Joy in the Journey

A couple of weeks ago we went on a trip to Southern Utah. My Dad is a writer and he’s preparing to write a story about a pioneer expedition that left from West Central Utah and crossed through to South Eastern Utah to settle the Four Corners Area. One of the dramatic places they had to cross is a place called Hole in the Rock where they had to drop their wagons down steep cliffs to the Colorado River bottom below. Now that River has been dammed up to make Lake Powell, (pictures 4 & 5 show the upper descent of the Hole in the Rock. Two thirds of the descent to the Colorado river is under water). Because of this particular spot the pioneers are often referred to as the "Hole in the Rock expedition"

My Dad covered the Eastern part of the trail (Lake Powell East) with older family members earlier this summer while we were in China so we missed that great experience. But he wanted to cover the first part, the trail West of Lake Powell. He thought it would be fun to take the grandkids that live in Utah along while he did his research (Does that tell you how amazing my parents are that they thought it would be 'fun' to bring along 15 kids!)

We had a marvelous trip, that was fun and inspiring. I thought I’d share a few of the photos.

This group of pioneers left in November and were told to prepare for six weeks, but that the trip would most likely only take 3. It ended up taking six months. The land was far less passable than they had thought. One fourth of their group were children under the age of six.

When they arrived at 40 mile springs on the West Side of the Colorado River they sent scouts to

survey the descent to the Colorado and then the terrain from there East. They returned with the news it was much more difficult than they thought and they would not come close to finishing their journey in six weeks, let alone three. They were cold, they were discouraged, turning back wasn’t very viable and going forward was beyond daunting. They had to camp for weeks at 40 mile springs while a 'road crew' of men blasted out the "Hole in the Rock" walls a bit more so they could lower their wagons down, by ropes, to the Colorado River. Yet, and this is the part that I found inspiring, they compartmentalized that fear and discouragement and set it aside to find the joy. A short distance from where they were camped was a big red rock outcropping. (The first picture) They named it “Dance Hall Rock” and came up many nights and danced. We too danced to honor them, and imprint in our hearts the importance to take time to enjoy, even when life is hard.

On our way home, each family went their own way. Mine did a magnificent hike to a place called Calf Creek Falls. Those are the last pictures shown. We sure had fun.

Becca was at first distressed to learn that she no longer got to ride on Dad's back in the pack. (She's still got Princess syndrome) That was now Seth's place of honor. It was a six mile hike. After 1 mile she stubbornly refused to walk anymore. She cried and whined. We had way too far to carry her. I put her in front and made her our new hiking leader. She remained the hiking leader for most of the rest of our hike, and she found enough good attitude that she walked five of those six miles, and even cheerfully! Way to toughen up Princess! Maybe she'll learn to survive outside the castle after all.

It was a beautiful hike. How we love Southern Utah with it's red rock cliffs! It was Seth's first outing, and he did quite well. This little boy just loves life. He was thrilled with everything from the car ride, to eating out, to our hikes. He just throws his heart and his arms wide open to take life and all its wonders in. What a shame it would have been for a child who has such a zest for living to have spent his life shut up within the limited life of an orphanage. Seeing his joy and enthusiasm helps us all find more joy in the journey.