September Sensation

 We started out the month by going to the CLAS Ropes Center as a Zone. This is the place that helps HVC build their high courses. It's their way of saying "Thanks" for working with them. It's a big outside area with different high courses; there's also a river that you can go canoeing on. It was nice to try out some different challenges, and relaxing to canoe on the river.  We grabbed a bite to eat at the BYU Creamery after and visited. 

CLAS Ropes Fun

From there, we headed to South Weber and watched June play soccer. Danica is the coach. They're starting to get the idea of the game better. It's fun to see the progress that's being made. 

June's soccer game w/Danica coaching (in black)

We helped the mountain maintenance zone sand logs for seating in the camps amphitheaters or other areas. I got pretty good at running the sander. 

We also picked up tree limbs and logs that had been cut down to make room for the new High Course CC6 to get put in and finished up. There were a lot of branches and logs! It showed me how hard the mountain maintenance zone works daily. I'm glad we could help out, They were very appreciative of our help when we came.

I've enjoyed serving on the wall where it used to be be because deer would frequent the area, and it was surrounded by trees, such a pretty area. The new home for it is in an open area with not much shade. We got a picture of the District with the wall in it's new spot. I guess we'll see where it ends up next season, or if it stays there.

It wasn't all work and no play though. We did get to go to the CC8 and CC1 Fun days and see the skits from the Rebekah and Esther Camps. 

The Mission Office also held a O-Zone activity where all of the things lest in the Lost & Found were set out on tables and each missionary was given 2 tickets to write their name on. Then they had a drawing and when your name was called you got to pick out something off the tables. I got a camp chair and Dale got a flashlight. 

CC8's Harry Potter themed Fun Day. We even had homemade Butter Beer, very tasty

Camp Hosts from Rebekah (Hugh's & Whiteheads) & Camp Esther ((Roberts & Drapers) Elder Roberts voice sounds a LOT like John Waynes

CC1's Into the Woods themed Fun Day. I was able to climb on the course and go up the swinging log, across the wire and down the Zip in the sunshine! Last time it was cold and snowing and I was a new climber and was pretty nervous. It was a LOT funner this time. 

The O-zone's Raffle - I got the smaller red camp chair

Pres. & Sis. Pitcher dishing out homemade rhubarb, berry, or apple cobbler and ice cream for the crew. It was yummy too, made me think of Mom's Rhubarb crunch.

Our Zone went to the Provo City Center Temple and did a session together. We went to lunch at the Brick Oven after to visit and recognize our great Zone & District Leaders. 

                                                         District 4                                                      The Challenge Course Zone

These events happened in one week: We had our last mission conference, a duel district breakfast with District 4, and a Relief Society Service Activity where we collected items needed to help the "Little Lambs" foundation, that is in Cache Valley (because our RS Pres. is from Cache Valley) and has connections. We brought donations for that , made pressed flower bookmarks, tied fleece blankets, and made "Fidget" toys for kids. There was a great turn-out and we were all in good company. The sisters in our District helped with food prep. and set-up.

We did more camp projects. and also got together as a zone and went to Sis. Crowshaw's home to play Pickleball, visit and have some snacks. Sis. Crowshaw is a professional pickleball player that's also serving as a Service Missionary at HVC in our zone. It was fun and  believe it or not, I ended up on the winning team with Sis. Crowshaw and I at the end. It was pure luck on my part, but it was fun.

                                             What a fun group of missionaries. We were blessed with the best!

We went together as a District to the Ephriam Temple Open House, had a District Potluck dinner and played games, served on the walk for the last day it was open to the public. This temple is what the Smithfield Temple will look like, but be larger. It was beautiful. I'm excited to see our Smithfield Temple when it has it's Open House. 

 Our District by the front doors to the temple and at the back of the temple. Also a full front view of the temple.

We ended the week by helping the camp host an Open House for anyone that wanted to know what HVC is like. All of the amenities were operating. The high courses, some of the Tomahawk toss areas,  and the lake (but it was a bit chilly)), so they just did boat rides. While we were serving on CC4 our friends,  Bruce & Lottie Anderson, showed up to climb!! It was great seeing them. It was too bad we weren't able to visit with them for very long, but it was great seeing them. Maybe they'll consider a mission on the mountain?

Dale and I were able to serve together on the walk at station 4 the last night it was open. This is where people write down a trial or something that they're feeling they need help with. It's humbling to read the many responses and to see that there are a lot that deal with the same issues. Many are to do with body image, loneliness, friends, pornography, health issues and family issues and ask "Am I good enough". At the end of the walk patrons write what they think Christ would tell them if he were to come to them. 

                                             

The remarks show promise, love, forgiveness and peace. It's been a spiritual and amazing experience serving on the walk. for us. The comments below are what people felt.....

The next week started with a wonderful Sacrament Mtg. to start out, the HVC branch branch choir sang one last time and we had a testimony mtg. that filled up the two hour block. We ended our Sabbath  Day with one more Mission Potluck Dinner and those that wanted played marbles. It was a great spiritual feast the whole day.

Then the next day all of the Challenge Courses were taken down and made ready for winter. Our whole Zone got together for a breakfast for dinner that was provided by Sis. Bearnson, who hasn't been able to serve on the mountain because of health issues the last two months. She's definitely been missed and we pray with hope that she can get feeling better soon. We played the camp game, Marbles, one last time too. 

We washed the harnesses and closed up the sheds, went to lunch with the Camp Hosts we've been working with, The Badgers, Youngs, Thompsons, Langs & the Goughs. They were great to work with as well. Again, feeling very blessed.

We took a couple of P-Days to go home to get the Razor trailer back to camp and to take the Razor back home. We were able to stop on our way back and got to watch our grandson, Luke, play soccer. Garrett's the coach for his team. Both did well and it was fun to cheer for them on the sidelines. 

                                                  

We were able to get a feel of the fall season on the mountain and watch it fill with color. So pretty.  There were also quite a few moose and deer around the camp. We had a momma bear and two cubs that slept under a trailer in the Reeder camp one day too! 

Dale was able to fit in a few fishing trips to Crow's Nest Lake before we headed home. He caught a lot of fish, but this albino rainbow trout was the big catch. 

We had to get in one last climb on CC4 before we left camp for the season. So many memories were made on that course. with our district. We may get a chance to serve on the Challenge Course Zone next season, but who knows? 

On the day before we were to head out of camp, each Zone in our mission went to a different temple that's close to BYU. We went to the Provo City Temple again and did an endowment session. Then all of the missionaries met at the BYU Conference Center (Harmon Building) for a luncheon and to hear Elder Daniel Smith, our Area Seventy., and Pres. and Sis. Pitcher talk. 

They also announced the new Mission President, Elder Mike Nelson, and his wife Barbara, that will be serving over the Camp. They spoke as well and after we were able to meet with them and our outgoing Mission Presidency at the end of the conference. 

Things may be a bit different when we return to camp next season, but the Nelson's seem very capable of handling things. He was a past General Young Men's counselor, and they both love the outdoors. 

We've enjoyed working with Pres. and Sis. Pitcher, the Wolsey's, Richards and Lundskogs these past almost 6 months. Great people.

     

Elder Smith, the Dyes, Taylors and us at the luncheon 

          

Above: our new Pres. Nelson & Sis. Nelson - Pres. Pitcher - Sis. Pitcher   

Below: Pres. & Sis. Wollsey, Pres. & Sis. Richards & the Lunskogs

We checked out the new CC6 and got some pictures of it. Got things cleaned up, unhooked the trailers water works, said our good-byes and headed down the mountain towards our home. We'll be back on the mountain in either Feb. or Apr. depending on our assignments. Great memories have been made the last almost 6 months.

I'll miss these mountain sunsets

When we got home and got in the garage, we were sort of welcomed home with a sign on the door going into the house from the garage, and one in the kitchen area, along with a sign and treats with clever sayings that went with the treats.  

Our son, Andrew, and his wife, Lindsay and two of their kids were also at the house, due to some things Andrew had to do with his restaurant, Stonefire. We went to dinner at the restaurant with them.  What a fun welcome home! 

I'd come in from working in the yard, and got a text from our neighbor, Cathy Hansen, asking me if I'd seen the moose on the loose that walked through our yard, into their yard, and onto the driveway of our neighbors behind us! I told her I hadn't, I must have missed it when I was in the garage putting things away, so she sent me these pictures. Maybe he followed us home!!

        

Our daughter, Amie, invited us to go to their ward on Sunday for church because our grandson, Mazin , was in his last Primary program. We ate with the Mallory's after, which was nice because we had a pretty bare fridge when we came home. 

The Mickelson's, some neighbors behind us, invited us to a backyard potluck meal they were doing for a family that is moving out of the neighborhood. She said she filled in for us because we're usually the ones to host the backyard get-togethers in early fall. It was a nice way to catch up with our neighbors. 

I also jumped right in and signed up to usher at the Eccles Theater. It was for a show called "Ocean in Concert." Those in attendance, which was a sold-out crowd, were able to witness this incredible documentary, narrated on film by David Attenborough, and performed live by Cache Symphony Orchestra. It was way cool and so informative on what happens to the plants, fish and mammals that live in the ocean.

We'll have our weeks planned out more as we figure out what type of service opportunities we'll be doing while we're home. So far, we know I can usher and serve in the Youth Center, like I was before the mission, and we'll both be back serving at the Cache Valley Humanitarian Center. 

We'll see what we add next month.

Nate and Diana finished up their trip climbing around the Dolomites. Boy, what a beautiful area to climb in and experience. 

With the weather staying warmer, they got out their sailboat and went crabbing and just enjoyed the beauty that the area holds. They know how to plan an adventure. 

Lili went out with them on the sailboat too!

The Mallory's are in full-swing again with school and sports. Mazin did a walk-a-thon for a school fundraiser. He finished by doing 19 laps around the track. Way to go Mazin!

Mazin went to the USU basketball night. Mazins U11 Royalty team is killing it this season and Langston's traveling all over with his team. 

Kennlyn played in a powder puff football game during the half-time of the school's Homecoming game. She played defense in the game. Way to go Kennlyn!

She also got asked to go to the Homecoming Dance. She's a pretty young lady, isn't she?

Jaxson's working, going to school and has fit in some camping and fishing with his buddies.

Langston fits in fishing with his buddies. between soccer games. I'm sure they're both pretty excited that Grandpa's home to go fishing with. 

Down south, Andrew's crew are adjusting to school, and all are enduring the heat. Titans got his learners permit, so they have a driver in training. Titan was driving with Andrew and got pulled over for crossing into the incoming traffic lane (a car wasn't coming) and swerving back. Andrew said it was more his fault because he told him to turn and then told him no, not here. The police offer thought maybe he'd been drinking or was a drowsy driver. He gave both of them a warning. Parents live and learn along with their kids when it comes to training a new driver!!

Andrew also took the kids on a hike up Quail Canyon in Arizona for a day outing. He's a pretty good dad isn't he?

Garrett celebrated his 37th birthday!! Wow, seeing my kids grow older makes me feel older. I guess that what happens though. We all grow older, which is good, because that means we're still around to experience new things and spend time with our loved ones. 

Happy Birthday Garrett! We love you! 

Garrett and Luke's soccer season ended as coach and player. It was a good season, improving over the last one. Lukes got the drive and Garrett's got the plays. Great teamwork going on there.

They also had a fire start up not too far from where they live. It started off the highway and went up over the mountain. The picture is from the highway while driving. Luckily, it got put out before it got closer to them. It's been SO hot and dry this summer, which hasn't helped. We've had a LOT of fires flare up all over Utah from lightning, or man-made from sparks from trains, vehicles or ATV's. The Hassell's have had a couple close to their area and our area has had a couple. It's crazy!! We need more green!!

Jason and the kids have been cheering on Danica most of the month. She entered 3 different races, each a week apart. Talk about a machine. Her first race was ithe Mamele Mountain race. Then she did was in a HYDROX event, which was indoors and focused more on strength. Her last race was a Women's Epic race that she ran with Jason's sister, sister-in-law, and friend. Believe it or not she finished them all and in great times for her age group. She was a bit sore after, which is fair, but what an accomplishment. I think June was her biggest cheerleader. 

She did fit in some time to take the kids to the Cross-E Ranch for some fun to bring in the fall & Halloween season. Fun times. 

Jasons working hard to finance all the fun things they do. They know fun.

In the local and world news: Let's be honest: If you drive a diesel truck or a gasoline-powered car, any trip to fill a fuel tank in September was shockingly painful.              Maybe the fourth quarter will bring prices down. Wall Street thinks it's possible, but hard forecasts on diesel and gasoline prices are hard to come by. Meanwhile, the war between Israel, the United States and Iran is seven months old — and counting.                             U.S. diesel prices jumped 14.5% to $6.414 a gallon in JUST one month, according to AAA Fuel Prices. Gasoline prices rose 8.7% to $4.433. 

Our last tank fill-up was $220! That's a hit on the pocketbook!! I sure hope the price of diesel and gas for cars starts going down soon!!

From a news article: PARK CITY, Utah — A tornado that tore through the mountains above Davis and Morgan counties during a September storm has been classified as an EF2 and set a Utah record for tornado width, according to a National Weather Service damage survey.

The Francis Peak tornado touched down Sept. 18 near Bair Canyon, east of Fruit Heights, at an elevation of about 6,000 feet. It then traveled nearly six miles through the Wasatch Mountains, eventually reaching about 9,500 feet in elevation before descending toward Morgan County.                     The tornado remained on the ground for approximately 16 minutes, with estimated peak winds of 120 mph. Its maximum width reached 1,900 yards — about 1.1 miles — making it the widest tornado documented in Utah, the NWS reported.

(National Weather Service)

Numerous pine and aspen trees in the tornado’s path were damaged. As it crossed Francis Peak and moved toward Middle Smith Lake, surveyors found areas of more severe damage, including pine trees snapped at their bases or sheared off near the tops. Some of the damaged pine trees were       estimated to be 100 to 200 years old, according to the NWS.

In another news report we also saw that: Mortgage interest rates in 2026 generally ranged between about 6.4% and 7.0%, with 30‑year fixed averages commonly reported around 6.6%–6.75% depending on the source. 

Across multiple authoritative sources, mortgage rates in 2026 remained elevated compared to pre‑2022 levels, largely due to persistent inflation pressures, geopolitical tensions, and Federal Reserve policy.

There you have it......September Sensation--the good, the bad, and the in-between.