Aug 28 What a full week this was once again. The preparation for the Sun Ranch Day took up all of our energy. There were tents to be set up, picnic tables, restrooms checked once again, corn husks and cloth for doll makings, games for children, arts and crafts for children ( adults enjoyed those activities as did the children), parking lot directions, thirtytwo dutch ovens for stew and peach cobbler, four five ft. griddles for fry bread, tables and chairs in the "barn" so visitors could eat their dinner. Public address systems for country singers, small guitar band with Bernice's violin, horses and their riders to demonstrate the times of the "Pony Express". The children loved the horses and especially when they gave rides around the ranch. We learned that the Pony Express riders carried their mail in a "Mochila" which fit over the saddle, hung down on each side, and the young man sat on the center section which was somewhat smooth with the saddle. Each Mochila had four mail pockets.
One of the stories told is of a rider who "lost" his Mochila and after several days the wind blew the content over most of the Wyoming Highlands. The Indians had found the Mochila and did not know what it was and just scattered the mail for the wind to pick up.
Another story told is of a relay station where no rider was available when the tired rider rode in. The station master told that his son could take the mail since he knew the route and was available right then. The young man carried the mail for several month before the supervisors found out that he was only eleven years old. The requirements for a Pony Express rider were:
Quote:
"The choosing of riders was of the u(p) most importance. The success or failure of the operation depended primarily on the rider. They had to be young, good with horses, accustomed to being outdoors, and to be able to endure hardships. Eligibility required a good moral character. Upon being employed, each rider was required to sign Major's oath, and was given a bible." Ref: Pony Express 150th Anniversary Year, pg.10
Unquote.
Most riders covered 75 miles each day.
The Sun Ranch Day was a success even though we are having stew for several days. We had prepared for onethousand visitors and counted almost sixhundred at the end of day. That left a lot of stew and fry bread uneaten, and peach cobbler.
One of the highlights was that two Amateur Radio Operators received permission to have a "Special Event Call sign, K7A" for the day. The first CQ call went out on 40 meters early in the day and was answered within few minutes. For long distances we used 20 and 15 meters, and the first CQ call was answered at 09:25 from Madison, WI. One return was from Hawaii and on the other end, Nova Scotia.
The call went like this:
CQ,CQ,CQ Special Event Station K7A from the Sun Ranch at Muddy Gap, Wyoming. After the CQ was answered we would tell that the Sun Ranch was established 140 years ago. That Martin's Cove was located here and as missionaries of the LDS Church we tell of the handcart pioneers and their history as it happened in the winter of 1856. We tell that the California, Oregon, Mormon Trail and Express Rider trail come right through the Sun Ranch and is now a national monument. We also told them that it was sad that they could not be here for the dinner. Almost all wanted a QSL card which I designed and which despicted pictures of the ranch, Wyoming, and the black handcart silhouette. Everyone who contacted us was encouraging for number of contacts, and letting us know that we are doing a great work to protect the history of Wyoming. All were invited to come and visit Martin's Cove. Quite a few replied that it would be a future vacation destination. At the end of day, 18:25 hrs., we had a total of 102 contacts who heard the story of Martin's Cove and the Sun Ranch. The last contact was from Quincy, Illinois whose ancestors were involved in providing refuge to the Saints when they had to leave Missouri. We thanked him for the friendship shown those early Saints.
QSL cards are now being prepared for mailing. One QSL card arrived today from Springfield, Utah.
Monday was a day for returning the Ranch and MHHS back to a pre-celebration visitor center standard.
Tuesday I received some help from a fellow missionary to remove and replace the water pump on the water truck. After several hours the job was completed and the truck is ready for whatever water needs there are on the property.
Tuesday evening we were blessed with a fireside by the "Pay Sisters." They told of their ancestors faith, obedience and endurance as they crossed the plains pushing and pulling handcarts during the latter part of 1856. These are the sisters of the late Marjory Pay Hinckley who is the Eternal companion of our late Prophet, and President Gordon B. Hinckley. Sister Bernice Gloschat was asked if she would play a violin solo which she did to a rousing applause.
Aug 29Today we are serving at the Veil Crossing Bridge. The wind has rocked our motorhome for most of the night. The nights have started to be cool and no A/C is needed. At night the sky is filled with the brilliance of a gazillian stars, the sky is clear for a majority of days/nights and as far as one can see the wonders of God are evident.
This Friday, 31st, after our shift we will leave for South Dakota and overnight at Ellsworth AFB before visiting Mount Rushmore. We will return on Saturday to prepare for the Sabbath.
We changed shifts with a couple from California, Anaheim Honda Dealer, who wanted leave Thursday afternoon for a two day trip. Since we had the morning shift they asked if we would take their afternoon shift and they would take our morning shift. It was fine with us and now we are going back to the Veil Crossing bridge Thursday afternoon.
There was not much traffic today at our bridge, but we had a delightful young couple with four children who were moving from a small town in Oregon to Pueblo, Colorado and a new job. They were so intent while we told the story of the bridge and Eliza Neibauer. We told the story in a way that the young children would not loose interest. It was a highlight of the day. One more couple came by who were in advanced years and they knew most of what we were sharing with them which made our part kind of superfluous.
No snakes today, no Antelope at our post, not even the little rabbit came by. During these times we get a lot of reading done and crocheting. I was filling out the cards which are to be sent to our Special Event contacts.
With the temperature in the upper ranges of "HOT", everyone's A/C is running which tends to trip the breakers in one of the main panels. And then some travelers move in for the night and they run theirs as well. That causes the wash house back-up and we all get behind in our wash house schedule. Life is tough!

Aug 16Today is Nancy and Chad's 26th wedding anniversary. As always they have a full days activities planned.
It must be getting close to Christmas because the Idaho Falls tree club has a meeting already.
Yesterday morning we saw our first two wolves as they ran across the prairie to their mountain home. We had heard some howling noises the past few nights and now we know why. They were beautiful specimens with their full tails streight back as they ran. It seemed as tho the antelopes paid no attention to them.
Today was the last day of trek groups. This one was a scout troop with fifteen planned attendees. We counted only nine as we attended them. Six members of the troop bowed out before their departure for Martin's Cove. It was a great group of yooung men and a joy to work with them today.
Next was a German family which spoke very good English and wanted to hear lots of stories about the pioneers who came on the trail and their faith promoting experiences. We had to shuttle a lot of missionaries around because we are running short as we get towards the end of the "open" season.
This next week will be busy with preparations for Sun Ranch Days and all the visitors we expect. A hundredfifty pounds of beel loin has been cut up into stew meat and one of the missionaries is in charge of making this great stew to be enjoyed by all.
Today also was the last day of the excursion into the hills for fence poles. The plan was to get fourhundred plus poles to replace broken fences. The goal was met this afternoon and hamburgers were the treat for the hard working lumberjacks.
The weather has cooled dramatically. We expected frost this morning, and it came very close to being just that. Most of the Sisters wore a coat of some kind this morning.
Well, the Gospel is still true. We have our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, who receives revelation for the Church. It is getting close to celebrate his eightyfifth birthday and the Conference Center will be filled for that event. He is a good man to be our Prophet.
Aug 19What a busy three days we have had. Friday was the Preparation Day and a full day it was as we shopped for ourselves and the ranch. Lots of repair parts we found in town, but some had to be ordered in from the manufacturers. It is always a good thing to go to town and relax from the rigors of every day activities. We are getting ready for the "Sun Ranch Days" celebration this coming Saturday, 25th of August. We are celebrating 140 years of Sun Ranch. Today we received our schedules and Joachim (Fred) will man the HAM radio for this special event. Our call sign will be K7A and we will operate on 20, 40 and 80 meters. We will call: QRZ (3 times), K7A from the highlands of Wyoming, Martin's Cove. We hope to make many contacts and we have designed 50 cards to be mailed out as a QSL. I will have to move my antenna to the activity site as will one other HAM for his Transmitter and receiver. There will hopefully be four of us to operate throughout the day.
Bernice is assigned to the first aid station, the lost child and information booth.
We hope that lots of people come, otherwise we will have to eat 150 lbs. delicious stew during the week.
Our shift for Saturday was in the morning. I was assigned to repair sprinklers with parts I bought in Casper on Friday. Also check out all the restrooms for this next week. Faucets and flushers have to work just right for as many people as we expect. Sister Gloschat (Bernice) was in the Humanitarian Room setting up quilting frames and finishing up guerney blankets for injured serviceman and women. We also write a small card to accompany each blanket thanking them for their service to our country. We have close to a hundred blankets which will be given to the Air Force for transportation to military hospitals. This has been done in the past and is not a new program.
There were several visitors here for our church service. They are mostly children of missionaries assigned here. For our services we have two couples speaking with a special musical number inbetween. Each speaker is asked not to exceed 10 minutes, but usually the sisters will take more and leave very little time for the elders. It works out OK.
The gravel roads are very hard on my bicycle tires. So far I had to repair 7 punctures on the front tube. It might mean that a new tube might have to be bought.

Aug 6The Trek group for 1:00 PM from La Grand, OR, did not get there until after 2:30 PM. One of the bus drivers became ill and had to be rushed to an emergency room at a city nearby. They then had to fly in a new driver so the fifth bus could go on. The fifth bus got here at 4:15PM just in time for the cooks to have lunch ready. Everything was late and that really puts a crunch on all other activities. The time schedule is very tight since we have so many people coming in at one time. This Trek group was only 307 people.
At about 4:30 PM brother Jim Reed and Velma came to the "Welcome" gate and it was good to see him and her; and the kitty accepted us.
I called the host at the Missionary Village and the spot next to our MH was free. When we arrived home at 10 after 7:00 PM we were able to visit for a while and at the same time do our white laundry.
I finished one card for the "Sun Ranch" day activity and now I will have Ralph Ohm see if it is to all our liking. We think that maybe fifty cards would be enough for the possible HF contacts. Several visiting HAM's are excited about this Special Event and will try to attend or at least check in.
Besides the Trek Group we had about eighteen family groups come in fairly separated to not cause a rush on the visitor center. It has been a very interesting assignment to see the different type of people come and interact with us as we welcome them. Several motorcycle travelers came and even one couple who are on their home from their honeymoon at Sturgis, SD. All of the motorcycles have either been a Honda Goldwing or a Harley Davidson. I still think that a Honda Accord has a roof over ones head when it rains, or cool in the summer or warm in the winter. Good night!

Aug 10Today is our last day for the Welcome Post. Tomorrow we will have preparation day and that means a trip to Casper for supplies, including card stock from Staples for the cards I am making to reply to those who answer our QRZ call on the 25th of this month. The table for the covered wagon has been made and it will fit right over the side boards without maring the paint or wood. We hope that this will be an inaugaration for years to come.
We had good trek groups this week with the Hansen, ID-- BSA troop being the last one for this week. As we got the troop ready for their handcart trek to Cherry Creek camp it was noticed that they had requested that Ephraim Hanks and Thisbe Reed visit their camp that evening. Our schedule only went to the eights and did not include the ninth. Now what? I had a feeling that it would fall to me and Bernice to take up the slack. At ten minutes to seven PM I was asked over the radio if we could fill in. We did and it was a most rewarding event. We went to their camp dressed in our period clothing and they had just arrived there. It would be a late activity. The scoutmaster invited us to come and perform, but we resisted and asked him to set up their camp first and we could talk and visit in the dark afterward. At 8:30 all was ready for us and we did our thing. We were asked to stay for dinner which was a good thing because we did not have time to go and prepare a meal for ourselves. While were eating and visiting the scoutmaster and I compared notes. He was in Anchorage, Alaska after I had been there and had taken over my scout troop # 25. He knew the people I camped with and also the bishop of the second ward. It was a most meaningful evening and I call that "tender moments". It seems that there are no co-incidences while serving here. People, friends are brought together in a most delightful way. As we were talking during the meal the bishop turned to me and mentioned that his counselor was a g.g.grandson of Ephraim Hanks and that our presentation was true and correct. He just had not heard the Banty Rooster story that happened at Ft. Bridger. These things make this mission so special.
The visitors for the last two days were from various parts of the United States and two car loads from Israel. I was able to try out my little bit of Jiddish I know and was able to make them feel welcome.
Aug 14Tuesday today and the week's schedule has been changed again. We have "lost" three couples to family death's and their subsequent travel needs. It is a blessing that the trek-ers have stopped and just daily visitors come.
Yesterday we served at the homestead. Bernice with her brochure inventory and me with irrigation systems. There is always something that needs top be brought up to date.
The smoke from the fires out west is coming to us now. Those who have some athma do have breathing problems for most of the day. When the wind comes up a little during the day it clears the air some, but not enough for some missionaries here.
Today we were at Martin's Cove and not one soul came to see us. I have to admit that the sun and the quiet did me in. I dozed for about an hour and then the no-seeams got too busy. I also climbed the sandhill in the Cove I call "Pres. Hinckley" hill. There is a small cairn on top and someone was real energetic to haul all the stones up there. There was also a very nice Antelope Buck giving me the evil eye. He probably thought that he was King of the Hill. He snorted and stomped his feet and came real close to me. Being alone up there without any protection gave me thoughts of retreat; which I did.
The spirit of the pioneers is still with us. This morning at Prayer meeting it was my turn to have a scripture. I selected D&C 101, v 76. The spirit of 1776, I am 76 and I selected to read starting v 76.
I have ordered me a Romney/Ryan bumper sticker. It will go on the back window and not on the bumper.
Have a great day, Shalom.
Aug 16Today is Nancy and Chad's 26th wedding anniversary. As always they have a full days activities planned.
It must be getting close to Christmas because the Idaho Falls tree club has a meeting already.
Yesterday morning we saw our first two wolves as they ran across the prairie to their mountain home. We had heard some howling noises the past few nights and now we know why. They were beautiful specimens with their full tails streight back as they ran. It seemed as tho the antelopes paid no attention to them.
Today was the last day of trek groups. This one was a scout troop with fifteen planned attendees. We counted only nine as we attended them. Six members of the troop bowed out before their departure for Martin's Cove. It was a great group of yooung men and a joy to work with them today.
Next was a German family which spoke very good English and wanted to hear lots of stories about the pioneers who came on the trail and their faith promoting experiences. We had to shuttle a lot of missionaries around because we are running short as we get towards the end of the "open" season.
This next week will be busy with preparations for Sun Ranch Days and all the visitors we expect. A hundredfifty pounds of beel loin has been cut up into stew meat and one of the missionaries is in charge of making this great stew to be enjoyed by all.
Today also was the last day of the excursion into the hills for fence poles. The plan was to get fourhundred plus poles to replace broken fences. The goal was met this afternoon and hamburgers were the treat for the hard working lumberjacks.
The weather has cooled dramatically. We expected frost this morning, and it came very close to being just that. Most of the Sisters wore a coat of some kind this morning.
Well, the Gospel is still true. We have our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, who receives revelation for the Church. It is getting close to celebrate his eightyfifth birthday and the Conference Center will be filled for that event. He is a good man to be our Prophet.
Tomorrow is preparation day, that means a trip to Casper.  We have thought of visiting one of the pioneer museums around the area; we'll see.

Aug 3Our performance at the Battlecreek Camp area went very well. When we arrived at their camp, dinner was still going strong. We were right on time and so we would not have to stand around we accepted their invitation to have dinner with them. A large piece of chicken, baked beans, salad, buns, and another square of mint brownie. It was the same ward who offered us a brownie in the afternoon while we were cleaning restrooms.
As we were leaving the camp after our presentation, the cook asked if we wanted to take some ice cream home with us. He ran out of dry ice and couldn't keep the ice cream till the next day. We accepted and he gave us several large boxes of orange drum sticks and ice cream sandwiches. They are in the freezer and we will use them for our home evening in a couple of weeks.
The wind which normally comes from the west has shifted to the east and that makes the fire smoke cover Martin's Cove and the Missionary Village. Visibility is very poor and we don't know how long these fires will go on. Many thousand acres have gone up in smoke.
Our shopping trip to Casper went well today and we even returned to our "box" in a reasonable time. Another gift came to our door step. This time it was a hand towel with "Faith in Every Footstep" on it and a lovely hand written card. That is a very nice, handsome gift. Yesterday we received four coasters with Martin's Cove photographs despicted. They are so nice, we would not want to use them.
Our rabbit has found himself a home right under our motorhome. He/she is not bothered by our walking past, he/she just watches with big eyes.
Aug 4What a full day this was. We left early, 8:15 AM, for the Pathfinder Ranch among several missionary vehicles heading the same direction. We stopped off at the mailbox along the way to send off two birthday cards to the Dan/Heidi Gloschat twins in Vancouver, WA. The weather was ideal with the temperature hovering in the 50's and a clear sky. For once we did not have any gails blowing; maybe we are just getting used to the eternal Wyoming winds.
The invitations to the Ranch were as follows: 8:00 - 9:30 AM one group of missionaries, 11:30- 2:00 PM the second group and the third group, which are the second year missionaries, came from 6:00 until the finish. The menu was typical ranch style. A very good breakfast, lunch was roast beef, and dinner would be rib-eye steaks. The caterers had two BBQ's and each would hold 120 ranch size steaks.
We were checked into the Ranch by a welcome guard where we signed a paper relieving them of any possible injuries which may befall us while looking at a cow, riding a cow, watching the rodeo, or even riding a horse, maybe just eating breakfast. The large covered pavillion was decorated so nicely with table cloth, flower pots and US flags. The food for this event was catered by a company out of Casper and it was very professional. We were served various Ocean Spray juices (many other drinks were available), sausage with egg and cheese on a sesame seed bun, a breakfast burrito, biscuits and gravy, a mini muffin, a choice of apple, banana or orange fruit. It was a good breakfast and the cowboy company added to the atmosphere. A photographer was busy taking pictures by the hundreds and he had all the missionaries line up for a group photo. We had such fun. We hope to get a copy of that picture.
At 10:00 AM the rodeo competitions started with a flag ceremony, a rider carrying the flag of the United States around the arena, and our very talented young lady singing the "Star Spangled Banner. All of arose and there were very few dry eyes. Isn't it wonderful to have a flag and a National Anthem to be proud of? Yes, it is. Pastor Rusty Weaver, country church, gave the invocation asking that all riders would be safe from injury and that all could enjoy the beautiful day, and giving thanks for the great country we all live in. The pastor was also one of the cowboys who tried to cut the ribbon from the tail of the calves. He came close, but no cigar. Sunday morning at 10:00 AM he is holding "Cowboy Church on the Range" in the ranch's very own chapel. All are welcome!
The first action was a ribbon cutting event where the cowboy tries to lasso the calf after it comes out of the shute and a youngster has to take the ribbon off the calf's tail after it is held down by another youth. The calves were pretty good at letting the lasso slide off their backs. The best time was 17.75 seconds by a young boy no older than five or six, and the slowest was 47.9 seconds. Some missionaries watched from the fence rail, with other sitting in the bleachers. There was a huge vocal amount of support coming from all sides.
There was also a raffle going on and one could buy five tickets for $ 20.00. The money went for a good cause. A beautiful saddle, $6000.00 worth, a Winchester rifle, two revolvers, and $ 1000.00 & $ 500.00 shopping spree at Lou Taubert's sporting goods store in Casper. One of the missionary couples here won the $ 500.00 shopping spree. There were free T-shirts and red neckerchiefs with the ranch's logo.
About a quarter to eleven we had to leave in order to start our shift at Martin's Cove by 11:30 AM. Today we were assigned the Veil Crossing Bridge and as we got there one of the Rexburg Stakes, devided into three groups, came by to hear the story of the bridge and Ellen Neibauer.
I got to relate the stories several times to those groups and then several families came by to hear stories as well.
We had one member of record baptism this morning in the Sweetwater River and that family came by on their way to Devils Gate for a picnic.
Bernice was called out to help in the visitor center with a family from France. Their English was halting and with Sister Gloschat's French some communication was achieved. There was also lots of hand waving.
One of our other assignments today was cleaning the Barn and the Chapel. Three of us couples did the job in just an hour and now we are ready for the Sabbath. The chapel is used for Church during the winter months when just a few couples are here. During the trek season we have to use the trek center when around 200 attend; there are lots of visitors and that includes family members of Martin's Cove missionaries.
This evening those of us living in loop "C" got together to have some water melon and start our fast.
Aug 5Today our Sacrament meeting was filled to overflowing. We had visitors from all over plus a scout troop from Evanston, Wy. The young men were worthy to bless and pass the Sacrament in our meeting. These were the same young men who came by my Veil Crossing Post on their way to a fishing site in Devils Gate. The boys and their leaders walked all the way through the gate and saw several snakes which got out of their way, smart snakes. They also caught many fish, but not as many as they had hoped for. I mentioned to them that the Pelicans come in and try to clean up the Sweetwater River. That would explain some of the lack of fish in "our" river.
Many wonderful testimonies were born and the Spirit was felt deeply. We also had a baby blessed; Thomas Mark Seely. He is the baby born to Trinity and Jeff Seely sometime in June. He is a very content baby, never uttered a sound during the blessing. His father is unsurprisingly proud of his son and the father's blessing he received bore witness to that. His and her family were present for this occasion.
Today the visitor center was tremendously busy. Many individuals and families came to find out more about Martin's Cove. One family just stopped by because the sign said "National Historic Site". After walking through the center she, the mother, wanted to know more because she remembered that someone in her history came across the Oregon/California/Mormon/Express Trail. We have so many comments in the sign-in sheet which give their thanks for a great experience. There are also some detractor comments, but all who come here do so by their own free will and choice. It is a good mission to serve.
The evening was topped off with cold water melon, cantelope and gooey checker mix. A nice cold Ginger Ale topped it all off. Good night!!!!!!!

August 2Yesterday Bernice and I were stationed at the foot bridge and we assisted over 250 people crossing the Sweetwater with their carts and belongings. Some of the young men, anybody under 76, carried women across so that their pettycoats would not get wet. That was done as three youngsters played "Come,Come Ye Saints", on their violins. A very moving experience.
We are always concerned when trek-ers want to go across with bare feet. There are sharp rocks under the sand and we have had some cuts or slices when our warning was not heeded. Some units are very prepared and come with water shoes for each trek-er. They can change into those and then there are no worries about damaged feet.
Today we had the privilege of cleaning the bathroom on the ranch; and there are a bunch of them. We have to have sufficient to handle 250 or 300 people at one time. Usually the need is greatest when they arrive by bus from some far away place. We pride ourselves on our clean restrooms, and visitors appreciate it just the same.
One of the couples from Texas surprised me after work with a bottle/jar of Duesseldorfer Mustard. I tried some without a hotdog and wow is all I can say. That horseradish is mighty powerful. Almost every day a small gift will be in our mailbox from a fellow missionary couple. Most of them are just good ideas and some are down-right expensive.
Our cleaning was interupted by one of the new trek cooks, just came today, with her scruptious brownies; mint of all things. Each trek group brings their own cook and cook house or trailer. They come with big refrigerated trailers, enough food to feed an army; which they are doing. Those of us who have part in their programs at their campsite are always invited to stay and eat with them. Sometimes just walking by brings an invitation.
Tonight Bernice and I will be doing the Ephraim Hanks and Thisbe Reed play at one of the fire rings at the Cherry Creek Camp Ground. After that we will assist in square dancing. It has been a lot of fun to see hesitating young men competely change after an hour of dancing with a large or small group. As missionaries we are always right in the middle of things.

Jul 21A very busy schedule was had for the last four days. While we were stationed at the "Foot Bridge" a small family group came with their covered hand cart. They had already covered about five miles and were now going to cross the river in commemoration of the crossing on November 4th, 1856. That done, we thought that they would now return to the "homestead" by way of the sand trail. Grandmother had two bad knees and the grand children were abt. : girl 11 and 6, boy 8 or 9, and their decision was to do the steep women's pull. As Priesthood we could not help them, but we could stand on the sides at the top and watch, take pictures, no cheering, just pray that the women are up to it. So many women had lost their husbands, had sick husbands and children. Yet, there faith and inward strength brought them to the Valley. This women's pull is to honor all pioneer women and their dedication to the Gospel and foremost the New and Everlasting Covenant which was available to them in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City. This little family accomplished so much amid shed tears by those of us who prayed them up the hill. Two little girls and a sore kneed grandmother. Angels were helping them.
Also we had two trek groups come and cross the Sweetwater. One group had the Aaronic Priesthood carry the women across. The young man who carried the Bishops wife fell and dropped her into the swift flowing current. I am sure that it was unintentional, but that also happened when four young men carried many across in minus ten degree weather and blowing snow, November fourth 1856.
Today I was working on a water truck centrifugal pump which we better not tear down until all the trek-ers have left for the season. It will take several days to rebuilt this pump after we get the right spare parts. We use this truck to spray the gravel roads and camp sites so that the dust is manageable. After the middle of August the trek-ers will slow down since school starts for many.
Time goes by so fast that we lose track of "what day is this?" The rain clouds still go around Martin's Cove and the heat is oppressive, just wears a body out.
We will do our level best to represent our Stake here. Have a great day,
Your Martin's Cove Missionaries
Jul 22Wonders of all wonders; the internet is accessable tonight. After a great potluck dinner today, and my poppyseed cakes receiving accolades, we had an evening of Broadway show tunes sung by Dean Larimor, accompanied by his wife. It was a great evening, the kind of music that is kind to the ears and mind. At one time, to give Dean a break, the audience sang Do Re Me from "Sound of Music". I will be singing "If I were a Rich Man" most of the night.
Lightening has struck and the prairie south east of us is on fire. The strong winds do not help at all to control the blaze. The highlands of Wyoming get very little moisture, the clouds come over us, but will not let lose of precious sprinkles.
Bernice and I were Ephraim Hanks and Thisbe for the Declo 1st ward Friday evening. While the ward was sitting around the propane fireplace they asked their bishop if he would perform the Shoshone raindance. He did and within a few minutes some sprinkles fell, not enough to make any difference. While we were performing our skit he did the raindance again and this time we got wet enough to cool us off.
On the way home tonight from the homestead we stopped to watch a rattlesnake by the side of our road. It had seven nice buttons and it wwent off through the sagebrush to find supper. I did not have my snake stick in the car and didn't want to just pick it up by the middle. Good choice.
Jul 26We received some rain in the last few days. The mornings would start out sunny and hot while in the afternoon clouds would build up and leave a few minutes of rain behind. The air would cool and it would be a pleasant afternoon. The rain would decend with a few sprinkles while missionaries were at their post, but come down hard when most of us were under shelter.
Interesting visitors came this week; one couple from Germany who live just a few blocks from where I, Joachim, grew up. It was a good visit and the Gospel was mentioned, but not well received at that time. That is OK, maybe a seed will sprout when nurished by others.
The other couple was from Baja, CA or Mexico, the Ed Christensen's. They now live in Mexico, a little town, and are friends of the Simpsons living in Bigfork, MT. Soooo, we have developed new friends while here at Martin's Cove. Maybe Mexico is a good place to be during the cold winter months.
We had lots of Trek-ers from various stakes and wards with another 1200 coming today. It is a joy to address them at the various post locations, tell them pioneer stories, and just mingle. The Church will be in good hands when these young people take over the reign.
The 24th celebration was great here at the Missionary Village, but it was a "bust" at the local park and was moved to the stake center in Casper. While it rained here for a few minutes, it was a deluge there in Casper and all the revelers got soaked. Refuge was found in the cultural hall at the stake center where the program continued.
For the first time we had a cougar (Mountain Lion) chase an Antelope through the visitor center area on Monday. As we saw it, the Antelope was just a little faster. It is unusual for a cougar to come this close to the ranch area during the day. Either he was hungry or just not feeling well.
The Restored Gospel is still true. We have a living Prophet at the head, Thomas S. Monson, who the Lord will inspire in leading His people. It is a great day in Wyoming.
July 31We have been overwhelmed with trek-ers this last week. Sometime we don't know if we are coming or going. However, it is great to see the various stakes or wards come with their youth and have great experiences. Some units bless us (the missionaries) with their leftover parishables which we enjoy for lunch.
We had a good day when we went to Casper for our P-Day. We found a business to sell us various pump parts. Pumps that are used here on the ranch and parts are hard to come by. But we found a distributor who would go to the trouble of finding parts for us. Now we have to wait until they get here and then we can repair some pumps and piping before going home in October.
Wildfires are burning close to the ranch. We thought that they had been extinguished, but the high winds and dry air started them up again. At night we see the glow of the fires against the night sky.
We can't believe that July is coming to an end. It seems just yesterday that we celebrated the fourth and Canada Day.
The missionaries are watching each other when we work at our assigned duties. It is so easy to get dehydrated when the body does not get enough water. We provide 5 gallon coolers at strategic places for the trek-ers to fill their water bottles. There is a good well at HandCart Parking, but some trek-er youngsters try to outdo each other when pumping and that causes sand to be brought up with the water. Not much sand, but enough to see it at the bottom of their coolers. A steady, rythmic pumping action will alleviate the sand problem.