Pictures Finally

Campfire party

Rock Creek Hollow registration box made by Jones and Tippets

 This was one of my organization jobs

Sunset in Wyoming

Elder Woodbury knows how to entertain us

Us enjoying the campfire

moose at Sixth Crossing

On the way to the concert but distracted by the moose

hotdog roast

Sweet Water River sunset

Elkins enjoyed the tour

Week 26

Sorry haven't had pictures because again we have had problems with the internet here.  I hear we used up our data and got cut back to dial up speed and it just wouldn't send them.  I'll try again this week.  Time is now flying by.  It seems strange now that our mission is almost at an end.  
Monday  September 15 - Kelvin got ready to go and see the spectacular sites of the Tetons, Yellowstone , and Glacier National Park.  We enjoyed his visit, he is always so kind to us.  Selby made more water gauges today.  I worked on small jobs and then helped work on spaghetti dinner for the group.  Carrol and Vern arrived just in time for dinner.  We had a nice FHE, Saw a movie about pioneer handcarter Ole Madsen. And Sang our Looney Tunes, and watched the highlight slides of our season here at Sixth Crossing.  Spent the rest of the evening catching up with the Elkins.  
Tuesday -September 16 - Elkins brought Molly and Willie and you could really tell who the dog lovers were.  They were a great Hit.  Today was P-day so we were able to take the Elkins on a tour of our site and then on to sage camp and Lower Monument.  We also took them to Rock Creek hollow. We went to a fireside in Riverton at Pres. Lorimer's home.  He has such a love of the pioneers and shared several stories about the importance of our sites.  
Wednesday. September 17 - Vern went with Elder Bearry to Martin's Cove to install the lighting at the front gate ( the ones he has been setting up the solar for).  We they finished the job they went and explored Devil's Gate.  Vern had a great time.  Carrol put her feet up for awhile put then couldn't resist coming in the Trek center and helping me on preparing another meal for the group.  I also helped tie another quilt.  The guys played a round of golf when they got back, because Elder Bearry didn't want Vern to miss out on the chance to play the Sixth Crossing country club.  
Thursday. September 18 - elder Bearry and Woodbury went to Rock Creek Hollow to install the water gauges, clean out the tools and hauled back the generator.  For me there were more cleaning jobs at the lodge and went to town with Sister Petersen to pick up supplies in Riverton. 
Friday. September 19. Today was our little Sierra's Birthday, 4 years old so fast.  We got to talk with her and she was so excited.  We have adage for lunch when we get home. Today we did Trek training prep.  Elder Bearry went with us again to pick up supplies.  
Saturday September 20 -  Trek Training and clean up most of the day.  Worked on cards for us to give our Missionary friends. 
Sunday September 21 - had a touching day at church as it was our last time with the  Martin's  Cove Missionaries.  Elder and Sister Moench spoke in a combined meeting and reminded us how much we learned and how much The Lord wants us to continue working to build the kingdom.  We had our last district meeting at the Bunnage's and then up to the lodge to hear a concert put on by sisters Petersen and Baker.  Just before we went into the lodge we saw a mama moose and her baby down in River camp.  It was cool to see her right there where we saw her the first week we were here.
We are getting so excited to see everyone again we can hardly stand it.  Love Elder  and Sister Bearry
Sent from my iPad Cathy Bearry

Week 25

Now we actually had snow, which is bad news, good news and then bad news again.  I'll explain,  Bad news because it is so hard to work in the windy storms of Wyoming, Good news because the director is afraid with these weather patterns that we run the risk of getting the trailers stuck here in Missionary Village, so he has decided we are to pull out of hereon Sept. 24th.  Now remember there was one more bad news and that is Dad's truck has to have some repair work at the Ford dealership in Provo that we paid for in April but was done wrong at the time and they have agreed to have us return it and they will fix it.  We wouldn't have time to get to California and then back again in time to have the truck fixed and be at Conference on time. So we are going to leave here on the 24th and if it is not snowing we are going to go by way of the Tetons and Jackson Hole, and then Lauren's, and then to Provo.  We will be in SLC on Friday early.   

Monday. Sept 8  Kelvin arrived today for a visit.  He finds this place both strange and wonderful.  Selby had gone fishing with elder Eastman, caught 1 large trout.  We had FHE and Sister Petersen had written cleaver lyrics to well known songs that typified each missionaries assignment here at Sixth Crossing.  Fun evening

Tuesday sept 9. Kelvin visited Martin's Cove.  Preparations nearly all day for a formal farewell dinner honoring this years site managers the Hutchinson's and Martin's and to say thanks to our neighbors the Abernathy's (the rancher) and Polly the egg lady.  We had made gifts for all and put on a very nice dinner followed by a program honoring each of them.  We will miss these good friends.

Wednesday Sept. 10. Took Kelvin on a tour of the site, which he enjoyed very much.  Did more clean up and close up jobs.  Seemed odd to have Hutchinson's and Martin's gone.

Thursday Sept. 11. Woke to it being very cold, as the day progressed it began to snow , yes it is only September but we are in Wyoming.  We just worked inside.

Friday sept. 12. I went to Riverton to shop for the Trek training.  We took kelvin with us and he went to the gym while we sopped.  Came back and again got the food ready for the next day.

Saturday Sept. 13. Kelvin went to Lewis lake and the Sinks in lander.  Trek training for 220 today.  Cooked breakfast and lunch and then took a group on a tour of Sage Camp.  Met a couple whose great, great grandmother had been buried on the plains of Wyoming near the missionary village at Martin's Cove.  They had found it on this trip for the first time and it was touching to see their excitement in finding connection with family. Things went well today, the program is so good.  

Sunday Sept. 14 - We so love church here.  Every week is so uplifting.  The Lindsay's that we spent several days with at Rock Creek Hollow, spoke in Sacrament and shared with us about how their handicapped son had helped them listen to the spirit as he was not able to communicate normally, but they felt the spirit always guided them to what his needs were.  It was a tender talk.  In Sunday School we studied Amos 3:7 that teaches how God reveals his work through His prophets and we talked about the importance of conference and how we all need to implement the teachings of the prophets.  One idea that I think we'll try is to make little signs that have the main messages from Conference to help remind us of what we need to work on to be more Christ like.  In Relief Society we talked of showing our love for Heavenly Father and Jesus by keeping the Commandments (John 14:15). Church always inspires us to be better. We hope we can hold these special feelings of the mission the rest of our lives.

I'm tempted to count the days now until we see family, but it starts to bring tears so I don't think I can count yet.  Sister schaufert said this week it's like we are getting ready to leave home to go home, what a strange feeling.  We agree.  But what joy there will be going home.  Love you all

Elder and Sister Bearry

Week 24

Hi, Mornings have been cold but the days have been nice and warm this week. 

Monday - Sept. 1 - Labor day - I worked around camp and Selby went to Mortin's Cove to work on the lights for their front gate with Elder Tippet.  Selby and I were in charge of FHE this week.  We served Chicken Primavera and french bread.  And made fruit pizzas for dessert.  We planned several fun games that we will be bring home for fun with the family.  

Tuesday Sept. 2 was our P-day but we stayed around most of the day.  In the evening we went to Riverton to get Selby more parts for his projects and then went to dinner at a good Mexican restaurant.  We went over to the Petersen's to visit about things they wanted to know from our perspective about this site as they are the new Facility Managers for the next year.  We sat around a campfire and shared what we hoped were good ideas and counsel for next year.  They want us to stay so badly but we want to come home so badly.

Wednesday - Sept. 3 Selby went again to work on the lighting project.  I worked on more quilting projects. We went to Caton's for dinner and had a very nice visit with them.  we are so impressed with the goodness of the people serving here.  Caton's are going almost immediately to Arizona to serve on a church farm that benefits the Indians in that area.  So selfless.

Thursday Sept. 4  Selby finished the water gauge projects with Elder Woodbury.  We had a hamburger casserole night, I made Swedish meatballs and we all made peach cobbler from some peaches that were given to the missionaries.  These dinners are making us even tighter knit as a group.  We are feeling like a family.  

Friday Sept. 5  Today is all about preparations for tomorrow's Trek Training.  We went to Riverton to pick up groceries. and then the rest of the day was doing food prep and setting up the tables and figuring out the logistics.  We invited the Anderson's to join us for dinner at our trailer.  They are the most wonderful people.  They are both close to 80 years old and feel there is nothing they would rather be doing than serving a mission.  This is their 3rd mission they have served in Ghana and felt it was fabulous.  They also served a service mission as leaders of an addiction recovery program.  They have been such a delight here, always so positive.  Maybe we can grow-up and be more like them.  

Saturday - Sept. 6 - Today we got an early start as we put on breakfast at 8:00 for 168 people.  Elder and Sister Bearry scrambled the eggs and then took part in a Readers theater that portrays the journal entries of 10 different pioneers and their experiences on these trails.  The presentations and music are so inspiring.  We give tours of our sites after the classes are over.  Selby and his buddies golfed on site (Sweetwater Country Club).  Today was Brooke's B-day, Happy Birthday WOW 6 years old, I can hardly believe the time is flying by.  

Sunday Sept. 7    Happy Birthday to Nicole today!  Church was as good as ever.  Today emotions were a little tender as this was the last Sunday the Winter missionaries will be here.  They leave for home on Wednesday.  They have been such wonderful examples to us, we will miss not only their leadership but their example also.  

One of the missionaries here said what I think we are all feeling.  "We are getting ready to leave home to go home"  what a conflict of feelings.  But of course not enough to make me feel anything but great joy to be back with family, friends and the ward.  We love you all.  Elder and Sister Bearry.  

Week 23

cooking with Sister Bunnage

 approaching base

our "hideout"

communicating with the treks

hard workers

This is for shelby it is a Shelby mustang

Quilting with sister Cook

We golf...

We eat...

I help...

 we eat...

So you think you're in the lazy days of summer, Maybe that's true in California, but in Wyoming it is the beginning of winter.  Sunday it was in the 40's with wind chill and oh yes the wind is back.  Tuesday night and all day Wednesday it rained and blew and was quite cool.  Then it warmed a little but the wind is our constant companion now.

Monday - August 25  Cleaned all the trek clothes in the center.  Made menus and shopping lists for Trek Training.  Went to Riverton to order food and bought some items for Thursday nights dinner.  Selby's knee was feeling a little better.

Tuesday - August 26  It was our second Ladies day in Casper.  We went shopping together, and then lunch at a good Mexican restaurant.  I've learned to love Hobby Lobby, can't wait to check ours out when I get home. I was able to call my good friend Bonnie Abel and visit with her about the things going on in our lives.  Its wonderful to have friends that you have grown old with.  And there are still many memories to make.  The men were able to play golf and some went jeeping.  Golf was not good for the leg, but he did win the tournament.  20 Elders played. 

  Wednesday August 27 -  This was a rainy day so everyone had inside jobs.  The Sisters worked on quilts and musical numbers and the Elders cleaned the shop and fixed equipment.  Elder Bearry built his rack for his solar project.  Everyone works together so well, each helping the other.  Feels very Christ-like.

Thursday - August 28 - Elder Bearry decided his knee was not getting better and he has so many projects here to work on that we went into Lander to see an orthopedic doctor.  Got ex-rays and then a steroid shot in his knee.  Nice and competent doctor, Dr. Carson.  We came home and he put his leg up for the afternoon and I went back to quilting.  We put on a dinner of swiss steak and baked corn and mash potatoes and gravy. yummy, and yes we have put on weight, so much for the trail making us fit.  

Friday August 29 - Finished my quilt today and Elder Bearry got to work what they call the honey pot.  I think I already described it. 

Saturday August 30 - We didn't feel like going anywhere today so just did little trailer jobs and then ran into Riverton to make phone calls and get a few groceries.

Sunday August 31 - It is our 46th Wedding Anniversary, yeah!  We feel closer than ever.  What a wonderful thing to spend this quality time together.  We love doing service and we love all the wonderful people in our lives.  We see people on the TV that don't care about anything but themselves and it is so wonderful to be surround by family and friends that care. We had another wonderful day in church.  Selby got to teach 2 young men in Sunday School and they were just delightful.   In our lesson today we heard about the young lady missionary that was killed in a car accident on Oklahoma.  Her companion is the niece of our friends the Petersens.  She wrote an email to her family members to explain the feelings she and the other missionaries were having.  She explained the deep sorrow she felt but said the overriding feel was one of love.  Love for her companion and her family but also love for the Brother that had made the mistake that caused the accident.  I was impressed with the fact as she described the situation she never talked of her horrific experience having the semi run over the top of the car she was in but instead just talked of her love of God and of all these people involved.  Very touching.  Elder Petersen was teaching from Elder Uchtdorf's talk entitled Grateful in our circumstances.  Gratitude is such an important virtue as it influences the way we view everything.  We are grateful to be found worthy to serve a mission and for the opportunity to get to see God's hand in peoples lives.  We love you all and are trying to not be overly excited to be back with you all. Love Elder and Sister Bearry

Week 22

Monday August 18  -Worked in the visitor center.  Not as many visitors now that families aren't out on vacation.  Still had several nice couples.  We love teaching the stories and feel so close to these people.  

Tuesday August 19 - Selby took down more facades and then he and his buddies golfed the "Sixth Crossing" golf course (for those who don't know they set up a course in the fields surrounding our village).  I worked on cleaning the office and then I cleaned out the garden shed and organized it.  In my cleaning I discovered a bunny had died in the shed, it wasn't pretty.  Selby's knee gave him lots of trouble after the golf game.

Wednesday August 20  -I finished the shed labeling all the shelves. Selby worked on changing the tie downs on the repeater. and went to Martin's Cove with Elder Woodbury to scout out a project to light the entrance using solar panels for power because the gate is so far from the power.  I seem to be in the rodent business.  Everyone said there was a bad smell in the trek center so I decided that I had to find the source.  Turned out there was a dead mouse under the stairs.  I could find it but I couldn't get rid of it, Sweet Sister Bell removed it for me and I cleaned up the residue.  So creepy but happy it was clean. 

Thursday August 21 -Elder Bearry had to spend the day with his leg up because his knee was killing him and he hoped a day off would get it better.  

Friday August 22 - I heard there was another terrible smell in the visitors center so since I'm on this rodent kick I decided to clean until I found the source.  Got all the pamphlets moved and organized but decided that the rodent was in the walls.  The Visitor Center was originally a fishing camp office and then a KOA campground.  When the church bought the property they turned it into an office and visitor center.  It really needs to be demolished and with the hopes of the new center opening in the next couple of years, maybe that will be the choice.  This site deserves a wonderful center so that more people will stop and hear the power of God in the pioneers lives.  

Saturday August 23 - P-day We went with the Woodburys and Saxtons to Cody Wyoming.  It was about a 3 hour drive.  The first site was the first church building in Cody.  It was a unique design.  It has a circular foyer that has an amazing mural painted in 1950.  The artist was not a member of the church but studied our history for a year and then painted a fabulous historical portrayal.  We then went to a old car show and saw about 150 very cool old cars.  We then went to the Bill Cody Museum.  It was huge and very impressive.  We had a great day.  

Sunday August 24  We went with the Bunnages and had a great day in church.  Elder and Sister Plumhof spoke and moved us all.  Love, being loved and showing love is the core of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We were taught in RS that we need to think of what others may be thinking.  Everyone has a different view point and we need to make sure that we consider what others are feeling before we make judgments.  

Other than Selby's hurt leg we had another good week.  

Week 21

Monday - August 11 - Last Morning at RCH  Got packed up and cleaned up to leave.  The Lindsay's shared a very nice breakfast with us, so we could focus on leaving.  They have been nice to work with.  Got John and Susan's first missionary email.  We are happy for them in their new adventure.  We helped the Anderson's get unpacked.  Sister Anderson has been sick but thought the time at RCH would be rejuvenating.  As long as the mice leave her alone I think she will love her time at RCH.  Trekkers are finished coming now so it shouldn't be too busy.  We ran to the store again in Lander, got a few phone calls in (not everyone for a long time now), and got back to Sixth Crossing in time to get ready to go to Green Mountain for FHE.   It was an hour away but well worth the drive.  There was a picnic area at the top of the mountain that you could see the whole area of Martin's Cove to Split Rock to the north and then to the south on a clear day you can see interstate 80. WOW!   We roasted hot dogs, sang songs, and told stories.

Tuesday - August 12 -  Today was a work day.  I helped with some cooking projects and some quilting.  Selby helped take down the bathroom facades at Strawberry Creek, and then work on one of the trucks that had problems on the road. 

Wednesday August 13 - Worked in the Visitor Center for the first half of today. Telling the stories has become so enjoyable.  We love telling people of the amazing things that happened here.  We were invited to the Woodburys for dinner and then went out and played golf at the "Sixth Crossing" course.

Thursday August 14 - Helped with a dinner planned for this evening as a thank you to the missionaries from the Facility Manager.  Selby finished his plumbing project for the irrigation of all the lawns here. The dinner was very nice and Selby went golfing again.

Friday August 16 -  We have a freezer with meat that was donated to the missionaries by the rancher that leases the church's land.  We planned the meals for the rest of the mission to use up the meat.  We cooked sloppy joe mix for the dinner tomorrow. Selby went to Gillespie to help take down the potties and the facades.

Saturday August 17-Went to Riverton to grocery shop but then hurried home because I was helping with a dinner that was being served after a rock necklace making class( it was just for fun)  I made a pretty piece 

 Selby placed a new solar panel on the trailer for dry camping. 

Sunday August 18 - Great day at church.  I taught YW to two lovely girls.  I taught on the importance of families and it was great to see these young women so sensitive about their families and their hopes for the future.  We had another general authority come and visit.  He is over all the missions in the world and was assigned by Pres. Packer to come visit our sites.  We are thinking the church may be looking to do further improvements to these sites.  His name is Elder Evans and he spoke in sacrament meeting.  Just as with Elder Clark, he was able to invite such a strong spirit to the meeting.  He counseled us in our prayers to not ask for someone to change but rather pray to know what we can do to help.  He then blessed us that our missionary service would bless us, our children and our grandchildren.  He had the ability to look into each of our eyes and make us feel special.  

The Sage is blooming

Week 20

"Selby is that  storm coming?"

Monday- August 4 - Bob and Patti spent the morning with us and then headed out to Cody to check out the sites there before visiting Yellowstone.  We had such a wonderful visit with them, they are amazing friends.  We packed up some food and clothes and headed to Rock Creek Hollow, with a stop in Lander for a few groceries, to spend the week acting as site/camp hosts.  Rock Creek Hollow is the camp the Willie company arrived after a grueling 15 mile hike over rocky ridge which is the summit of south pass over the Rocky Mountains.  It took some of the people over 24 hours to make the journey from camp to camp.  It was snowing and windy and very cold.  The Hollow offered water and shelter in the hollow rock walls.  13 people died in the journey that day and were buried in a common grave that memorializes them at this place today.  The Riverton Stake also erected a Six foot rock monument that declares "Remember" to remind us of the price that was paid by these people and how they put their faith in Christ.

We go from Monday to Monday and the Martin's cove people come from Wednesday to Wednesday  The Jensen's were here to greet us and teach us our responsibilities here.  We stay in 2 trailers that the church owns and were brought here from sixth crossing at the beginning of the season. 

No trekkers on Monday or Tuesday this week but we did have a couple of people stop by. About 4:30-5:00 a huge rain storm came through for about 45 minutes and then it cleared again.  I had the trailer door open because it was warm and in a matter of seconds the floor and chair were soaked.

Tuesday- August 5 -  Selby worked on the pumps some and I went with Sister Jensen and cleaned benches and railings. We visited with the Jensens some and read a lot. In the evening we went out and filled badger holes along the trail.  We have giant rabbits here that don't seem to mind the people.  We put up the flag each day and say the pledge of allegiance and have prayer together.  Quite and peaceful day.  But can't say as much about the night.  Discovered we had visitors, little grey furry ones.  Before the night was over 3 mice had been trapped and disposed of and Selby had his sleep interrupted and I slept only after all 3 had been eliminated and it was about 3:30 or 4:00,ugh!

Wednesday - August 6-  Went and cleaned benches again ( the birds are constantly busy).   

The Martins Cove missionaries switched out today, so it was good bye to the Jensen's and Hello to the Lindsays. Both couples are really nice people.  We worked on the restrooms as there was a problem with how they had been handled, and of course Selby knew just what to do because of his camp experience.  

Enough said other than he got rid of the smell and the flies.  The trek hosts arrived to let us know how the trek for the day was progressing.  The support group arrived and had 21 vans that they had rented to transport the 300 of them.  They were from Eagle Mountain UT.  The first group arrived about 4:00 and we are to direct traffic and get the kids to unload their carts and get them washed.  We have a power sprayer so they can really get them clean.   The second group arrived at 5:15.  Same routine.They had some really fun leaders and great kids.  We had another rain storm for about an hour which included some hail.  Again it cleared up and had a nice evening attending the groups closing fireside.  The kids got up and shared some of what these sites had made them feel and how they related that to their future in serving God.  We enjoyed hearing how our efforts of sharing this place and its stories had impacted the kids.  More creature escapades, caught one within 10 minutes of going to bed.  This capture wasn't as successful, I don't know all the details but it entailed Selby chasing the trap and its occupant around the trailer until he could throw it outside.  My nerves were frazzled. by the way Selby got a bad sunburn on his head again, yow, it is becoming a problem.  Dr. Freed here he comes.

Thursday August 7 - Got up early and helped the group get ready to leave.  They were up and had breakfast and broke down camp on on the road by9:30.  We kinda of go from feast to famine as far as people are concerned.  We do get visitors that come here by chance and others that have heard about the trail and monuments and stop to get more of the story.  Cleaned benches and bathrooms again. Our next group was much smaller about 65 and were from Cardston Canada.  They had been in a huge downpour at sixth crossing and had to go into Lander to dry out their sleeping bags, so we were really hoping the rain wouldn't hit them today.  They arrived about 4:30 and the rain looked as if it would get them but it literally parted and went north and south of us.  Small miracle.  We had a very good dinner with them followed by their program.  They didn't camp here but rather took their bus back to sixth crossing where they had left the camp pitched. Heard little noises but no catch tonight.

Friday August 8-  Not an early morning since no one was in camp. The Lindsay's went to lunch at Atlantic City as they had heard everyone rave about the great hamburgers.  We started to go exploring when they got back (one of us has to be here at all times) but we didn't go to far because we realized the trekkers were coming in a little early.  

It was another large group with 6 buses and about 350 people.  Everyone was very nice.  Handcart wranglers came and we got all 35 carts onto 3 trailers.  This group was from Denver North and had been one stake until a few months ago so they were trekking as one stake but had their program split by their new stakes.  Both Stakes had nice programs with violin music as prelude and then a pretty musical number by two girls and a young man on his guitar.  Almost a full moon tonight very pretty and no rain.  No critter action but don't worry I stayed up late listening for them.  

Saturday August 9 - Early rise to help this group get going.  They were very efficient despite their bus drivers being late and were up, fed, cleaned up, and even had a program and were gone by 10:00.   We decided to do a little project of cleaning out the storage/shop.  We also went down and did a thorough cleaning of the bridges with buckets of water and scrub brushes.  I also decided the registration area could use a good scrubbing.  Selby and I went exploring again and went for miles out on the mining roads until we got to the river where there had been a lot of gold mining through dredging efforts.  It feels so weird to be so far from anything and the sky seems so large and everything seems so expansive and seems to go on forever.  We got about 5 groups of tourists and gave each of them a small tour of our site.  We had a hot dog roast over our portable campfire with the Lindsays and had a nice visit. 

Sunday August 10 - When you are at RCH  you go to Lander for church because Martin's Cove is 2:15 away.  You also take turns with the other set of Missionaries so there is always someone here to greet visitors and tell them the stories.  The Lindsays chose to go at 9:00 and We went at 1:00.  It takes about 50 minutes from here.  The talks were very good one on Charity and the other on practical Christian Living (the 13th Article of Faith). The Plumhofs were there because they were doing the same kind of split because of sixth crossing's visitor center.  Sister Anderson was there to because she was feeling weak from a bad cold and didn't want to travel and stay in Martin's Cove.  They were all so sweet to tell us how much they missed us.  We spent a very slow afternoon reading a couple of short naps and visiting with the LIndsays.

We have really enjoyed Rock Creek Hollow!

pretty cows

camp site for Willie group

grave marker for the tragedy over Rocky Ridge,camp site for Willie group

Week 19

Rainy day, Yes its July in Wyoming!

Monday -July 28-  We were trained to be the main camp host for this week.  Camp host entails checking in the different units as they arrive to camp.  We are to teach them the rules of camp.  We help park the buses and show them to the handcarts. The trek leaders and medical get arm bands to wear to identify them easily.  We have a rover to go pick up trekkers that need to come off the trail. We also deliver people to spots on the trail that are support people.  Each group has a colored flag to identify their group. We have a 100 sq.ft. cabin that we base in to answer questions.  We start between 6 and 7 in the am and don't finish until after Square Dancing which ends 8-9.  

Tuesday -July 29- We hiked a 10 mile in camp.  We love the 10 mile and we had a group from Meadow wood in the Provo area which was about 90. The ward had invited families to come and we had a young couple that brought their 9 month old girl, Eliza, They placed her in a seat in a covered handcart. They had her dressed in authentic pioneer clothing. She was adorable. She cried from time to time, but mostly smiled and cooed. It was so touching to see the mom pull her along the trail. It made the trek seem as though we were back in time with the real Willie Company. It emphasized the sacrifices parents made to have their children raised in Zion. This Mom found herself in tears as she contemplated the hardships that would have been her young families if they had been in the Willie Company.

It was drizzly off and on all day, but it kept us from having any heat exhaustion.  Our stories get better and better.  Selby does an excellent job.  We were surprised to see it rain like crazy well into the night.  But then again it is Wyoming.

Wednesday - July 30-  Back on camp host - Not too busy as we had just 3 groups.  It was still overcast and cool.  We found out that Sage Camp had turned into a muddy mess with the rain so we kept 2 of the groups at our site because our ground is sandy and not the clay like ground of Sage.  The Schauferts took over our responsibilities about 4:00 so we could greet the Trentman's and give them the whole tour of our site.  We had a wonderful time with them, especially little Jayden.  We had a hot dog and rib dinner and then the Trentman kids helped crank the ice cream maker for some yummy ice cream.  They left about 10:30 after a great visit.

Thursday July 31-  Today was our last hike of the season.  Went with the Elk Ridge Stake.about 95.  Their trek leader was very conscientious, she had planned carefully and was executing her plan well. They had fed their kids the flour and water gruel the morning before as their breakfast for a lesson in what it meant to have the rations reduced for the pioneers.  She had followed that up with a midmorning snack in our Willie Meadow of apples, beef jerky and granola bars.  They were a great group to trek with. We came back to our site in time to go square dance with a group of 300.  It's both hard and fun to do a group that large.  The kids always get into it by the end of the time.

Friday August 1 - Back to the Camp Hot job today.  Everyone checking out.  First group was at 6:00 am because they were headed for Rocky Ridge.  Last group at 3:30 because they had hiked a 6 mile and were headed straight to Rock Creek Hollow.  About 4:30 the Evers arrived for a visit.  We took them on what has become our usual tour.  Had a little adventure along the trail, our rover was low on oil so it stopped cold as we started up a hill.  It allowed us to have a little hike and to see the sun set and almost ran over a skunk.  Fortunately he didn't spray us. We see so many animals here, antelope (with their babies), the moose, fox, hawks, cottontails, jack rabbits, ground squirrels, deer, ducks,cranes, sage chickens, garden snake, magpie, rainbow and brown trout,and of course a million cattle.  

Saturday August 2-  We  attended Elder and Sister Bunnage's granddaughter's baptism in the Sweetwater River at river Camp. Little Bella radiated the joy of being baptized in an unusually strong way. Her father showed feelings of great honor in being able to baptize his daughter. Sister Moench shared a picture of Christ being baptized in the River Jordan and made us all feel like we could imagine being there for that great event after witnessing the baptism here in our own Sweetwater River.  Continued the tour starting at Sage Camp and up to the lower monument on Rocky Ridge and around to the upper Monument.  Bob found a great rock to take home to his water fall from the ridge.  Met a family that Elder Bearry told the Jens and Elise story to. 

We went on to Rock Creek Hollow telling more stories and then over the mountains letting Selby stop and try his hand at fishing a little.  Next down to Lander and dinner a Gannet's.  Bob and Patti were impressed with the good burgers.  Home to watch 17 Miracles.

Sunday August 3  Went to church, no kids to teach today.  Visited the sites at Martin's Cove for Patti and Bob.  Had a group dinner of hamburgers and I made hot crab bites, just for Bob.  We  watched Ephraim's rescue after visiting with several of the missionary couples.  

We love our visitors!!!!

We also love reading of the experiences of Carter, Shelby and Adam and see what faithful missionaries they are.  Love you all. 

Happy Birthday Carter.

Hay grass cut on our site

River crossing with our Trek group

Patti checking out the National Historic Marker.

Bob and Selby at the Lower Monument

Patti and Bob at the Sweetwater River Canyon outlook

After church in Martin's Cove looking at Devil's Gate

Week 18

Monday July 21 Today we were both on work crew and helped fix the sprinklers and put up a new sign for our trek center.  Selby designed a new gauge for the Willie Meadow water buffalo.  Square Dancing with 350 this evening, went well despite the numbers.  

Tuesday July 22  Left early with the Cook's to deliver a rickshaw to the group leaving Sage camp so we were early for our trek so decided to drove over to the lookout of the Sweetwater canyon area.  It was very cool, much larger than we pictured. This canyon is why the pioneers had to go over rocky ridge.  Then back to join our trek.  It was a very warm day and after lunch we had several kids with problems.  One girl really impressed us by wanting to hike even though she had been injured before the hike.  She had to be re-bandaged 3 times.  We had a girl collapse because of heat exhaustion and Selby had to drive on the trail and take her into Rock Creek Hollow to be treated.  It was pretty scary.  She ended up ok after an IV and 2 bags of fluid.  We had several others that looked questionable and were glad when they made it into camp.

Wednesday July 23 we woke up at 4:20. WE didn't need to get up that early but I think we were concerned about having another hot day on the trail.  We hiked the first group and the first leg over Rocky Ridge.  All went fine.  We noticed the second  group seemed very hot and flushed and it worried us after yesterdays problems, so we decided to check on them at the next stop and bring them a rickshaw.  We ended up waiting for a couple of hours but when they came in again we were right, they ended up giving us a lot of their stuff  so they could put people in the carts.  With the help we gave they made it in without anything serious happening.  

Thursday.  July 24  we wore pioneer clothes all day.  We were on base and ended up doing what Selby called the Sweetwater Taxi service.  For some reason today we transported several groups that wanted to watch or take pictures of different parts of the trek.  

Friday July 25  I did some sewing and baking in the morning and in the afternoon we did Handcart Wrangling with the Hall's.  When handcarts go out to do rocky ridge they have to be delivered  to Sage camp for the morning and then picked up at Rocky Ridge in the late afternoon.  It is 64 miles one way.  So we get there and only half the carts have come in so we go for a hamburger in Atlantic City, any one remember the picture of that town?  When we got back we finished up the loading and were back in camp by 8:15.  

Saturday July 26  Today was our day to celebrate the 24th of July.  I helped with the cooking and while it was in the roasters we went shopping which meant I could talk to the kids.  We got back in time to make corn dogs and help setup.  40 people came from Martin's Cove to celebrate. We ate and played games.  Several people played golf at what was called the Sweetwater Open.  Selby's team won! 

Sunday July 27  We had 2 girls in SS/YW today, such good girls.  No fireside today so went home and were lazy the rest of the day.

We are having such an amazing time.  The spirit of God is so strong here.

Love you all.

 Little girl visiting her grandma whose smile and hug reminded me of our Brooke.

nice group we trekked with