Martin's Cove Site

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.