Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Trek - Viewpoint of Grandma and Grandpa
June 18-20, 2009
First an explanation of what the trek is. It is a church encampment for the youth ages 14 – 18. It is planned and carried out by our stake. This year 144 youth went on the trek – 17 from our ward. The youth try to get into the feel of what the Mormon pioneers went through. Of course this is hard – they only have three days and the pioneers spent months. Still, some of the rules help. The youth are to dress in period clothing – long dresses and bonnets for the girls. No blue jeans or t-shirts for the boys – and no shorts – only long pants. For their three days, they could only take what would fit in a five-gallon bucket. They could take no electronic entertainment – not even cell phones. They slept in sleeping bags – but without pads or pillows.
And they walked.
The trek was held at Martins Cove in central Wyoming – about 50 miles north of Rawlins. This is a historical site for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is the site where a handcart company of pioneers waited for rescue in the early winter of 1856. They spent 5 days in “the cove” and in that time 56 of them died of exhaustion, exposure and hunger. These pioneers pulled handcarts across the plains to get to Salt Lake City. They left late and got trapped by an early winter blizzard. If the Saints in Salt Lake City had not learned of their plight and sent rescue teams to aid them, they all would have died.
It is much different doing the trek in the Spring.
The youth walked 3 miles to their camp ground on the first day. They were divided into “families” and each family had a handcart that they pulled, loaded with their five-gallon buckets and sleeping bags. Some pushed and some pulled and some just walked beside. Each family had adult supervision – “ma and pa”. The first evening they also had a square dance – that wasn’t even cancelled by a little rain.
The second day they did the martin’s Cove trek. It was about ten miles – still pulling the
handcart for most of it. It included some activities. There was a devotional at “Dan Jones Cove”, a smaller cove in the mountains. They walked up into Martin’s Cove itself where the refugees from the storm waited for the much needed rescue party – a place hallowed by their suffering and steadfast patience. There was “the crossing of the Sweetwater” where they got to cross the river as the pioneers did. This year the Sweetwater River was high because it was spring and they had a lot of rain. They didn’t pull their handcarts through the river, but they did get to cross – on foot.
They had the “girl’s pull”, where the girls had to pull the handcarts up a fairly steep and sandy hill, with no help from the boys. In fact, the boys had to watch and not say a word.
On the last day, they packed up and walked and pulled the three miles back from the campground.
Trek is a great experience for the youth. It builds faith and testimony. It builds courage to face their own trials. It builds the youth. And it is even fun.
Now this is how Mar and I got to go. Our ward had three families and three sets of “mas and
pas.” Still, they wanted an alternate set, so we volunteered. We didn’t figure that there would be any worries – the three mas and pas were committed. Until one of the pas got a new job and another broke his ankle in five places. Suddenly, with only 13 weeks left, we were not alternates, we were the real thing. But as in all things in life, things changed. The pa with the broken leg really wanted to go, so he started rehabbing in a serious manner. Still, that left us going with the third family. Then some of the kids dropped out. Our ward had enough for just two families, and we had two committed mas and pas. So, to reward us for our efforts, they still invited us to go as grandma and grandpa.
Hey, how could we ask for more? We got to have all the fun with none of the responsibility. We didn’t have to walk if we didn’t want to. We didn’t have to discipline. We just got to experience.
The experience was great.
Mar did about 5 miles of the walk, but she spent more of her time as a designated driver for other adults who couldn’t do the whole walk. She also was a big help with the logistic committee, particularly in helping to feed 0ver 200 people and take care of the kitchen. She was also a great help with our own kids.
I did the walk – every step of the way. As I walked I talked with our kids and our mas and pas. I
talked with others in the stake. I took pictures. I really enjoyed the whole time. I talked with one of the Stake presidency and we figured out I was the 4th oldest who did the entire walk. There was one ma and pa who were 63, and the member of the presidency I was talking to was three months older than me.
We were truly blessed on this trek. The kids behaved ideally. Not one issue to complain of, except Eric through an apple and hit me in the head – an accident and no harm was done. In fact, it was pretty funny. When we told them to go to bed – to bed they went. When we asked them to get up – up they got. When it was their turn to help with the food – help they did. On the last day, one of the boys asked me if Mar was going to drive back to the pick up spot. He said his legs really hurt from the previous days walk. Of course he wanted me to tell him that she could drive him. What I said was, “Oh, I’m sorry. Once you start walking it will loosen up and not hurt.” He didn’t complain - he just walked back with the rest of us. Yep, the kids were all great.
And the weather was great. Four years ago it was 100+ degrees with a driving wind that destroyed tents. For us this year, it rained some on the first night, then the second day, when we did the long trek, it was about 75 degrees with a mild cooling breeze. Nights were cool, but not cold. The biggest threat we had from the weather was to ever present danger of sunburn. Yep, the weather was great.
The program was terrific. I especially liked the Friday evening devotional, sitting in an amphitheater, listening to an enthralling speaker talk about the stories of the pioneers and watching deer and antelope frolic on the far side of the Sweetwater River. It was pastoral and truly delightful.
But the best thing about this trek was the spirit. I felt the faith and testimony of the pioneers like I have never done before. I realized more fully what they risked and suffered for their devotion. And I came to appreciate the
greatness of those who also risked and suffered to rescue them. I am glad I went.
First an explanation of what the trek is. It is a church encampment for the youth ages 14 – 18. It is planned and carried out by our stake. This year 144 youth went on the trek – 17 from our ward. The youth try to get into the feel of what the Mormon pioneers went through. Of course this is hard – they only have three days and the pioneers spent months. Still, some of the rules help. The youth are to dress in period clothing – long dresses and bonnets for the girls. No blue jeans or t-shirts for the boys – and no shorts – only long pants. For their three days, they could only take what would fit in a five-gallon bucket. They could take no electronic entertainment – not even cell phones. They slept in sleeping bags – but without pads or pillows.And they walked.
The trek was held at Martins Cove in central Wyoming – about 50 miles north of Rawlins. This is a historical site for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is the site where a handcart company of pioneers waited for rescue in the early winter of 1856. They spent 5 days in “the cove” and in that time 56 of them died of exhaustion, exposure and hunger. These pioneers pulled handcarts across the plains to get to Salt Lake City. They left late and got trapped by an early winter blizzard. If the Saints in Salt Lake City had not learned of their plight and sent rescue teams to aid them, they all would have died.
It is much different doing the trek in the Spring.The youth walked 3 miles to their camp ground on the first day. They were divided into “families” and each family had a handcart that they pulled, loaded with their five-gallon buckets and sleeping bags. Some pushed and some pulled and some just walked beside. Each family had adult supervision – “ma and pa”. The first evening they also had a square dance – that wasn’t even cancelled by a little rain.
The second day they did the martin’s Cove trek. It was about ten miles – still pulling the
handcart for most of it. It included some activities. There was a devotional at “Dan Jones Cove”, a smaller cove in the mountains. They walked up into Martin’s Cove itself where the refugees from the storm waited for the much needed rescue party – a place hallowed by their suffering and steadfast patience. There was “the crossing of the Sweetwater” where they got to cross the river as the pioneers did. This year the Sweetwater River was high because it was spring and they had a lot of rain. They didn’t pull their handcarts through the river, but they did get to cross – on foot.
They had the “girl’s pull”, where the girls had to pull the handcarts up a fairly steep and sandy hill, with no help from the boys. In fact, the boys had to watch and not say a word.On the last day, they packed up and walked and pulled the three miles back from the campground.
Trek is a great experience for the youth. It builds faith and testimony. It builds courage to face their own trials. It builds the youth. And it is even fun.
Now this is how Mar and I got to go. Our ward had three families and three sets of “mas and
pas.” Still, they wanted an alternate set, so we volunteered. We didn’t figure that there would be any worries – the three mas and pas were committed. Until one of the pas got a new job and another broke his ankle in five places. Suddenly, with only 13 weeks left, we were not alternates, we were the real thing. But as in all things in life, things changed. The pa with the broken leg really wanted to go, so he started rehabbing in a serious manner. Still, that left us going with the third family. Then some of the kids dropped out. Our ward had enough for just two families, and we had two committed mas and pas. So, to reward us for our efforts, they still invited us to go as grandma and grandpa.
Hey, how could we ask for more? We got to have all the fun with none of the responsibility. We didn’t have to walk if we didn’t want to. We didn’t have to discipline. We just got to experience.The experience was great.
Mar did about 5 miles of the walk, but she spent more of her time as a designated driver for other adults who couldn’t do the whole walk. She also was a big help with the logistic committee, particularly in helping to feed 0ver 200 people and take care of the kitchen. She was also a great help with our own kids.
I did the walk – every step of the way. As I walked I talked with our kids and our mas and pas. I
talked with others in the stake. I took pictures. I really enjoyed the whole time. I talked with one of the Stake presidency and we figured out I was the 4th oldest who did the entire walk. There was one ma and pa who were 63, and the member of the presidency I was talking to was three months older than me.We were truly blessed on this trek. The kids behaved ideally. Not one issue to complain of, except Eric through an apple and hit me in the head – an accident and no harm was done. In fact, it was pretty funny. When we told them to go to bed – to bed they went. When we asked them to get up – up they got. When it was their turn to help with the food – help they did. On the last day, one of the boys asked me if Mar was going to drive back to the pick up spot. He said his legs really hurt from the previous days walk. Of course he wanted me to tell him that she could drive him. What I said was, “Oh, I’m sorry. Once you start walking it will loosen up and not hurt.” He didn’t complain - he just walked back with the rest of us. Yep, the kids were all great.
And the weather was great. Four years ago it was 100+ degrees with a driving wind that destroyed tents. For us this year, it rained some on the first night, then the second day, when we did the long trek, it was about 75 degrees with a mild cooling breeze. Nights were cool, but not cold. The biggest threat we had from the weather was to ever present danger of sunburn. Yep, the weather was great.The program was terrific. I especially liked the Friday evening devotional, sitting in an amphitheater, listening to an enthralling speaker talk about the stories of the pioneers and watching deer and antelope frolic on the far side of the Sweetwater River. It was pastoral and truly delightful.
But the best thing about this trek was the spirit. I felt the faith and testimony of the pioneers like I have never done before. I realized more fully what they risked and suffered for their devotion. And I came to appreciate the
greatness of those who also risked and suffered to rescue them. I am glad I went. And I’m glad I became closer to some of the youth. As we were leaving, mar and I going on to Utah, I walked up to a group of our boys to say goodbye. What they said was , “Bye Gramps.” It made me feel good.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Socialites - Mar and Lar?
June 13, 2009
Just to set things straight - Mar and Lar are not social outcast. We do have social graces. We do go places. We just don't jump at every chance - and we don't throw our own parties. With that said - we had a very social weekend.
On Friday we went to a wedding reception. It was very nice, thank you, even if it was outside and it did rain. We talked to a lot of people, but we had to leave early because . .
We also had to go to an open house for some friends who were moving out of town, county and state. We talked to a lot of people there, too. And we weren't the first to leave either gathering.
On Saturday, we went with two other couples out to lunch - in Estes Park. The place is called Baldpate inn. It is right across the highway from Lily Lake, and then down a little dirt road. It is clinging to a mountain and has a spectacular view. We may decide to take visiting dignitaries there someday. It was built in 1917 and has been an inn and a stage coach stop. 
It was named after a fictitious inn in a mystery novel - in which seven guests were given keys to the inn. In the old days, guests were each given their own key to the inn, but now in World War I, when the price of metal went so high, that practice was discontinued. The regular guests to the inn were disappointed, but instead, they started bringing keys to give to the inn. Now the Baldpate Inn has the world's largest key collection (20,000 including keys from the Pentagon, Westminster Abbey and Frankenstein's Castle.)
It was a lovely afternoon, and our social graces shown through. We may just go to other nice places with these nice people.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Service Project - Batel Girl's Camp
June 6, 2009
The call went out the Sunday before that they needed 20 people to go to the new church girl's camp outside of Laramie to do some more clean up before the real girl's camp season starts next week. Mar and I had other things to do - but we decided that this sounded like more fun. We got up at 6:00 AM and packed up and drove the 2 hours to the camp. You go up 287 until you get to a little one building community about 12 miles before Laramie called Tie Siding. Turn left - West - onto a dirt road and go 3 miles. Turn right onto another dirt road and go 2 miles and then there is the camp.
It is a nice camp. It is right at the bottom of the mountains, so as you drive in you are on the high plains, then just as the trees start, there is the camp. A lot of ponderosa and white pine. Aspens and some sage brush and some meadows. Truly a beautiful place. The church is improving the area for the Young Women. They already have cinder block outhouses and nice tent pads. While we were there, they were putting up the tents - brand new and very nice. They are building a pavilion, but it is not done yet. They have put in a little dam and made an nice lake - or pond.
Our job was to work a fire abatement program. There is a lot of downed, dead lumber on the property. We were to cut it up into campfire wood, stack it and burn the slash. There were at least 250 people there working. Our ward had 12 - one woman - that was Mar (and she had just gotten her stitches out the day before). one young man - and 10 old guys (all High Priests). It wasn't hot and there was a cool breeze. We just worked hard and got a lot done. After we ate lunch, we came home.
Reading List
June 5, 2007
Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
It is one of those books where I saw the movie first and then decided to read the book.
I liked it. It kept you interested. It kept you reading, especially because I knew what was going to happen - sort of. The movie doesn't exactly follow the book. I think Dan Brown did a good job with the action and suspense.
However, anyone who can look into this book and see a conspiracy theory - is just crazy - nuts - cuckoo - gone bananas. To much willing suspension of disbelief has to happen to get into reality at all.
Take it as it is - a good story with some historical background.
Nope - not on the 501 must read books list - but I'd give it a 3.5 - just cause it was fun to read.
Reading List 2009
6/5 - Angels and Demons p Dan Brown
5/29 - A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - Betty Smith
5/11 - Crashing Through - Robert Kurson
5/5 - A Train to Potevka - Mike Ramsdell
4/27 - King Solomon's Mines - H. Rider Haggard *
4/21 - Best Loved Humor of the LDS People
4/6 - Eaters of the Dead - Michael Crichton
4/4 - Mexico - James A Michener
3/6 - The House of Mirth - Edith Wharton *
2/16 - The Wonderful Wizard of OZ - L. Frank Baum *
2/11 - The Last Lecture - Randy Pausch
2/9 - Peter Pan - J.M. Barrie *
2/1 - Next - Michael Crichton
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Reading List
May 29, 2009
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Picture early Saturday Morning cartoons. Bugs Bunny finally looks like he is going to meet his match as he is cornered by a pack of barking, crazed dogs. He has one last chance to fight back as he raises a book over his head - and all the dogs run away into the distance over a big suspension bridge. He turns the book over to see the title - A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - "Well what do you know," says Bugs.
And that is all I knew about this book - until the RS book club choose it for their reading in May. Mar read it and said I would love it. So I read it too. Mar was right. We had some discussions that went like this - "So what is it about?" - "Well, I can't say." Not because I don't want to ruin the plot - but because what it is about is life and dreams. It is about a girl growing up in the tenements of Brooklyn. Some of it is so sad it is hard to read. Some of it is really funny. But you have to read carefully, so that you don't miss the really funny parts because of the really sad parts. I know so many people would have a hard time reading this one because nothing happens. In our fast paced world, we need something to happen all the time. But in this one, Francie just grows up. In the end you just want so bad for something real good to happen to Francie - and her mother - and her brother - and her baby sister - and her aunts - and the bartender - they all need something real good to happen to them. Does it? I'll never tell.
I would give it a 4.
No it is not on the 501 must read list - but it should be.
Reading List 2009
5/29 - A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - Betty Smith
5/11 - Crashing Through - Robert Kurson
5/5 - A Train to Potevka - Mike Ramsdell
4/27 - King Solomon's Mines - H. Rider Haggard *
4/21 - Best Loved Humor of the LDS People
4/6 - Eaters of the Dead - Michael Crichton
4/4 - Mexico - James A Michener
3/6 - The House of Mirth - Edith Wharton *
2/16 - The Wonderful Wizard of OZ - L. Frank Baum *
2/11 - The Last Lecture - Randy Pausch
2/9 - Peter Pan - J.M. Barrie *
2/1 - Next - Michael Crichton
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Picture early Saturday Morning cartoons. Bugs Bunny finally looks like he is going to meet his match as he is cornered by a pack of barking, crazed dogs. He has one last chance to fight back as he raises a book over his head - and all the dogs run away into the distance over a big suspension bridge. He turns the book over to see the title - A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - "Well what do you know," says Bugs.And that is all I knew about this book - until the RS book club choose it for their reading in May. Mar read it and said I would love it. So I read it too. Mar was right. We had some discussions that went like this - "So what is it about?" - "Well, I can't say." Not because I don't want to ruin the plot - but because what it is about is life and dreams. It is about a girl growing up in the tenements of Brooklyn. Some of it is so sad it is hard to read. Some of it is really funny. But you have to read carefully, so that you don't miss the really funny parts because of the really sad parts. I know so many people would have a hard time reading this one because nothing happens. In our fast paced world, we need something to happen all the time. But in this one, Francie just grows up. In the end you just want so bad for something real good to happen to Francie - and her mother - and her brother - and her baby sister - and her aunts - and the bartender - they all need something real good to happen to them. Does it? I'll never tell.
I would give it a 4.
No it is not on the 501 must read list - but it should be.
Reading List 2009
5/29 - A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - Betty Smith
5/11 - Crashing Through - Robert Kurson
5/5 - A Train to Potevka - Mike Ramsdell
4/27 - King Solomon's Mines - H. Rider Haggard *
4/21 - Best Loved Humor of the LDS People
4/6 - Eaters of the Dead - Michael Crichton
4/4 - Mexico - James A Michener
3/6 - The House of Mirth - Edith Wharton *
2/16 - The Wonderful Wizard of OZ - L. Frank Baum *
2/11 - The Last Lecture - Randy Pausch
2/9 - Peter Pan - J.M. Barrie *
2/1 - Next - Michael Crichton
Travels - Lar in Ottawa
May 24 - 29, 2009
This was a business trip - the business was a custom class for a customer. Enough said about that.
This was a business trip - the business was a custom class for a customer. Enough said about that.
I like Ottawa. It is a pretty city, not to mention the capital f Canada. It is not too large. It sits on the bank of the Ottawa river. Across the river is Gatineau, Quebec. The two cities are really two different worlds. Ottawa has historically been the politicat city marked by the beautiful spires of the Parliament Building and other government edifices.
The other side of the river has historically been the industrial city marked by smokestacks and lower income dwelling. Gatineau has improved it image by a beautiful museum complex and hotels along the riverfront.
But there is still a major difference. In Ottawa, there is a very foreign feeling. Roads signs are in metric. Money is Canadian. Signs and advertisements are in English and French. On the Quebec side - well there just isn't any English. It is all French. That makes it a little bit unnerving for a timid traveler like myself.
I went downtown on Monday and enjoyed a beautiful day in a beautiful city. The rest of the week - it rained. And I caught a cold. And on Tuesday through Thursday I worked 11 hour days. So I was tired and not much in the mood for sight-seeing. I am glad I had Monday afternoon just to enjoy this wonderful area.
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