Trekkin' it

A handful of adults, a gaggle of teenagers and a whole lot of walking in old fashion clothes. You'd never guess that this was one of the best times of many of these peoples lives. Mine included. These wonderful people became my friends and family for a week, some for quite a bit longer. 

We walked, pulling handcarts, for 3 and a half days. Going up and down rocky, rutted hills. We got muddy, sweaty, dehydrated. We laughed, cried,and sang as we journeyed along the trail. 
Along the way we had opportunity to have some moments to reflect and write in journals about our experiences. This was a spiritual and physical workout. 

One of the most special events was the women's pull. A section of the trail set aside where only the girls and female leaders are allowed to touch the handcarts (except in emergency) It is done to honor the pioneer women who crossed the country without their husbands, either because they stayed behind to help others, they went ahead to prepare the trail and the destination, or, far too frequently, because they died along the trail. The men and boys in our company went ahead to prepare to lunch site and to cheer the girls across the finish line. One boy even played his harmonica and others sang to help them bolster up the last hill. 

Despite skinned knees, blisters, and shoes that fell apart......

... We all managed to have a lot of fun!