Back In Time...

The first night, Pure Beauty.

June 2011: We took the youth of our church to Eastern Oregon were they regressed to pioneer times in order to experience life on the hand-cart trail.  Lindsay Zook and I went as the photographers and we had such a blast. (Hey Lindsay where is our shadow picture? I'd rather post that than our actual picture of loveliness ;) ). As photographers we followed the pioneers from morning until evening, thus experiencing all that they did (National Geographic Photogs in the making ;) ). In the evening we were able to sneak off early, return to base camp and sleep in a tent, which was rather luxurious compared to everyone who had to sleep on the ground with nothing but a tarp and sleeping bag. One poor boy was bit by a fire ant on the first day on the trail in an area we won't discuss. Four days and three nights of endless walking, sleeping under the stars, using only wipes for bathing, pulling hundreds of stickers out of their shoes and socks, dirt being blown in their faces, pushing and pulling, breathing in sage brush (interesting taste I tell you). And yet tears, laughter, spiritual experiences amounted to memories which will last a life time.

The Hand-Carts(If you couldnt guess;))

And they are off!

The day it was windy, Paige trying to keep the dirt off.

The last day of the Trek, sadly many babies did not survive and had to be left along the trail.

Paige before they started out, note the smile;) Grandma made her dress.

The mighty hill. Quite the experience getting the hand-carts up it.

One girl showing how dirty she was:)

Paige and Mommy.