On Tuesday, August 2, 17 campers and six staff arrived in Teton Village, Wyoming, about to embark on one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lifetimes. The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, the hikers prepared their backpacks in order to make room for the additional 440 pounds of gear, food and supplies that would be hauled on their backs for the six-day trek into the mountains. After the weigh-in, some of the ladies had packs weighing as much as 45 pounds, while the men's packs weighed as much as 60 pounds. Everyone was tested on this adventure, and each day brought its own challenges—from hiking the steep inclines of the mountains to finding a suitable camping spot with fresh water. Teamwork was imperative. Each day, the hikers were responsible for setting up and breaking down camp and making it look as though they had never been there.
On Wednesday, August 3, the group left Teton Village and took the aerial tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. It was from this point that the hike really began. We traversed thousands of feet in elevation, up and down, for seven miles, to our first campsite above the tree line at an elevation of more than 10,000 feet. After a refreshing sleep on the rocks, we had our first Bible Study the next morning, in the midst of some of the most beautiful scenery in the land. It was breathtaking to be able to `experience God's wonderful creation firsthand.
Over the next few days, we hiked in and out of the Teton National Park, making our way to the Basin Lakes where we spent the Sabbath. For Sabbath services, the rock podium and beautiful "stage flowers" were provided by God. Mr. Dan Contardi served as songleader, Mr. Mike Kreyer gave the sermonette, and Mr. Sheldon Monson gave a sermon on "The Pursuit of Excellence." Sharon Rowbal and Jen Bowman treated us to a unique version of "El Shaddai" for some truly special music. Everyone agreed that it was truly an inspiring and rejuvenating Sabbath.
On our last morning of camping, we woke up early and broke camp shortly after 6:00 a.m. to climb up the one-mile slope back to Skyline Trail at the base of the Tetons. As we arrived at the crest, the sun popped out from behind the three peaks of the Teton Mountains, and we were treated to a sunrise that few people ever see. This was our last day, and no one wanted it to end. But, alas, we had twelve more miles to go to reach our destination, Jenny Lake. We started that morning above the tree line, and descended into the Teton Valley, skirting the peaks as we watched small streams turn into beautiful creeks and rivers of living waters. Flowers, blueberries and raspberries were in abundance. We saw two bears and several moose. It was a beautiful day.
On Monday evening, after we checked into our cabins in Jackson, Wyoming, Ann and "Shorty" Burns treated us to a rib-eye steak dinner. Once dinner was served, there was not a lot of talking! The next morning, after brunch and Bible Study, we enjoyed a little shopping in town before heading over to Lewis and Clark River Expeditions for a whitewater rafting trip down the Snake River. The staff served us a salmon and steak dinner on the shore.
Weather reports showed rain in the forecast. We had nothing but sunshine. A bear ripped through one tent the day before we reached Basin Lakes, but we never saw him. Lightning caused two wildfires in the area, but they did not come near us. We were blessed, and God was with us. It was an adventure we will never forget.