This was the Ross Pioneer Trek Family. Richard and I were Ma and Pa to 7 children, ages 14-18. We had a baby we carried made from a pillowcase and dry rice.
We worked hard and we were a great team. We worked to make our journey a reminder of the past and relevant to our current lives.
We grew close to each other and stayed with our family most of the time.
This was my last pull with my family. I got heat stroke and had to be taken away for medical help.
Richard carried on without me. He was much admired for his sacrifices on the trail.
I am so grateful that a photographer kept a record so I could see what happened after I left.
I like these photos of Richard. It’s my blog, so I can post as many as I like.
They went up this steep hill with a human chain to pull on either side of the handcarts.
This man helped me when I was ill.
At one point, I looked up and was amused to see this Amish-looking man kneeling beside me. He was a great help to me also and I smiled to think that our Brigham Young actor was also an experienced paramedic.
Although the Ross Pioneer Trek family was “orphaned” they were proud to have finished the trek first, and raced to the end. Richard was there to cheer them on.
Paige did a great job on Trek. She was strong and cheerful.
She was part of a different “family” but we watched her from a distance. She enjoyed carrying her family’s baby.
It was an experience not easily explained in words, but the memories are deep and our faith has increased. And I have a nifty bonnet to help me remember.
Photos by Mr. Zollinger and Kara Egbert