TREK

This was a first time experience for both Taylor and I. Wow!!! It was hard, but very worth it. We both bought a couple of pioneer outfits (not very cool at all in 100 degree weather.) The first day we showed up and met our "kids". There were 6 of them. (3 boys, 3 Girls). We played get to know you games, then we were off. Lucky for us it was very close by and we were able to have several people bring us our food for each meal, fresh. We had a handcart with a table, water and a few buckets. We were each able to bring one 5 gallon bucket with everything we needed. Trust me, there isn't much that will fit in a small bucket (clothes, personal items, and an extra pair of shoes.) We were lucky we didn't have to pull our bedding and tents. Those were put in the backs of trucks that would haul them to the next sleeping point. We only slept 2 nights which was plenty of time to understand how the Pioneers must have felt. Blisters were very common. The entire route was approximately 22 miles over 2 days. That is about the distance they did in one day. Our route was very simple. No hills or mountains to climb, it was very even terrain.

Near the end of our route we were able to experience the dreaded "Women's Pull". I, and my 3 girls, had the grueling task of pushing and pulling our handcart through 6-12 inches of fine powdered dirt in 100 degree weather up hill in the wind. The course was about 1/2 mile. It was exhausting to say the least. We were 3rd from the front. The boys were not able to help and left us after saying goodbye. About half way up the hill, one on my girls, Monica, became physically ill and unable to keep going. I asked if she could get in the cart, but one of the helpers said no. She was able to walk along the side of the hill on steady ground. The dirt we breathed in while we were trying to suck in air was terrible. I ended up being the soul person in the front of the cart pulling while the other two girls pushed. I consider myself in decent shape, however this was exhausting. It was at this point that we could see the boys at the top of the hill with their hats drawn to their hearts. It was very encouraging. I was having difficulty pushing because we were down a girl when I noticed one of the girls that finished her pull came running down to help. I had tears in my eyes and as we approached the boys, who could not say anything, I couldn't look at them. I was afraid I would start bawling if I saw Taylor and not be able to make it the rest of the way. We made it! Then came the tears and I was able to find Taylor and give him a big hug. I can't imagine what so many pioneers went through and sacrificed for me. There were a few girls that got sick and one had to go to the hospital with heat exhaustion. As difficult as it was, it was an amazing experience and one I might do again (in 10 years when I forget how hard it was) :)