WE WAITED ALL SUMMER FOR VALLEY VIEW !!

 Finally -  our very own Salt Lake Valley View Stake came to Martin's Cove!  They have been trekking every four years since 1982, but they have never come here - to where those events actually took place.

In order for them to be able to trek on Rocky Ridge they had to do it their very first day, and it was long, and hot, and hard!

 But they did it!

And it was great to watch them pull their handcarts into Rock Creek Hollow with Elder Moench having trekked with them the entire 16 miles.

 What a treat it was to see GG coming along the trail on one of our rickshaws!

He was happy to leave it, however, and sit in a regular chair 

after that day long trek across the mountain!

 A delicious dinner was waiting for them all . . .

 . . . and there were smiling faces all around!

Even though the journey was much more difficult than any had thought it would be . . . 

. . . they were stronger for having done hard things! 

That evening they listened to the sweet music of talented youth as they all gathered in the amphitheater for their evening devotional.

The devotional was wonderful, and at the end they asked us both to say a few words.

Elder Moench told them how just 6 days ago the BLM notified us that they had scheduled a road closure into Sage Campground on the very day our stake needed to be there.  After two days of negotiations and many prayers the construction schedule was changed until after all trekking finished in August.   It was a miracle that they had been able to trek.  The Lord had truly answered Elder Moench's prayers and softened hearts.

Then I spoke for a few minutes and showed them how the trail comes right down to where we were sitting and then heads out across the creek to the west.  I told them about the Memorial Area and those who were buried there.   

 I reminded them that even though they had just survived crossing Rocky Ridge, there would be many other rocky ridges thrown into their lives, and they could survive those too by relying on the Savior just like the pioneers did.

As we finished speaking they gave us a wonderful and completely unexpected gift:  

a beautiful Log Cabin quilt made by my dear friends Karen Ericson, Cindy Dial, Ami Neff, Emma Kemp Jann Elieson, and quilted by Susie Tollstrup.  

As we stood there, the sun set and the temperature immediately dropped.  I was freezing, so I wrapped that beautiful quilt around me . . . 

. . . grateful that no one could see the tears in my eyes.

The following day they packed up and boarded buses to Martin's Cove, but along the way one bus broke down, causing a delay of several hours.  Sadly, breakdowns happen to many trek groups.

After a quick visit to Fort Seminoe . . .

. . . and an orientation by Elder Moench . . .

. . . they were able to trek at Martin's Cove. 

But the delay caused them to miss a trip to Independence Rock, so they walked out to Devil's Gate . . . 

. . . and cooled off in the Sweetwater River that flows through it there.  

That evening I called square dancing for them, and again they were late and it was getting dark . . . 

. . . but they had lots of fun and had a pioneer express and a devotional right there while we were with them.

The following day they trekked back in from their camp at Cherry Creek. 

Trek families had truly bonded. . . 

. . . and there were hugs . . . 

. . . and smiles . . .

. . . and laughter . . .

. . . and sharing of stories . . . 

. . . and experiences . . .

and testimonies . . .

. . . and love for one another.

 

 Then they boarded their buses and they were off!

What a gift it was for us to have our own stake come to these sacred sites while we were here!

JULIE ROGERS - WHAT A TREAT!

After another delicious Pot Luck dinner on Sunday afternoon 

we were treated to a special fireside from Julie and Russell Rogers. 

Julie has painted hundreds of pioneers

and brought their stories to life for everyone who sees her work. 

She displayed extra large versions of many of her most beloved paintings 

and filled the Trek Center with them.

It is spectacular to see them all!

Then she spoke to us, telling us how and why she painted each one as well as what she was feeling while she painted.  She told us how she tries to use models who are actual descendants of the pioneers and often felt the presence of whomever she painted.

Julie and Russell stayed the night with us so we could talk and visit, and then she offered us a beautiful new painting for our Trek Center of the Savior caring for and rescuing all His sheep - especially the black sheep.  We will have it framed to match her other paintings that hang there. 

What a priceless gift that will be!