Pioneer Trek 2008

A tradition in Utah with in our church is for our youth (14-18) to reenact the pioneer trek across the mid west states that brought LDS leaders to settle Utah. They do this about every 4 years.

These kids spend 3-4 days pulling hand carts 30-50 miles and sleeping under the stars. Along the way they are taught lessons about what what it was like to not have Ipods and Xboxs, to have to help each other, to want something so much that you would leave your home you built with your 2 hands, to suffer so much that many died along the way.

I was jealous that I didn't get to go!!!! Weird huh. Justin told me I shouldn't covet!

They got to dress up in their western clothes and put all their belongings into paint buckets that doubled as stools for sitting when tired and the could stop, which wasn't often. They had to walk, and walk, and walk and walk.......LOL ( you gotta know the song )

Did anyone notice the shark cartoon on the top of the bucket....guess whos?!?!?!?!?!

This was Justins 2nd Trek. He was excited he was able go again, doesn't he look like it :)

This is what they looked like before they started walking.

This is what Jason looked like when the took his Ipod away. (JK)

This is Jasons 1st Trek and he gave up his 1st football game(scrimmage game that is) to be able to go. His coach wasn't really happy with him but I think he made the right choice.

I wish I was thinking enough when I picked them after 3 days because there isn't words to describe them.

They walked over 30 miles in 2 1/2 days. Justin had the honor of having the WORST blisters on the balls of his feet. They almost didn't let him keep going but like the pioneers of old, he endured to the end.

They both had a wonderful experience and would totally go again.....in another 4 years that is.

I think the experience must be like child birth, when it is over and you look back on you know you can endure it again....in another few years that is!