"I Will Go, I Will Do..." Stake Pioneer Trek

Last October my husband, Monty, was in charge of the
Kimball Stake Family Pioneer Handcart Trek.

I trekked with two sons, one daughter-in-law and one grandaughter. Another son came the last day and my husband was busy directing the trek. (Note that Monty made our handcart!!)

I am still in awe of the entire adventure!! It was more of a spiritual experience than we ever could have imagined. My wonderful husband and the huge group of helper people outdid themselves. We had an amazing time.

This is a copy of the summary of the event submitted for the Stake record.

On October 11th, 12th and 13th of 2007 the Kimball Stake held a family pioneer trek. Approximently four hundred family members attended this three-day activity near Forest Lakes, Arizona. We used 42 handcarts between seven companies (Wards) and the Bishops were the company leaders. Our youngest trekker was only 5 months old and the oldest was 76 years old with every age in-between. All participants wore pioneer clothing and prepared pioneer type foods for the journey. Trekkers were asked to place their personal items in five gallon buckets with lids that could also be used as camp stools. The handcarts were fully loaded when bedding, blankets and tarps were folded and tied down over the buckets. Each handcart also carried a water container.

The first day, the pioneers departed from Mesa in time to be on the trail by ten o’clock that morning for a day’s trek total of just over six miles. The saints encountered Indians on the way but found them to be friendly. After lunch on the trail, the pioneers really struggled to climb the difficult uphill stretch known as Rocky Ridge. Later, many of the saints suffered the loss of some of their family members who passed away from hardship. This was an emotional time for all, but they managed to push forward to Council Bluffs, the site of the first night’s camp. The families set up camp and prepared their evening meals. After dinner each Bishop held a fireside with his own company and bore testimony of our pioneer heritage and this great Gospel. The families were encouraged to then share family pioneer stories amongst themselves. As the companies were settling for the night, a member of our stake sang a medley of pioneer hymns. His beautiful tenor voice quietly echoed through the camps and added a lovely amen to the day’s events.

Friday morning after breakfast we all gathered for a morning devotional. Information for the day was given along with a spiritual thought. A powerful moment was experienced when we knelt as a Stake for morning prayer. Before dispersing, to everyone’s surprise, the US Cavalry came riding in on horseback carrying orders to recruit all of our men twelve years and older to march in the war against Mexico. They were issued a rifle (replica) and marched out of camp leaving their wives, sisters and mothers. Tears were shed as they all said goodbye to one another. Our Mormon Battalion marched down the road to a gathering spot. While there, President Shumway spoke to them about giving respect to woman, girls and children.
With the men and boys gone, the women were left behind to pull their carts by themselves. They first gathered together and listened to brief stories about four different pioneer women. Adjustments were then made and the women began their difficult task of pushing their handcarts to Zion. After a short distance, the women were blessed to have angels dressed in white appear from behind the trees to help them pull their carts down the hill. The angels quietly disappeared as each group was reunited with their men. The entire handcart company continued on to travel another six miles to the Salt Lake Valley, our second night’s camp.

Upon arriving at the Salt Lake Valley early that afternoon the pioneers all rested for a short time followed by a time of celebration with fun games, crafts and activities. The two-man buck saw contest, tug-of-war, square dancing, nail pounding, storytelling and some of the Prophet Joseph’s favorite games were just a few of the events. There was something for everyone and they all enjoyed the activities very much. After more than two hours, we stopped for our evening supper which was provided by the Stake. Following a blessing on the food, we all enjoyed a great dinner feast of BBQ beef with rolls, baked beans, coleslaw and cobbler for dessert. That evening we gathered our seats around a large campfire for a Stake fireside program conducted by President Brigham Young. We sang songs, had some special musical numbers and then ended with counsel and a spiritual message from our Kimball Stake President Clint Smith. Afterwards many lingered near the campfire and enjoyed chatting with one another as the fire died down. Others went back to their own camps and quietly visited or prepared for bed. Saturday morning the groups quickly packed and traveled about a mile back to their cars. They disassembled their carts and departed for home.

Our willing and obedient Stake members demonstrated great examples of camaraderie and charity with one another during this pioneer trek experience. They came prepared to have a wonderful adventure and we were all blessed with many spiritual moments along the way. This was a great activity and we feel that those who participated strengthened their testimonies and now have a better understanding of what our ancestors endured. We are grateful that there were no major accidents or illness and the weather was extremely pleasant. Many, many hands helped to make this event possible. Thanks to all that organized and participated in the Kimball Stake Family Pioneer Handcart Trek.


Monty is sending us on our way.


Uncle T. and Addison