It has been my privilege for the last 17 years to be the on-site historian and tour director for what Morris Murdock Travel fondly refers to as “The Mother of all Bus Tours”. The July, “American Heritage, Church History Tour” is truly a tale of two cities. Both very different, both very similar and both connected at the hip. You would not have the one without the other.

The opening leg of this journey begins with the birth and celebration of a Nation. To witness the reenactment of General Washington marshalling his troops at Mount Vernon and then watch the 4th of July fireworks over the Potomac inspires deep feelings of patriotism and love for our young country. The Smithsonian’s, the memorials, monuments, tributes and statues all remind us of man's accomplishments and man's follies. Washington D.C. truly is a reflection of all that America has experienced.

Our bus winds its way through the picturesque countryside of the Amish then on to the final resting place of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. As we approach the skyline of New York we are overcome by its grandeur. Passing through the Lincoln tunnel our bus enters Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. For me personally this is my favorite “big city” stop. I love the theater district and the sights, sounds and smells of Times Square. Wicked, Phantom, Jersey Boys and Lion King are all crossed of my list. From here it’s on to Boston and the Freedom Trail, my favorite stop being Faneuil Hall and the mouth- watering lobster I get at Tara’s Seafood diner.

When I was a young girl, I used to pretend that I was Laura Ingalls. I could see myself sitting in the wagon as the family traveled across the prairie facing dangers from Indians and blizzards, wearing my sunbonnet and running barefoot through the tall grass.

Recently, my dreams were somewhat realized when my husband and I accompanied the youth from the Sandy Hillcrest Stake on a “Pioneer Trek” along a portion of the Mormon Trail in Wyoming. We had the wonderful opportunity to be a “Ma and Pa” and had 7 amazing “children” assigned to our family. Together we pulled a handcart 25 miles, up and down hills, through the endless sagebrush and across knee-deep creeks. We walked and laughed and walked and sang and truly experienced to a small degree what the early Pioneers endured as they too crossed the plains in search of a better life. In those 3 days of trekking, my appreciation for these brave men and women increased dramatically. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget.

Fortunately not everyone needs to endure the hardships of walking and sleeping under the stars to learn about LDS Church History. Morris Murdock Escorted Tours offers a variety of tours designed to teach about the early members of the church and to visit the places where so many faith-building experiences took place (and all in the comfort of air conditioned motor-coaches and hotels with soft beds.)

Have you always wanted to see the Hill Cumorah and the Sacred Grove? How about Old Nauvoo, the beautiful city on the banks of the Mississippi river? Don’t put it off. Take the opportunity to strengthen your testimony of Church History by visiting these places today. (Handcart NOT included!)

It was our last day in El Mirador. We had already seen so much in such a short amount of time. We didn’t want it to end.

After the helicopter ride into El Mirador, we also wanted to get a feel for the trekking experience. So we started down the path away from the camp toward the town of Carmelita; the trekkers jumping-off point. We followed a trekker from Australia, her guide and several donkeys loaded with gear so believe me, we had a trail of you know what to follow through the jungle.

A family of spider monkeys followed us from above as we made our way deeper into the jungle, no doubt wondering what kind of strange animals actually walked when swinging through the trees was so much more fun. After following the donkey for a little while, I would have much preferred swinging through the trees with our monkey friends. We were pleasantly surprised from time to time with a 2000 year old stele standing alone or a little blue coffee-pot hanging from a stick to mark the trail.

I had never really thought about doing a River Cruise to see Europe. I have to say after having this wonderful experience to cruise down the Rhine River, I would go on another one in a second. Our cruise was booked through Uniworld and our boat was called the River Empress.

We started our journey in Amsterdam and were met by a Uniworld representative to transfer us to the boat. Upon arriving to the boat (mini cruise ship) I was in awe to see these boats lined up along the river and realize how big the river really is. We were welcomed by a friendly staff and couldn’t believe how easy the check in was.