chickpeas.

Ah trek.

I went on an LDS Pioneer Trek last week. It was probably the greatest experience of my life. It tried me in so many ways. It was very mentally and physically hard to keep pushing every day. But every moment was worth it.

It was very hot. It got up to 102 degrees on the second day, and obviously there is no shade. Anywhere. We drank a lot of water... but it got warm quickly and mixed with little amounts of Gatorade... so it tasted pretty bad. We had plenty of good food, though.

My family was the coolest family in

our stake. The only person my age was Ben Peterson, and we had a blast. [ ;) ] We had the best time together, and really grew as one. We have way too many inside jokes and little things to laugh about.

We were such pioneers. We dressed like them (I hate blooomers) and danced like them, too. The hoedown was the highlight of the week. I gotta dance with some good friends. I loved meeting all these people.... and everyone looked like crap so it didn't matter.

Notice in every picture I took, I only have half of my glasses on. That was totally my trademark. It wasn't bothersome, so I kept wearing the other half of my shades when they broke. Some say I was a pirate. But I was really a pioneer. Silly people.

But people knew me for my glasses. So they deserved this paragraph. Thanks, old $1 shades.

Anyways.

Trek was the most fantastic thing I have ever done. If you get a chance to go someday, please go. You will love it. (People in Pictures from Top to Bottom: Ashley, Mason Sutherland, Erin)

Love and Rockets,

Maddie