The last but the best

This week marked the end of our trekking season.  We still have a couple of weeks to clean, winterize and store all of the equipment for next season.  I can truthfully say that this has been the most physical months of our lives.  We have more soreness, pulls, strains and muscles than we would have ever imagined.  Bob has even lost 2 notches in his belt size (probably will put that back on in a week or two).  Well, on Monday we took a truck tour of the western side of the ranch and went to the "Lodge" where all of the high rollers pay to stay and hunt trophy elk and deer.  It was a dusty ride but very beautiful.  Our tour guide was Scott McFarlin the ranch wildlife manager.  We saw a big cow moose with her baby and a buck elk that would look good on anybodies mantle.  It was a fun time and very scenic.

A scenic view on the west side of the ranch.

Inside the outfitters lodge

 Tuesday we did the usual porta jon cleaning and preparation for our trek on Wednesday.  Bob helped clean out the dirtiest barn that you could ever imagine.  I have never seen so much rat, mouse, or other varmint poop in my life.  I'm glad that we had face masks on.  We are using a new area to store our handcarts in, thus the barn cleanup.  We had to disinfect the shower and bathroom after that episode.  Wednesday we welcomed our last trek of the season the American Fork Hillcrest 2nd Ward.  They had 77 trekkers and we were accompanied by Elder and Sister Hutchings and we were on trail #28.  Trail 28 is a very nice 25 mile trail that is mostly through meadows and is very scenic.  This ward was very organized and used pioneer stories, games and music extremely well.

Parachute cord some 5 gallon buckets and some good timing in a circle equal  tug a war in the air and the possibility for fun and injury.

 We were very impressed and both felt like we had been spiritually feed.  Our first day was about 6 miles and ended with a hoe down that Debra, the new queen of hoe down callers, called.  She taught and called the 'heel toe polka', 'Oh Johnie oh Johnie oh' and the 'Virginia Reel'.  Put the sound system on the tailgate of a truck and Debra in the bed of it and good stuff happens!!  The group loved it and so did I.  Thursday was a little over 6 miles and included the women's pull in the middle of it. With 5 girls per cart it gave them all they needed to strain and stretch there bodies and minds.  We were sitting eating diner with the adults when the couple in charge of the trek came up to us and asked if we would be willing to do another hoe down.  Ha, two nights in a row.  The queen, Debra, got all excited and almost yelled YES.  Friday was about 7 miles of trekking through a bunch of cows and fresh cow pies (yummy).  It also included four big ups and downs in the trail that is challenging but lots of fun.  Bob got to do the pony express mail delivery and had a lot of fun with the youth.

Bob on his trusty steed 'Sliver'.  Sliver's mom is twobafour and his dad is pullbar, a couple of real thorough boards.

 This was testimony meeting night, but, they had about two hours after diner before the testimony meeting, so they asked the kids what they wanted to do.  You guessed it, Hoe down!!  Third night in a row, never had two in a row much less three.  Like I said the queen of callers has arrived.  Testimony meeting was a high light, six boys got up twice they were so moved.

The group gathered together for some final words from the trail boss

 Saturday is the day out and back to home.  We had about 4 and a half miles out.  As dirty and tired as the youth were they didn't want to leave and frankly we didn't want them gone either.  I'm telling you this was one sweet week to end treks with, what a blessing to end on a very high note for us.

The Ulloa family.  We loved them.