July 17, 2013

Girls camp, this year Mink Creek leaders chose a spot just north of Soda Springs.

To get to know each other better each girl was given a “secret sister’ to discover and treat in special ways.  Evenings were a bit chilly and they were glad to have blankets to wrap in as they sat around the campfire.  For activities they hiked, had a scavenger hunt, learned new songs, sang old songs, played games, were both silly and serious.  Some suffered from a little homesickness.  The theme centered around acceptance, that all people are children on God.  Laurel Wilde was the Camp Director, helped by Lacey Christensen, Wendy Westerberg, Karen Arnout, Kristi Hall, Macy Jepsen, and Mary Norris.

TJ Biggs was ordained to the office of elder in the LDS Ward.  He is the son of Dawnya and Cass Biggs of Malta, ID, the grandson of Cathy and Scott Seamons of Mink Creek.

Norman and Viola Larsen’s family held their first reunion in 15 years.  The location was Mink Creek Ballpark.  The oldest sibling of the family, Doran and Frances Barlow, came up from Ogden.  His family was from the St. George area.  Blaine and Connie Larsen were unable to attend, but their children came from far away, Washington state and Atlanta, GA.  There were representatives from all the children of the original family.  Raylo and Bonnie Larsen have both passed away but their son Craig Larsen, living in Mink Creek, was responsible for arrangements. Hours were spent visiting and getting to know each other again.  Some visited an old logging operation where Doran had worked.  Some participated in a 4-wheel ride.  It was a successful reunion and the Larsens are planning another reunion in two years.

Claudine and LaMar McKague and children of Vancouver, WA, spent a week with family, enjoying a break from city life. She is the daughter of Bob and Claudia Erickson. There was a trip to Lava Hot Springs, a cookout or two, swimming in the farm pond, just being a bit more relaxed overall. The cousins, children of Laural and Jody Janke of Mink Creek were delighted to have a week of constant playmates.

It is motorcycle season on our main road, Highway 36.  Whether it is a single bike or many the road if full of them, going up the canyon, coming down.  It is fun to wonder where they came from and where they are going.  Jackson Hole, WY, attracts many.  Some are just going around the Utah-Idaho loop of the corners of the states.

Lately our days have been dry and hot.  We are needing moisture, and only get a few sprinkles when the forecast says 20-30% thunderstorms likely.  As in the early days of the community, our water sources are still holding up, a reason the early settlers chose this lovely little valley. Gardens are looking good; the raspberries just starting to come on, peas are in the pods. The hum of bees is outdoor music, and awareness. With the heat my spinach is ok, but the lettuce is a bit on the wilted side.