Youth conference 2011
I love when we get the opportunity to work with the youth in our ward. Kev and I were called to be trail chaperons for the youth while we crossed the Honeymoon Trail. The Honeymoon Trail was what our ancestors used when they made their way from settlements in Arizona to get married in the St. George Temple. When the engaged couple would make their way to the temple they would need trail chaperons to be with them, and that's what Kev and I represented. Our first stop was to make our way over Lee's backbone. This was quite the hike and I always marvel that our ancestors were able to get wagons up and over these parts. The awesome thing was we could still see some of the wagon wheel ruts in the rock, pretty humbling.
What a treat to have Abi old enough to go with us. She had a great time. I love that she is willing to take part in anything, no matter how hard or tiring, she just has fun with it all.
Our group on the top looking down at the Colorado River. It was a wonderful experience making our way over Lee's backbone. There were vignettes set up all along the way relating experiences had by our ancestors. The stories were inspiring, emotional, and helped us have a whole new appreciation for what the early pioneers when through.
Mia and Abi having fun at House Rock Springs looking for names engraved into the sandstone.
This was one of my favorite spots we stopped. Before we headed out on our youth conference journey the Bishop called and asked if I would share a few words at the campsite the first night about any relatives I may have had come through this area. Well I was pretty certain that I didn't have any in this area, most of my relatives stayed in Southern Utah. I kept having this impression that I should call my Uncle Marty because he has the genealogy on the Ott side of the family, but being in such a hurry I didn't take heed to that inspiration. Too bad I didn't because to my surprise I went around a corner and there staring at me was the name Fredrick Ott (pictured below.) I felt Grandpa Ott shaking his finger at me for not heeding to the impression and doing my research. In the above picture if you look really close you can see where John D. Lee has engraven his name.
The first night we camped at Coral Pink Sand Dunes. What a neat place to camp! We took showers (that's what I call camping!) and prepared for the next day where our journey would take us to the St. George Temple to take part in baptisms. Before we made it to the Temple we went on top of this hill that looks down on the temple. This being where the pioneers would have come in and taken in the glorious sight of the Lord's Temple.
We had several stops in St. George, the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum, and The Jacob Hamblin Home. We had a great day and then headed out to our next camping spot, out in the middle of no where, but right along the Honey Moon Trail.
I have to relate this story even though it may be one of those stories that you had be there for. I just don't want to forget it. As we were pulling into our camping area Nicole(Pictured above, I know you can't see her face and I will explain why soon) was walking along the road as I waved at her she lifted up her bandanna and mouthed the words, "Be afraid!" Kev said, "Did she just say, be afraid." Yep she did, and we soon found out why. I have never in my life been more surrounded by bugs. Hence the bandannas covering our faces. It was the only relief we found. Over all youth conference was an amazing experience. The spirit was there and I think youth and adults came away wanting to strive to be better more valiant people.
I love when we get the opportunity to work with the youth in our ward. Kev and I were called to be trail chaperons for the youth while we crossed the Honeymoon Trail. The Honeymoon Trail was what our ancestors used when they made their way from settlements in Arizona to get married in the St. George Temple. When the engaged couple would make their way to the temple they would need trail chaperons to be with them, and that's what Kev and I represented. Our first stop was to make our way over Lee's backbone. This was quite the hike and I always marvel that our ancestors were able to get wagons up and over these parts. The awesome thing was we could still see some of the wagon wheel ruts in the rock, pretty humbling.
What a treat to have Abi old enough to go with us. She had a great time. I love that she is willing to take part in anything, no matter how hard or tiring, she just has fun with it all.
Our group on the top looking down at the Colorado River. It was a wonderful experience making our way over Lee's backbone. There were vignettes set up all along the way relating experiences had by our ancestors. The stories were inspiring, emotional, and helped us have a whole new appreciation for what the early pioneers when through.
Mia and Abi having fun at House Rock Springs looking for names engraved into the sandstone.
This was one of my favorite spots we stopped. Before we headed out on our youth conference journey the Bishop called and asked if I would share a few words at the campsite the first night about any relatives I may have had come through this area. Well I was pretty certain that I didn't have any in this area, most of my relatives stayed in Southern Utah. I kept having this impression that I should call my Uncle Marty because he has the genealogy on the Ott side of the family, but being in such a hurry I didn't take heed to that inspiration. Too bad I didn't because to my surprise I went around a corner and there staring at me was the name Fredrick Ott (pictured below.) I felt Grandpa Ott shaking his finger at me for not heeding to the impression and doing my research. In the above picture if you look really close you can see where John D. Lee has engraven his name.
The first night we camped at Coral Pink Sand Dunes. What a neat place to camp! We took showers (that's what I call camping!) and prepared for the next day where our journey would take us to the St. George Temple to take part in baptisms. Before we made it to the Temple we went on top of this hill that looks down on the temple. This being where the pioneers would have come in and taken in the glorious sight of the Lord's Temple.
We had several stops in St. George, the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum, and The Jacob Hamblin Home. We had a great day and then headed out to our next camping spot, out in the middle of no where, but right along the Honey Moon Trail.
I have to relate this story even though it may be one of those stories that you had be there for. I just don't want to forget it. As we were pulling into our camping area Nicole(Pictured above, I know you can't see her face and I will explain why soon) was walking along the road as I waved at her she lifted up her bandanna and mouthed the words, "Be afraid!" Kev said, "Did she just say, be afraid." Yep she did, and we soon found out why. I have never in my life been more surrounded by bugs. Hence the bandannas covering our faces. It was the only relief we found. Over all youth conference was an amazing experience. The spirit was there and I think youth and adults came away wanting to strive to be better more valiant people. I have to give a special shout out to Vivian and GGma. They were willing to come and spend these days with the boys and Maggie so Kev and I could go. It was such comfort to know that the kids were in good hands and having a good time while we were away. Thank you so much for being so willing to help us out, what a blessing.
