Rough Riders or rough ridin'?

Our number came up to monitor a trek group on the National Historic Trail over Rocky Ridge. We were 9 1/2 hours and went 14 miles or so. The group took several breaks for various reasons and that's what saved us from being hauled IN in a handcart or hauled OUT by Life Flight. We're still a little sore and it's been 2 days. Ibuprofin helped a lot. There must have been a dozen ma's & pa's/kids say, "My parents would sure like to do a mission like this." We didn't do monitoring in 2005 when we were here before.

Rocky Ridge is a climb of 700 ft in 2 miles. Imagine doing it in sub zero weather, in a snow storm. The rocks are pretty worn down where the kids are on the trail but in the other picture you can see better how the rocks are standing on end. The picture doesn't do it justice.

Many different groups used this trail including: Mormon Pioneers, Oregon, California and Pony Express. The miracle of the Willie Company (and the Martin Co. too) is that any one at all lived through this ordeal. The Lord was watching over and protecting them. There was much of sadness but many miracles and triumph of the human spirit. We too, can trust in the Lord during our trials and though he doesn't remove them like we would like, sometimes, He still is blessing us. Lives are being changed including our own.

Our youth of the noble birthright are still 'Mormon Pioneers'. Hurrah for Israel!!!

6th Crossing Celebration

Veldon gave his reading by John Mitchum, "America, Why I Love Her" and everyone went outside to retire five or six worn out flags, with all due respect. The veterans in the picture from left to right are mostly Elders: Dastrup, Kaiser's son, Coe, Mitten, Noble, Charles (neighbor), Seymore & Kotter. Aren't these the cutest pictures of Kaisers g-kids? We sure miss being with our grand kids. Elder Misken (our fearless leader) is saying, "Rachel, get in. Rachel, Get In. Rachel, GET IN." I loved it. Kinda' like herdin' sheep. Miskin's have been here a year and a half. Their children came from all over the country for a family reunion here. (These probably won't be in the order I wanted them to be but I don't know how to rearrange them.)

Celebrating the 4th of July

The Bills family in Lander, WY puts on the most fabulous fire works with patriotic narrations and music. The missionaries (seniors and young ones) serve up free watermelon and ice cream before the fire works start. The scouts raised a hugh flag up on a crane. We tell everyone how we fire the anvil in Taylor, AZ. In the old movie, Shane, the old timers fire an anvil.