TREK - 2009

What we thought would be a similar experience from the last Trek we went on....we couldn't have been FAR FROM THE MARK...Difference? The weather....over 95 + degrees in FLORIDA...became almost deadly....Yet, I can't help but think of the criticism of our Pioneers who left late in the year...and were caught by deadly snow storms....My favorite comment from one who was in the Willie or Martin's group said...that he would be forever grateful...."for he came to KNOW GOD!".... The conditions were fierce, but those who were able to FINISH the TREK...will NEVER forget their experience...Many found out what they were "made of"...Since, I was NOT ON THE TRAIL...but, involved in "base camp"....I have limited pictures of the true nature of this event...

I hand made EACH BATCH of CORNBREAD by hand...
I made "30" batches

Setting up "Base Camp"
Jon Evans - Garvin - and Abraham

Jon Evans sewed and put this together
"Our Food Wagon"

The "beginning" of using "ICE"
MANY trips to the store...
Seemed we ran OUT often...

Hyrum just coming in after a BRUTAL DAY
on the TREK..."5" people had to go to
base camp - MANY sent HOME...
Many "threw-up" during the day ALONG the trail...
Some had to be "rescued" and taken to the next
stop...Many hid under a bush or tree if they could find one -
faces in the sand - to get out of the "inferno heat"...
Some dropped to their knees - and had prayer - hoping for help...
and help came - Those who rescued had no idea why they felt to check out the trail,
until later...having been "prayed" to their spot...

Hyrum a tad bit "wet" from perspiration
With one of his "family" brothers.

Friday night's dinner - STEW and WATERMELON
Linda Evans and Garvin - cutting up some of the melon
Hyrum and brother were THRILLED to partake of it...

Hyrum - Ben Chevier - Scott Hansen - Trevor Bush - Lars Oveson
They were SO HAPPY to FINALLY REST and have
food and some FUN!

Abraham working on SATURDAY's breakfast...
This was their first real breakfast and all the trekers
LOVED IT!!! Bacon, pancakes, eggs, juice

Faithful Bob Shepherd - always there for SUPPORT!

Garvin may not have been on the trail - but he has been working HARD
on the "food" for DAYS...BEFORE the trek...and during...
We ended up cooking different meals for both BASE CAMP and for
those on the TREK...Abraham often cooked for the Base Camp
while Garvin took care of the food for the trekkers...
Linda and Jon Evans, also, were MAJOR HELP
in all the preparations...

"MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK"

LAST MEAL...and it was TRULY A TREAT!
We had "chicken" fahitas!
Bob - Jon - Abe - Garvin
cutting up the chicken - some using "Scissors"

Son like Father...

SUNDAY - a "day of rest"
Dad and I