Keep on trekkin'

After months and months of planning as trek masters for our ward's youth trek to Martin's Cove, we finally realized the event Aug. 12-14. Cheryl and I had the pleasure of being the only adults on the bus riding with 50-plus kids ages 11 (think of them as "turning 12 this year) to 19.

Our three-day event went off so smoothly - the biggest problems were running a couple of hours behind on a very busy Friday (not a big problem ... we got everything done) and a few sprinkles and a bit of windy weather (but nothing like the gale-force winds that pummeled our ward five years previous). Actually, the biggest problem was my herniated disk, which didn't take too kindly to the long bus ride. But the walking was better than sitting, sleeping was far from the ground on Austin and Laura's five-story-high air mattress (OK, it just seemed that way), and a constant supply of pain meds and muscle relaxants kept the back woes manageable.

We don't have a whole lot of photos - yet. Since we had a couple assigned to be the event photographer and videographer, Scott didn't take his camera and Cheryl only got a shot or two. We're having our trek finale fireside in a couple of Sundays, and all the trek participants will be receiving a DVD of video highlights and a CD of all the photos. We may find one or two more of us and/or Braden.

Scott says: This was our support group (excluding the eight couples who served as "ma's and pa's" to our eight groupings of youth.) Our support "family" included, from left to right, the Bichsels, Trev Harmon, the Barneses, the Holmeses, the Russells, the Taylors and the Reeses.

Cheryl says: We loved the relationships we developed with these people. It truly took all of these adults to pull off what we wanted to do. We surrounded ourselves with dependable and talented people!

Scott says: Braden was in his own trek "family," but we crossed paths with him from time to time. Here we are with the Sweetwater River as a backdrop. It was an interesting trek experience this time over the 2005 time, since I had learned that I have a great-great-great-grandfather who at the age of seven was part of the Martin Handcart Company along with his widowed mother (my great-great-great-great grandmother). Ask me and I'll tell you the story some time.

Cheryl says: We had encouraged the ward to do another trek while Braden was in YM. And the bonus was for us to be able to participate with him. You have no idea how patient he had to be for the countless planning meetings and all the secrets we had to try to keep from him. He was awesome...and the best thing was to see the impact that trek had on him!

Scott says: The trekmaster callings were busy and time-consuming, and Cheryl shouldered much of the burden. It was an enjoyable opportunity to work together in the same calling - something we haven't gotten to do much over the past 25+ years. Oh, and I like this photo.

Cheryl says: Yup, we are pretty cute together! Someday maybe we can be missionaries out here...we have the clothes, and a love and respect for this place. We loved having this calling together...not often that a husband and wife have that chance. We have wonderful memories of this great experience...it was all worth it!