July 21, 2021

 

The young men of the community had the opportunity for a great High Adventure this summer. The group went to southern Utah, Zion’s National Park, camped out for four days. They enjoyed repelling, the slot canyons, water-play in the hot temperatures, being surrounded by such natural beauty, and being together. Those who attended were Hazen Baird, Jacob Stanworth, Jonny Seamons, Conner Iverson and Ty Jepsen with leaders Jesse Wilcox, Lin McKay, and Bishop Paul McKay. One description was that they had gone a thousand miles, to hike 25 miles and get 18 hours of sleep in the total of four days-- adding that it was pure fun.

Preston 1^st Ward held their Girls’ Summer Camp this year at the Westerberg home farm on Station Creek, currently owned by Terry and Wendy Westerberg. It is a beautiful spot. Terry’s brother, Richard, is the Bishop of the Preston 1^st ward.

Danalee and Gene Abernethy swung by for another visit with her parents, Bob and Claudia Erickson. This time they brought with them their son Daniel Abernethy and his fiance, Jane, who were in Utah for a brief stay from Weymouth, MA. This was Jane’s first visit to Mink Creek and she found it to her liking.

Under the direction of leaders Jody Rasmussen, Amy Baldwin, Lacey Christensen and Renae Egley, the Mink Creek Girls’ Camp did some traveling about this year. The young ladies having all this fun were Emma and Kate Rasmussen, Jyllian and Greenlee Christensen, and Samantha Petersen. They started with a hike up Squirrel Hollow which is up nearby Strawberry Canyon, then drove to Beaver Mountain Ski Resort where they set up their camp headquarters. After that bit of housekeeping they played games until ‘lights out.’ The next day was a trip to Bridgerland Adventure Park with a rope course, waterslide, and other offerings. They topped things off with milkshakes before heading back to the camp. That evening they hiked up Little Beaver ski run for some perfect moments of stargazing into a clear night sky. After breaking camp the next morning they took the east route home, going for a dip in Bear Lake at the water trampoline. Kerry Christensen and Trevor Rasmussen were their priesthood representatives.

The outdoor temperature hit 104 degrees this past week. Strong afternoon winds swept up the valley to go over our mountains and down to Bear Lake County on the other side. It is July and has us wondering what August of 2021 will be like. The temps have not discouraged the insect life, earwigs and wasps, hornets seem to be thriving. It is the humans and animals who get a bit wilty. There was a deer enjoying a patch of cool concrete in the shade the other day, a good choice for a nap.

July 14, 2021

 

The Mink Creek Originals reunion was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended, around a hundred people. The event had been planned by Karen Olson Tribett a year ago, then canceled due to the COVID restrictions. Her ‘assistants’ were Mary Olson Carter, Nanct Olson Puente, Janet Olson Bergera, LaNae Larsen Orbin and Kathy Keller Hyde. The party took place at the Mink Creek Ballpark, rather than the customary potluck menu there was a bounteous sack lunch for purchase. The program rolled out as the eldest of each family there reported on the current situation for their extended families represented in the gathering, most of whom have long-time Mink Creek roots. About 30 ancestral families of the community reported. Next year’s gathering will be headed up by Katherine and Leon Noorda.

Claire Jepsen & Smith Larsen were married June 25 in the Ogden Temple, Ogden, UT. Claire is the daughter of Dr. Kerry and Melinda Jepsen. They held a reception at their home on Birch Creek Road that evening. It was planned for outdoors, but a wind and rainstorm blew in and forced the party to move indoors. Inconvenient, but with smiles, in the drought year we are so grateful for any moisture received.

The daughters of Kerry and Lacey Christensen are busy with summer rodeos. Jyllian is the Princess of the War bonnet Rodeo in Idaho Falls, Greenlee is part of the royalty for the Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo. It is good to have the rodeo season open again in this area.

Jeff Olson spent some time with his daughter, Leslie, and her family at their Bear Lake retreat. Cooler days were welcome.

Karl and Marion Haws of Santa Barbara, CA, have spent a month here at their home. Family visitors have been in and out during their stay. Kasey and Julie Haws were up first, to get things opened up and going. Adam and Camene Haws and their children from Solvang, CA, spent a few days reconnecting with the Idaho roots. Aaron and Heather Haws and children from Meridian drive over this direction fairly often.

The smoky heavens have thinned a bit, not gone yet.  It is wonderful to see clouds and blue sky still up there beyond the grey, smelly haze.  The sunsets are still streaked with that orange hue that goes with smoke on the horizon. The winds that have come through are hot, but helps to clear the air.  If you remember the David Kolstad family that lived in Mink Creek a few years ago, then purchased a farm in the Clearwater River area----their sons are fighting fires now within a few miles of their home.  We all need rain, for more reasons than the dry farmland.

JULY 7, 2021

 This won't be the usual Mink Creek News, plus some additions.  The Preston Citizen did not put out a paper for this week with the 4th and all the stuff happening around our neck of the woods --some celebrating on the 3rd,  others on the 5th,  stores and govt. connected offices closed for the most part on the 5th.  I was so glad to see that Big J's in Preston was packed on that day, people inside and double lines of drive thru busy as usual--or more so. I had errands planned for the 5th----the bank, the post office--nothing doing in either one.  Made me want to just stay home and take a day-long nap, but there was too much to do. 

You better believe that our nearby Bear River had it's share of floaters for both the 3rd and the 5th.  The hot temperatures made any type of water play very attractive.  As far as I know there were no accidents.  Any hiking needed to be done in the wee hours of the morning or a person would melt with even the thought of hiking. 

Our Mink Creek Main street  was loaded over the 4 days with campers of one description or another going up the canyons, coming down the canyons.  Starting Thursday evening, then Friday, and Saturday.  By Sunday some had turned around and headed back home.  There couldn't have been an available slot left open for anyone who didn't plan early for this weekend campout.  Where we are just over the mountains from Bear Lake the highway gets its share of boats and jet skis on their way to the beautiful blue pond west of us.   It has been a few days of when our Highway has felt more like a Freeway, cross at your own risk. 

And no one is counting the motorcycles.  Hope you have all enjoyed  this weekend and had a few moments in the celebrating to reflecting on those who have sacrificed over the nearly 250 years of this struggling nation.  One of my ancestors was married on July 4, 1776, in Harford, Conn.  This always gives me reason to reflect on those times, and the times since.  Hope you have had some similar reflections. 

Oops, June 30 2021

 

Sherry and Ernie York are back on their Mink Creek mountainside. Glad to have them home, but I fear they will find this hot weather not much better than that of Arizona. Maybe with that perspective these hot days feel cool.

Karen and Layne Erickson were able to be with daughter Connie and Adam Westenskow when Adam was sustained to be the 2^nd Counselor in the Bishopric of the 17^th ward in Logan. Following that meeting the family went to Wellsville to share dinner at the home of their son Bishop Bryan and Shannon Erickson.

Lin and Sharla McKay and Kent and ReNae Egley managed to squeeze a weekend of leisure time to go to Jackson, WY, and listen to the Bar J Wranglers one more time before that group retires. A mountain ride in the wilds of nearby mountains wound up the summer break. One gets a beautiful view from those heights.

Nicholas Christensen, son of Kim and Wally Christensen, and Elizabeth Lasley were married on June 13. The wedding took place in Logan Canyon.

The family of Roxanna and Mack DeVries enjoyed some vacation time at Yellowstone National Park. Lots of things to see: geysers, buffalo, hot pots, waterfalls, great Yellowstone offerings filled their days.

Jonathan Seamons won first place in the Idaho State USA Wrestling, 170 pound, contest in Greco and Freestyle Wrestling last May. This qualified him to represent Idaho in the Nationals at Indianapolis, IN, this last month. Team Idaho did well and ranked 6^th or 7^th nationally. It was a duals tournament and Jonny was able to compete in several matches. He is the son of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons.

Fathers’ Day was recognized in the LDS Ward with messages and memories. Each father received a bag of treats—-popcorn of a variety of flavors. They could choose from caramel, white chocolate, muddy-buddy, some chewy, some crispy, some popcorn, some corn pops---all a yummy snack!

The children of Carl and Lenna Christensen gathered for a Family Reunion. Some of them live in Mink Creek: Eldon and Danita Wilcox, Forrest and Patti Christensen, Phillip Christensen, Brian Christensen. Others came from some distance: Brad and RaOna Stuart, Vachelle Higbee, Vance and Connie Christensen and many of the grandchildren and great grands.

Preparations for the 3rd --4th of July are well underway.  Volunteers make this happen and it has been a long standing tradition in this little village.  A great many improvements have taken place at the beautiful ballpark  that hosts this annual event. 

June 22. 2021

 

Sundance Watts and Anna Sadler were married June 12 at the Anderson Cove Campground near Huntsville, UT. Sundance is the son of Pearl Watts Lloyd and the late Joseph Lloyd. The new couple will make their home in Mink Creek.

Bill Despain came over from Fielding, UT, to visit with the Longhurst family and spent some time checking on other friends in the area. He is missed in this community, but we are pleased to have him living within easy driving distance.

Charles and Sarah Swann and their children have moved from our village. The past few months they have been here with Charley’s dad and sister, Reed and Penny Swann, while they were searching for a suitable area to settle with jobs, etc. They are now in McCall, ID, checking on possible property sites.

The Relief Society held a spring activity at the Mink Creek Ballpark, our favorite gathering spot. It was a potluck affair with advice to include a lounge chair for comfort. The time was spent visiting and sharing good gardening tips, most appropriate for this time of year.

Sherry and Ernie York are back on their mountainside. Glad to have them home, but I fear they will find this hot weather not much better than that of Arizona. Maybe with that as a perspective these hot days feels cool.

Candy and Emily Longhurst have enjoyed some days in Mexico as a celebration of summer break from school, Candy as an employee and Emily as a recent graduate. They have had fun swimming in the ocean, a slight change in diet, and some relaxing days.

The Mink Creek Ballpark was the scene of a Deacons’ Camp Over for those young men of the Preston North Stake on June 11-12. Those who camped over from our village were Orrin Baird and Morgan Keller. Adults camping with them were Orrin’s brother, James Baird, and Morgan’s father, Jared Keller. LaRon Baird, Orrin’s father was on staff for this event. Ryan Buttars, Young Men’s President of the Preston North Stake was in charge of this event. The guys formed teams and had an opportunity to go through an obstacle course using their united skills. A guest speaker, seminary teacher Brother Conrad, spoke the first night on the subject of the armor of God, comparing it to modern armor. No injuries during the camp out, lots of fun and the joy of learning to work together.

I saw a lovely yellow rose boutonniere in a gentleman’s suit lapel on Father’s Day. Pinned there with simple straight pins. A big smile on his face. For this family the yellow bloom is a tradition for Fathers’ Day, and I was so glad that the roses near that home were still producing blooms. With the dry weather I have noticed that many of those bushes that were full just 10 days ago are now looking pretty withdrawn and folded in.

Gardens, floral and vegetable, are calling for water. So far things are being managed. This season our water sources are not being taken for granted and we are having a thorough understanding as to why our founding fathers chose this little valley for settlement.

June 15, 2021

 

With the first week of June we started the Mink Creek June weddings. This first one was the marriage of McKinley Longhurst, daughter of Candy and the late Sheldon Longhurst, to Skyler Stevens, the son of Jamie and Steve Stevens. It took place at the beautiful outdoor park on the farm of Garland and Dixie Rasmussen on June 5. The weather cooperated with the sun shining on the new Mr. and Mrs. Stevens.

Dawnell and Chad Greene are announcing the birth of a new grandchild. She is Wakely Jade Greene, a lovely little miss and her parents are Heston and Tristin Thomas Greene of Preston.

Nancy and Kevin Alder have been in residence at their home near the top of the Riverdaledugway, enjoying the spring into summer days.

A Saturday morning, following a rainy day, and our Primary children and leaders had planned a “Sacred Grove Experience.” It took place on the farm of Wendy and Terry Westerberg at the end of Station Creek road. Wendy is the 1^st Counselor in our Primary organization. There, in a grove of trees they felt the wonders of such a spot, similar to one that had been chosen by Joseph Smith where he received what is referred to as The First Vision by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The morning was bright, the air was still, there was the scent of wild flowers and spring growth, the light filtered through the trees., even the twittering of birds. This setting encouraged listening when everyone noticed how quiet it could be. It provided a spiritual moment to be remembered for those attending.

The Lewis and Clark Volunteers held their annual encampment on the banks of Mink Creek at the farm of Kim Keller. The Mountain Men group look forward to this occasion on Memorial Day weekend. They have done it for many years. Muskets and costumes were in abundance. Several members of the Vernon Keller family spent the days in Mink Creek, with some participation with the Rendezvous.

The yellow and copper rose bushes have looked so beautiful. In the lower part of the valley they are now looking past their prime, but in the higher levels the beauty is still hanging on for a few more days. The dry weather affects all living things. Some of the dryland hay fields don’t have enough growth to even bother harvesting.

June 8, 2021

 

Bret and Jody Rasmussen scattered some time with family arrivals. Their youngest daughter, Cheyenne Lloyd and family spent some days with them. The Lloyds are currently living in Japan where Cheyenne’s husband is deployed. A bit later another daughter, Brandi and her family enjoyed some Mink Creek time.

Brooke and Josh Reichman were up for a weekend stay with her family. They celebrated the break from school at BYU in Provo, UT, by coming home to the Corbetts, Sherrie and Shane Corbett and Brooke’s brother Austin. Home is a good place to recharge.

Memorial Day increases our local population by about 3 times. So many people come home. There is no way to begin to name all the wonderful friends that were here over those 3 days.

The Hansen House, recently completed on the Hugh and Bonnie Hansen farm, was full of activity. Wes and Heather Hansen and family now live in Ogden, Pat and Dirk Bowles are just down the road in Fairview, ID, and Roxanne and Wes Beutler are over on the west side in Dayton.

Lisa and Sid Whitehouse have been back for a couple of weeks from their new home on the east coast.

Dwain and Carrie Larsen drove down from their home in the Ketchum area and so many memories surfaced. We don’t get to see them often.

Terry and Hayes Carr of Centerville, UT, combined the holiday with the graduating of their daughter, Courtney from USU. Terry is the daughter of MaryJean Rasmussen and the late Larry Rasmussen.

JoAnn and Kevin Auger joined the Jepsen families. Her brother Glen Jepsen and nephew, Kerry Jepsen and family both live on Bear Creek and it was a good time of memories and sharing. The Augers live in Woodland Hills, in Utah.

The Mink Creek cemetery is a beautiful place all year round with a beautiful view of our little valley and then extends to the mountains far to the west. There is even a field of nature’s flowers that crown the top of the area, full of golden mule’s ears at this time of year. Many thanks to those who take care of this sacred acreage.

This isn’t quite within the boundaries of Mink Creek, just over the lower border. A new house is going up in the Narrow Estates. Word has it that it is to be the home of Doug and Diane Higley. There are now 4 homes in that subdivision, and likely more to come.

The fields of alfalfa are being dropped both on irrigated fields and dryland. One can certainly see the difference that water can make in the yield of the crop. With the early heat this year the bales are being hauled off as quickly as possible in order to begin irrigating again, in the hope of a decent second crop.