Remembering Is the Seed of Gratitude- Day Four

Today was our arrival to Zion (aka Camp Hycliffs). We were all so excited to finish our journey. We knew it would only be a few hours of trekking before reaching our final destination. Look at these happy faces!

Mariah Simpson


Nick Thompson


One family was in such a hurry that they dropped something very important on the trail without noticing. Luckily, their ma and pa had fallen behind them, so they found what was left behind. The kids were called back to retrieve their stewardship.

Fallen baby


The landscape had begun to change as we approached the Owyhee River. Seeing a bit of greenery and the blue of the river got us all excited. We only had a couple of miles to go.

The river just up ahead


We stopped under a big, beautiful, old shade tree. SHADE! Cool, breezy shade by the river. It was the first tree we stood under since we began our journey. It was the first tree we saw. Period. Oh, how it was enjoyed. Brigs Young was playing a really cool wooden indian instrument that made it all the more peaceful.

Under the shady tree


We listened to Sister Ball give a short talk on the suffering and death of those Saints who crossed the plains by handcart. To simulate death and the impact of this loss for our Trek, she called out names from each family that had "died". There were brothers and sisters and mas and pas, and babies that were taken. Brother Hammer played "Taps" on his trumpet.

Taps


These "dead" people laid down on a tarp while Jossi Leininger played a hymn (I can't remember which one as of right now) on her violin. It was quite humbling and touching.

Losing loved ones


The families "got it" when they were asked to complete their journey without the loved ones they had just lost. Some were the very strong ones. Some were the little sweet sisters. They were missed. They were remembered. This was done in silence. No talking for the last two miles.

The "Reverence Walk"


Approaching "Zion"


We arrived


Our "Zion" was at a church owned camp called Camp Hycliffs. The surrounding cliffs were beautiful. It is a nice camp with a kitchen and covered pavilion, big shade trees and real grass.... not that nasty cheatgrass. It was so good to sit down on the cool, soft ground cover. No pricklies in sight!

Sharing what we are thankful for


The camp has showers and flush toilets... and large mirrors that I avoided. But best of all, there is a water slide. Not a water slide like at Roaring Springs, but it's a slippery, wet slide nonetheless!

The water slide


After eating pork sandwiches for lunch and letting the kids goof around for awhile, it was time to unload the handcarts and pack up the trucks and cars to go home.

The end


What an absolute wonderful, hard experience we had. I'm so thankful that I could go with Chelsea and Josh, and I'm even more grateful that the bishop asked Matt to come along and be the photographer. I am appreciative of my pioneer ancestors, and I feel like I am a little closer to them because of this experience.