Hello all!  Here is a note from Betsy Lowe, who is our resource for clothing for the trek.  She will be able to provide resourses, pictures, patterns and ideas for what to wear on the Trek this year.

"Wearing modern clothing will not aid in feeling the spirit of the event.  I know personally, being dressed in clothes made for the occassion really added to the whole experience the last time we did this.  Here is a photo from the Louisville Trek in 2009.  Women are in full length skirts with blouse or shirt or dresses, bonnet, & apron; men have button down shirt, suspenders, pants and hat.  

It is greatly advised to wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes and have hiking (absorbing comfortable) socks - ones that pull the moisture away from the skin with wicking.  The youth and adults will probably walk at least a 1/2 marathon by the time it is all over.  "Pioneer Children sang as they walked and walked and walked and walked."  :)

I am available to visit units to help sew costumes.  I have patterns for all aspects of the Pioneer outfit - both men and women.  For the men I recommend going to Good Will to get a 2 pair of trousers and 2 button down shirts (this way if they get stained or ruined you will not care).  I bought 2 pair of pants for $5.00 in 2009.  CHEAP!  "

Websites for Pioneer Stories

Here are a few places to start looking for pioneer stories.  We encourage you to look at these stories for inspiration.  We hope that you can bring a story from your own family tree to share with your trek family but if you are unable to find a story about one of your own ancestors, you can find other pioneer stories below.

Enjoy learning about the pioneers as you prepare for the trek!

WEBSITES FOR PIONEER STORIES

http://handcart-trek.org/stories.html

http://www.sugardoodle.net/Pioneers/Pioneer%20FHE.shtml

http://www.handcarttreks.com/General/generalhistory.html             ***excellent collection***

http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Friend/1984.htm/friend%20july%201984.htm/pioneer%20trek.htm

http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Friend/2001.htm/friend%20july%202001.htm/to%20the%20last%20frontier.htm

MORMON BATTALION

http://sanpetecounty.org/pages/brown

PIONEER OVERVIEW

http://lds.families.com/blog/the-pioneer-story-a-great-resource

http://www.lds.org/gospellibrary/pioneer/pioneerstory.htm

http://library.thinkquest.org/6400/default.htm   ***great FAQ about pioneers***

MISC.

http://www.sugardoodle.net/Pioneers/Provisions%20for%20the%20Trail.shtml

Welcome!

Welcome!  The Crestwood Stake Trek 2013 will be held on July 11-13 in Bradfordsville, Kentucky!  Our theme will be "Press Forward!"

We are so excited about the trek and we wanted to create this blog as a place for you to come and get information and ask questions.  The time to start preparing for the trek is now!

Physical Preparation:
The trek will be strenuous.  It will likely be very hot as well.  You will want to make sure that you are in good physical condition.  The start of a new year is a perfect time to start conditioning your body.  Start walking now and increase your distance regularly.  Here is a suggested routine:

• February: walk 10 minutes 3 times a week
• March: walk 30 minutes 3 times a week
• April:  walk 40 minutes 3 times a week
• May: walk 50 minutes 4 times a week
• June: walk 60 minutes 4 times a week

Spiritual Preparation:
We would also like you to start learning about any pioneer ancestors that you have so that you can share them with your  trek family.   If you don't have pioneer ancestors,  research another pioneer or family member of your choosing.  Pray daily and read your scriptures daily so that your spirit will be prepared as well.  Other possibilities:

• Have a pioneer-themed Family Home Evening
• Perform baptisms for the dead, preferably for a family member
• Discover what areas of Personal Progress or Duty to God fit in with trek preparation

Get your shoes ready 

Wearing the wrong shoes on the trek will rub you wrong and cause pain and blisters.  Remember, your toes need room to expand, because your feet will swell a full shoe size as you walk on the trek.  Running shoes are the best for trekkers.  Try to do a couple of walks with your trekking shoes and a light backpack before the trek.  While walking, when you feel hot spots forming stop and go home.  Rub your feet with rubbing alcohol and let them dry out.  This should allow you to form calluses that can protect you on the trek.

Packing List

July 11-13, 2013

• 5 gallon bucket and lid
• 1 bedroll
• 1 rain poncho
• Enough plastic (tarp) to serve as a ground cover and shelter
• 1 pair of old running shoes
• 4 pairs of sturdy socks
• 2 extra sets of underclothing
• 2 bandanas
• 1 metal pie plate, 1 large spoon and 1 tin cup
• 1 small hand towel, comb or brush
• 1 toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Small first aid kit
• Old set of scriptures
• Pen/pencil
• 2 heavy duty garbage bags
• Chapstick, sunblock, insect repellent
• Deodorant
• Pair of garden gloves or heavy work gloves
• Disposable camera
• Pocket knife

Men Should Bring:

·        2 pairs of khaki/wool/canvas pants

·        2 long sleeved shirts

·        1 western style hat (no baseball/army hats allowed)

·        1 pair of suspenders

Women Should Bring:

·        2 mid-calf, long sleeved dresses or 2 long sleeved shirts & mid-calf length skirts

·        1 bonnet

·        2 pairs of knee length bloomers (can be made from old pajamas bottoms/hospital pants)

·        1 apron

·        Feminine hygiene supplies

Do Not Bring:  shirts without sleeves or that show the midriff, shorts above the knee, ipods/mp3 players, cell phones, laptops, cd/dvd players, any food/snacks