock, Sister Turek and I explored and climbed through a few caves. We love the Tureks. They are so fun. We met them at a MHHS reunion we both were invited to just before our mission. The Tureks are at the Cove.

If you look carefully you can see the indentation of where the wagon wheels made ruts and wore down the rocks
Notice the date scratched into the rock on the top of Independence Rock. The rock got it's name because this is the place the pioneers needed to be by Independence Day (4th of July) when traveling across the plains in order to make it to the valley before winter storms hit.

Doug is in the shank of a hand cart that is on a treadmill of sorts to assimilate the weight in a hand cart and how fast you would have to go to make good time and distance. This is at Casper Wyoming Interpretive Center.
I enjoyed a reality ride in a covered wagon. Doug is standing by a section of the original bridge that crossed the river many many years ago.

Willie Site trek training

2011-05-15T18:43:00.002-06:00

E/S Peterson shared the "Water Crossing" talk given to trekkers who come before they cross the water with their handcarts.
E/S Newman gave the Willie talk in the meadow near where the Willie Company were rescued
E/S Smith gave the talk about the "John Linford" monument that was placed here by his descendants. John died in this valley.
Doug and I gave the "Willie Talk" in the meadow where the Willie Company were rescued.
Last week we went to the "Cove" and were instructed by 2nd year missionaries at all the sites that they share a prepared history of the place. So this week it was their turn to come to the Willie Site and trek our trails here. The first year missionaries, (that was us and others) were given the assignment to share the stories at significant places. The Cove missionaries were divided into two groups, so we had two sets of 1st year missionaries to deliver the talks. Our turn was with the second group that came thru. We were so blessed with the spirit as we shared the Willie Story. Elder Fenn, who is the Director of the Mormon Historic Handcart Sites, said that he was so touch and had heard this story given many times over the past three years but never as good as we did. We know it wasn't us, it was the spirit that shared the message to touch hearts, we were just the tools. We are so grateful for answered prayers and for the help we received from the Spirit.

Rock Creek Hollow

2011-05-15T18:14:00.002-06:00

This early in the season we were lucky to be able to drive into the Hollow. The road had been snow plowed as there was a deep snow drift there.
It is a very beautiful place and the spirit was so strong there as it is a very sacred place. Here there were 13 people buried in a common grave and two more close by of the brothers whohelped dig the grave, who died the next day. These saints had the day before traversed the Rocky Ridge in terrible conditions. Snow was knee deep, they had a bitter cold northwest wind blowing right in their faces and they were freezing and starving. Rocky Ridge is about a 3 mile ascend to the top and then they still had to travel about another 12 miles before they reached the camp. Tragedy for those who died the next day and triumph for those who made it.
The Sweetwater river runs right thru this valley. This picture shows the river running right under this big snow drift. It was beautiful.
Here you can see the actual trail the pioneers came down into this Hollow, just above Doug and the others.
Here is the memorial that the Riverton Stake put here honoring those who lost their lives after traversing Rocky Ridge. We have a camp site as you can see in the back ground. Missionaries have the opportunity to stay here as camp host for a week at a time. There are two amphitheaters on site as well. Many firesides will take place here during the trek season.

1st District Meeting

2011-05-15T17:57:00.003-06:00

Our first district meeting was held at the "Miner's Grubstake" in Atlantic city about an hour and 15 minutes west of the Willie Center. Our district consists of, left to right: Wallaces, Brunsons, Heges who are our district leaders and also the assistant directors of the Willie Center, and then we are on the far right.
This was a great experience. Atlantic City is an old mining town that still has operating mines. It is a tiny tiny town. This is the only establishment open to serve food.

Laurel, the Proprietor of the establishment was a real treat. She reminds me alot of our good friend Kaye Peterson who was our back yard neighbor, who we love dearly, when we lived in the sandtown area in St. George. The drive was worth the food and the atmosphere. Atlantic City is 11 miles west if Rock Creek Hollow. Where we went next.

Yard crew

2011-05-15T17:40:00.002-06:00

We are given daily assignments and one of them is to be on the yard crew. Sister Bulechek has great company with "Willie" our community dog here at the Willie Site. He comes with me when I take my early morning walks and herds the cows away for me.
Sister Gardner & sister Davis are real troupers as she spreads bark in the flower beds.

We all stay very busy, not just the guys

2011-05-15T06:51:00.003-06:00

We had a great fireside and training from the Churches Historic Department with Jenny Lund and Mel Bayshore. Here the Bagleys are presenting them with a gift for coming and training here at the Willie Site.
Sister Brunson, Newman & Smith are crocheting in the humanitarian center.
We enjoy Prayer meeting every morning at 8:00 am. Who can say they have had a prayer meeting with a back hoe in the building with you. Minor work needed to be done so we shared the trek center with the back hoe.
Everyday sisters are assigned to the Humanitarian Center. A quilt is always on. So far I think we have completed about 10 quilts. They will go to places here locally. knit hats are being made, pioneer clothes for youth in Argentinia are being made.
Sorry sister Stokes, but you are crooked. Many of the sisters were in the kitchen all day long to prepare a meal for 150 people. The missionaries from the Cove came over to trek here at the Willie Center and we fed them dinner.
Shepherds Pie, yummy fresh fruit salad, homemade rolls and a delicious frozen orange desert.
That evening we enjoyed a wonderful fireside given by Andrew Olsen, who wrote the book "We Paid the Price". He was kind enough to sign everyones books.

I love to see a project come together

2011-05-15T06:38:00.002-06:00

Doug spends most of his days at the site up on the hill. I think he really is enjoying it. He enjoys who he works with and has a great love and respect for them. Who would have thought that you could take a bunch of missionaries and turn them into builders. It is awesome to be apart of this project. The Lord is in charge and he qualifies those who serve.

The weather does not stop us!!

2011-05-11T20:58:00.000-06:00

Progress is moving forward on the site up on the hill

Doug said it was freezing up there today. Snowed most of the day. The lumber arrived late Monday afternoon. The last two days have been long days as they have raised the front wall and most of the interior walls on the basement level.

I love to watch the changes take place as progress moves forward. Even tho the days are long for Doug and the crew, I think he is really enjoying being a part of the construction. We actually received our assignment titles, Doug's: Health/Well being specialist & Construction specialist. Doug is specifically to remain at the site and to be the last to go in the evening. Doesn't have to show up at 6:00 am, but will still late. My assignment: Assignment coordinator & postal services assistant. I am actually helping the office with all the scheduling of missionaries with all their assignments thru out the summer.

The Adventure continues

2011-05-07T18:41:00.000-06:00

Today is our P-Day. Elder Bagley, our director invited us to come with him in his jeep this afternoon to check out the trails near Rocky Ridge and then on to Rock Creek Hollow. We got stuck literally "up a creek with-out a paddle." We attempted to cross a snow patch off the trail to miss the huge snow drift in the middle of the trail. 10 feet across the drift we came to an instant stop. We dropped in an underground creek run off. The snow was about 10 inches deep and then the water was another 7-8 inches.

We did have cell service as we were up high on the plains. Elder Bagley called the office to someone bring up his truck with another shovel and a handy man jack. It took about a half hour for her to reach us on the dirt road. We saw her coming and as she went out of view behind a small hill, she never came up the road. Elder Bagley thought maybe she had turned to go another way. He headed down the road after her when he came upon her stuck in the middle of a snow drift that we had forgotten that we went thru about 50 miles an hour to get thru to the other side. She got bogged down in the middle of the drift, high centered. Thank heavens there was a truck up the road that came and pulled Elder Bagley's truck out. Elder Bagley then put the metal to the pedal and came thru that snow drift flying so we could use it to pull the jeep out of the mess we were in.

Elder Bagley warned us that we would begin our adventure in a red jeep and return in a brown jeep. If you look closely in the bottom left hand side of the collage you will see he predicted the end perfectly.

We attempted to go on another way, but the run off down the ruts in the road cause more havock and with a tender mercy we were able to get us both out and head on back to missionion village.

After hours fun!!!

2011-05-07T10:02:00.002-06:00

Elder Brunson brought up 4 of his hourses for the missionaries to ride when they are with the trek groups going over the "National Historic Site" - "NHT". The churches agreement with the BLM says that we will have escorts with our trekking groups when they are on the "NHT" Anyway we have the choice to walk, ride our bikes we brought with us or ride horses. The horses for the next month need to be taken out to get used to the trail, the water crossings etc. We went with Elder Brunson and Elder Henry for an afternoon ride. Elder Henry was on Brownie and was bucked off twice. Once when Elder Brown was bucked off just before our ride. As a true cowboy he climbed right back on and went for a ride with us. Half way thru our ride Brownie bucked him off again. This time he did a face plant right in a dried up cow pie. In the picture above, Elder Brunson is trying to ware down Brownie abit before Elder Brown climbs on again. We sure appreciate Elder Brunson kindness in bringing his horses. We hope to have the opportunity several times to ride his horses.
I rode Trajillia. She is the oldest of the 4. She is a very laided back horse. No trouble. We rode for a couple of hours and went thru 7 water crossings. Never a problem. It was a great time for Doug and Me.
Doug was on Bonnie. Bonnie had just dumped Elder Brown right before we went for a ride. They didn't get very far when he was bucked off. He hurt his shoulder and back. So they were done and we chose to go. Doug really had no problem. She got a little anxious when we came upon some cows from behind some willows.

Trek Training at the Willie Site at Sixth Crossing

2011-05-07T09:37:00.003-06:00

We went out on the trail with all the missionaries from the Willie Site at Sixth Crossing. We pushed handcarts over part of the trail that we have here at our site. Here at the Sixth Crossing is where the Willie Company was bogged down and rescued when they were destitute, freezing and starving.
The family of John Linford put this monument here along the trail to memorialize him and to mark the place that he died.

We experienced one of the three sites that we have "Women's Pulls" here at sixth crossing. Those Pioneer Women were amazing. But we must remember that we women in this day and time are amazing too. We know how to do hard things and many have to do them alone.

You might be asking what does this picture have to do with anything. Nothing except that on the way back in from training today we were in the back of a truck with the handcarts. I decided to jump out of the truck from the side and my pants got caught on something and man did they get torn. Good thing I had black tights on underneath them and that my jacket covered them mostly.

Trekking at Martin's Cove

2011-05-07T07:49:00.004-06:00

Today we spent over at Martin's Cove trekking the area (about 5 miles) for training so we could understand the lay out of the land and have a trekking experience with the missionaries from the Cove. We pushed handcarts until you reach the base of the cove where you park your handcarts and walk the rest of the trail in silent reflection.

This little amphitheater is at the top of the cove. Sacred Holy ground we visited today. There is a singular peace here. Similar to that found in the temple.

We also did a river crossing for those who wanted the adventure. You guessed it, we are always up for the "adventure". As soon as i can figure out how to add a picture here from someone who sent me one I will add it. Doug took off his shoes and socks and carried me on his back across the river. Our priesthood leader, Elder Fenn, lead the way. There was about a couple dozen Elders and Sisters who walked thru the water. The water was about mid thigh. Doug was a champion, didn't drop me or allow me to get wet at all. Very hard to imagine crossing the water when you had to break the ice and have a foot of snow on both sides of the banks. Today was a cool windy day, but not cold.

We also experienced a short women's pull up a very sandy hill. My hat is off to all the sisters who pulled and pushed as it wasn't easy. There is just one sister here that is younger than me by two years. Many were in their 60's & 70's and I so admire them.

We arrived back at the Ranch where the Visitors Center, the Chapel, and the Barn where dinner was waiting for us. Sister Flucky and her helpers had a wonderful dinner of Soup & Salad and her yummy homemade rolls that she makes for every meal. Afterwards we learned and enjoyed square dancing out side. We will all the opportunity with the groups that come to call square dancing for them to the Virginia Reel and Oh Johnny Oh.

Tme at the Welcome Center

2011-05-07T07:19:00.004-06:00

This is our Welcome Center at Sixth Crossing. It was an old farm home. We all have an opportunity to be trained here and then take our turns manning the place for visitors. It was our day last Thursday, but I was there alone as Doug was needed up on the new Site early that morning for the pouring of the pad, the basement floor.

Doug spent the whole day at the site the day before helping with the preliminary plumbing. Most days they are done by 4:00 pm, but not today, they didn't get done until 8:00 pm.
He has enjoyed work along side of other Elders and getting to know them.

As I was working at the Welcome Center right out the front window I could watch the Cement trucks arriving with Cement. I thing it took about 4 trucks to have enough cement for the floor
We had trail training the afternoon after the floor was poured so it could cure and then went by the site to see the finished floor that late afternoon. The new Site sits up on a hill and overlooks the sweetwater valley. It will be a beautiful three story log building.

Training at the "Cove" & Church on a Reservation

2011-05-01T18:44:00.004-06:00

Here we are at Devil's Gate. We went for a walk after our training on Saturday to check out Devil's Gate. It is a mile trail from the Visitors Center at Martin's Cove. On the way over it snowed on us. True to the saying that if you don't like the weather in Wyoming wait 5 minutes and it will change. The sky turned blue and we enjoyed the sun for a minute once we arrived.
Indian Legend says that a large wounded beast rammed it with it's horn and split the rock in two and went on thru.

We were up early Saturday for training at the Cove. Had to leave here at 6:00 am to be there at 7:00 am for breakfast. Cinnamon rolls, egg & ham burritos, biscuits and sausage gravy. It was so yummy. More that 200 of us were fed in two shifts, everyone was done for the meeting at 8:30. We sat in on a "Trek Leaders Seminar". Every group that comes to the sites has to send their trek leader prior for a Seminar. It was done so beautifully and the spirit was so strong. Lunch was Navajo Tacos and homemade chicken noodle soup and sandwiches.
The after noon meeting was with Elder Estes, who is our Mission president. He is over all the farmland missions. Changes are being made with our mission. Instead of it being under the Presiding Bishopric and farmland reserve, we will transition over to the Church Historical department. Not sure what all that will mean, but we will just go forward with faith. Elder and Sister Estes were wonderful.

Today, Sunday, we went to Fort Washakie for church. It is on a reservation. A little Branch that reminded me of being in Monticello New York on our last mission. We doubled the size of the branch because there were 9 of us missionary couples that visited. Afterwards we enjoyed a potluck dinner with the branch. We had all brought something to share. What a wonderful sweet spirit we felt as we worshiped with them.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

2011-04-29T06:58:00.002-06:00

Here's a shout out to my best friend, my companion, my sweetheart, my husband, my everything! We are so blessed to be married for 34 years today and to be experiencing a great adventure together. LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU Doug!!!!!!

Just another work day here at the Willie Center. It rained and blew all night and Doug has to work in the mud up the hill at the new visitor center that we are building. He has been up there all week working with a shovel digging ditches for the plumbing before the cement is poured. Snow & wind, rain & wind, sun & wind, we work thru it all.

I have been in the humanitarian center for a day this week and then at the welcome center for a day and then in the office for the past two days. Tomorrow we will spend the day at the Cove for training and then it is Casper Stake Conference of which our branch belongs and we might head to Casper to spend the night and attend stake conference. Martin's Cove is 65 miles east of us and Casper is 65 miles north of the Cove.

We have arrived!!!! We are at the "Willie Center" at the Sixth Crossing on the Sweetwater river

2011-04-25T17:20:00.002-06:00

It has been a long time since I have posted any thing. I am really going to try to keep my activity journal here on my blog. Today is April 25th, the actual date our mission is to begin is tomorrow the 26th. We arrived Friday the 22nd. We were one of the first new comers to arrive here at Missionary village. We set up camp and Doug was put right to work. He got to drive a little skid loader and dump truck at the new site for the new visitor center being built. Some of the concrete has been poured, three sides of the basement floor. I will download pictures soon. For some reason I will only be able to download pictures late at night.

We enjoyed Easter Sunday over at the "Cove". We are 65 miles to the west of "Martin's Cove". I think we are more of the working part of the mission here at 'Sixth Crossing". Church was wonderful. This is a very unique branch. It is made up of just missionaries. We all take turns speaking in Sacrament meeting, teaching Sunday School and Priesthood and Relief Society. Every week after church we have an assigned pot-luck dinner. After all missionaries arrive there will be 140 of us. Every member of this ward is active and temple worthy. Not alot of issuses for the Branch President to deal with. Elder Fenn, the director of the "Mormon Handcart Historic Sites" is the Branch President. Elder Bagley is the director of the Willie Site and is the 1st councilor.

We were blessed with the opportunity to ride into Riverton which is about 35 miles north of us, the closest place to go grocery shopping. We got to know them a bit. Wonderful people. We are going to have a lot of fun here.

Today after our prayer meeting at 8:00 am, which does happen everyday except Sunday, Doug worked with Elder Greenhalgh building 10' swing gates, while I put on a quilt in the humanitarian Center and quilted and bound it. This afternoon I was trained in the welcome center.

We are excited and blessed to be here with so many wonder people.

Fun with Pompa!!

2010-11-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

Trying to fill some big shoes

Ride 'm Cowbunkle!!!! hold on.....Oops, there you go again!!

4 wheeling Fun at Reber's cabin

2010-11-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

We had a great fun time at Keith and Stephanie Reber's cabin with some great friends. We spent the night at their cabin and had so much fun talkin 'bout the "old days". The next morning we all saddled up on our wheelers for a bumpy fun time to Yankee Meadow and on to Panguitch lake for a picnic lunch and then back to their cabin, the long way back.

4th of July Fireworks at Brianhead

2010-11-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

We all bundled up for a spectacular show of fireworks in Brianhead village. We enjoyed the Holiday weekend with the Allens at their "Man hut" on their property. We all had a ball. Time flies too fast when we are all together having fun. Thanks for the memories!!!

4th of July Fun at Allen's Brianhead property

2010-11-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

We were invited to spend the 4th of July with Paul & Suzanne Allen and all their family up to Brianhead. We all brought our trailers and stayed on their lot. It was so much fun. We sure do miss the Mountain. We love our extended Allen family. Thank for a wonderful time.

Happy B-day to ALLEE!!!!

2010-11-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

Allee turned 5 on the 30th of June. She had a fun water party at the mainstreet water park. Love ya Alleebug!!!

Easton is baptized

2010-11-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

I don't think I posted this most important day for Easton. He was baptized the 10th of July. He was so excited, and so blessed to have a daddy that is a worthy priesthood holder who can admister that ordinance for him. We love you both and enjoyed your big day.

Happy Halloween!!!!!!!

2010-11-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat smell my feet, give me some thing good to eat!!!!!

H A L L O W E E N N I G H T

2010-11-15T19:37:00.000-07:00

The tradition continues. All the kids come over for a quick bite to eat before heading to the streets for "Trick or Treating"
We had a doctor, super girl heros, Nemo & an ARMY dude, DIXIe football hero & a punk rocker with a "shark" and dino,
last but not least was Russel from "UP" and the "Princess and the Frog" TOO CUTE!!!!!!!!!!

Pumpkin Carving FuN

2010-11-15T19:28:00.000-07:00

All the kids (except Taylee) were over for the traditional Pumpkin Carving. We had some really awesome fun & spooky pumpkins. Great work you little darlings. (sorry for the blurry picture)

Family Halloween carving FUN!!!

2010-11-15T19:23:00.000-07:00

Brax and I cleaned about 15 pumpkins for when all the grandkids came over to carve their pumpkins. Thanks Brax, it was a lot less messy. Everyone had fun carving their pumpkins.

Halloween fun

2010-11-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

Sorry the picture is blurry, but it is the only one I have. YSA ward pumpkin carving FHE

YSA FHE Pumpkin carving

2010-11-15T19:09:00.000-07:00

Doug went up to Enterprise to pick up 100 pumpkins for our FHE with the YSA ward. Many dressed up and all had a great time

New Mission Call - YaHoo!!!

2010-10-23T10:21:00.002-06:00

We just received a new mission call. We are going to be serving in the "Mormon Handcart Historic Site in Wyoming" AKA "Martin's Cove" We are thrilled and excited except I don't want to hear about the coldddddddd windddddddd they have there.

It is a six month mission and we will be reporting in April of 2011. We will be set apart as agricultural Church-service missionaries.

I must repent and have decided to do and be better at posting on my blog. I will share more information as we receive it. We are excited to serve another mission but will miss our service in the temple. We still have 6 months before we are to report in Wyoming.

The Wheels on the Bus go round n round

2010-06-29T14:42:00.000-06:00

We found this cool old bus on this property that had a for sale sign. While checking out the property, the kids were checking out the bus and had a ball playing in it.

Fun in the Mountains

2010-06-29T14:40:00.000-06:00

What a fun time we had with some of our grandkids. Love Love Love them!!!!!

Brian Head camping & ridin'

2010-06-29T14:34:00.000-06:00

We spent the week-end camping up in Brian Head. It was hard to not be able to go to our cabin, (we sold it). But we stayed the night on our other property that is all sagebrush and swamp. Ooooo fun! We actually did have fun. We ended up moving the trailers over to our friends (the Allen's) place. It was like old times. For anyone reading this that doesn't know, we had a cabin right next door to Allen's cabin. We both sold our cabins about 6 years ago. Allen's bought a lot a cross from our old ones and we haven't camped up in Brian Head since. Allen's have built a little "man hut" on their new lot that is in the trees. I love the quakies and pines. I didn't realize how much I missed being up on the mountain. It was awesome. So much fun we are planning on spending the 4th of July Holiday up there with all our families. So excited!

Presenting Princess Kell

2010-06-25T09:54:00.000-06:00

Kell wanted to try on all the dresses she found in my cedar Chest. Allee had fun for a minute but Kell couldn't get enough of the dress up fun.

Playing Dress-up

2010-06-25T09:51:00.000-06:00

Kell wanted to know what was in my Cedar Chest. Boy did she discover a fun time. The girls had fun trying on dresses and modeling for Pompa. They insisted that I dress up too.

Princess McKell, Princess Allee & Princess Taylee

FHE at Cox Park

2010-06-25T09:41:00.000-06:00

Fun, Fun, Fun, Father's Day week-end

2010-06-25T09:28:00.000-06:00

Fishing in the kids pond up by Wood's Ranch. Okay kids, this is how it is done!