A trek into the past

Dressed in 19th-century clothing, participants worked as “families” to push handcarts full of supplies. Above (l to r): Mikaela Skiles, Kendra Reynolds and Sarah Patzer. Right (l to r): Emily Levsque, Logan Roberts, Nick Dunn and April Baker. Young adults from Stanwood and Camano Island joined fellow members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Marysville and Arlington to reenact a portion of the 19th-century pioneer trek.

In 90 degree heat outside Ellensburg last weekend, the 14- to 18-year-olds abandoned their cell phones and electronics, swapped their modern-day clothing for suspenders, calicoes, bonnets, aprons and even bloomers, and loaded handcarts full of necessary supplies for a three-day voyage across difficult terrain.

“We call it the shakedown,” said spokeswoman Lisa Williams. “The enthusiasm builds when the kids are dressed in pioneer gear.”

PHOTOS BY Cathy Rogers Curtis Flake, 16, and his brother, Jacob, 17, of Camano Island, said relinquishing their cell phones wasn’t a problem.

“It wasn’t like I would have time to text anyone,” said Jacob.

As far as the throwback outfits, neither of the boys experienced any difficulty.

“Dressing the same helped us to get to know each other, and the clothes really weren’t that bad,” said Curtis.

“I think the girls had it worse,” said Jacob. After getting rid of any “contraband,” said Williams, the 175 participants were grouped together with a “Ma” and “Pa” in families of up to 10 people.

Eighteen families worked together to push their handcarts uphill along a trail to a camping destination.

“The first day,” said Jacob, “we walked 9.8 miles and gained 1,700 feet of elevation.”

The families quickly realized that teamwork was crucial to survival, he added.

Lessons, such as the coming together to reach a goal in the face of hardship, are what the reenactment is about, said Williams.

“We are trying to help the kids appreciate the sacrifices the original Mormon pioneers experienced,” she said. “Many lost their lives during the 1,000 mile journey from Illinois to Utah.”

Along the way, the handcart trains became low on food supplies in 1856.

Participants in the reenactment were supplied water, but were unable to prepare food until the groups made camp late in the evening under the stars. On the second day of the journey, families trekked another few miles before playing games, cooling off in a creek, dancing and sharing stories about the original voyage.

More pioneer games and craft activities followed on the third and final day before making the trek back.

“The event was wonderful,” said Williams. “We had great kids with great attitudes.”

This was the first trek by local kids in 15 years, but Williams expects it to become an annual event.

Despite the seemingly harsh conditions and a lack of modern-day conveniences, Curtis said it was “fun just hanging out with everyone.”