Lessons learned

Last weekend Matthew and I spent an entire day in the middle of nowhere pushing a handcart trying to prepare to be a ma and a pa for trek. Apparently we didn't get enough. Yesterday, after planting 15 bushes in our yard, we headed out in search of treasures hidden in the desert floor. Yep, geode hunting. Of course we took Matthews car, why put the miles on one we actually own. Off we went into the vast Utah dessert. You might think we were alone, but you would be wrong. We learned that anyone with an ATV heads out that way for Memorial weekend, we watched crazy ATVers doing things I never want to see my own children doing. Finally, after 50 miles of dirt road we arrived at the Dugway Geode pits. WHEW! That was a long ride, thank goodness for the miracle of having every ounce of music we own on an ipod. (Miracle #1)


Now, remember we already dug 15+ holes back home? Now we get to dig even bigger holes, in the desert floor. This isn't nice soft Sahara sand, we are talking about anciently packed and hardened sand and clay. This is a lot of work. Elliot and I had a pretty good system. He would loosen up the dirt with a crow bar, then I would shovel out. Emilia sifted through what I shoveled out looking for promising rocks. Katherine busied herself with carving her name into a rock. What can I say, she is a self absorbed teen and wants the universe to know she was there. After two hours, we came up with two small geodes, at least we think they are, we haven't cut them open yet. ( I believe this qualifies as miracle #2)

Remember again, we took Matthew's car even though my car has a higher clearance? Remember also, 50 miles dirt road? When we got back into the car to leave we had a completely flat tire. YIKES! We are out in the middle of nowhere. See picture below.



We are surrounded by those crazy ATVers (many of whom are carrying guns) and there is absolutely no cell coverage. But all is ok, right? We have a spare, we know how to change a tire (0k Matthew knows). Getting back into the car we realize that we are now on the one and only spare, one other tire is now at low pressure and we have fifty miles of rough terrain to traverse. Oh yeah, no food in the car. It is now 6 pm and we haven't had a bite since noon. Emilia is certain we will all die. I even feel like we are in the opening sequences of a slasher movie. But we make it, 50 miles to highway 36. (miracle #3)

Side note: Emilia is able to make herself pee on a tree (miracle #4).



Food in Tooele, safely home, decent movie after for Matthew and I (Seven Pounds).



This morning on the way out to church, Matthew's other tire is flat, and Matthew still managed to make it to Sacrament meeting (miracle #5)



Lessons learned. Digging holes in your own backyard produces treasures enough, no need to go out into the desert.