Conner Ray Corbin
Age: 14
School Attending: Centennial Middle School
About me: I am in the Teacher’s Quorum of the Edgemont 10th Ward, Provo, Utah. In my family I have four siblings and my mom and dad. I have a bird, like to build things, play outdoor sports, and enjoy playing the cello, piano, and harmonica. I love to do art and help people.
I am representing Thomas Gibson. He was 13 years old as he trekked, and was part of the Daniel Robison Handcart Company in 1860. Most of his family was there for the trek, and the rest were born when the family arrived in the Salt Lake Valley.
I’m attending the trek because it will be fun, hard, and will be a once in a life time experience.
Mormon Trail Handcart Trek 2010: The Last Crossing 
58 responses to “Conner Ray Corbin”
Alison Hollingworth
May 21st, 2010 at 19:09
Dude! I had no idea you could play so many instruments! That’s so cool! I luv how Brett said he luvs his dogs! Haha! That reminded me of Valentines Day cookies! 🙂 I miss you on the bus and at mutual! Sorry about your bloody nose and all those hurtfullnesses. I have never had a bloody nose, but they sound horrible! 😦 Have lot’s of fun, and don’t get homesick! (We miss you very much though)
Conner Corbin
May 25th, 2010 at 21:46
OK, thanks! I guess I’ll see you in 3 months
Alison Hollingworth
June 6th, 2010 at 20:10
It’s Kennedy’s B-day on the 10th! AHHHHHHHHHH! I am going to lose her, and I’m afraid I’m going to get released! Well, what ever happens, it’s what Heavenly Father wants. Hahaha….. 😦
What did it feel like to be released. Please tell me. : ?
Michelle (Mom) Corbin
May 22nd, 2010 at 12:09
That’s my boy! “Be strong, and follow through”…our family motto. Thanks for being such a wonderful example of this Conner. You are such a wonderful, Christ-like son…you guys are amazing! I love you with hugs and squishes. Mom P.S. I hope you are doing fabulously well as chaplain, and accomplishing your daily prayers and scriptures. I can’t wait to hear of your experiences that have brought you closer to your Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and your earthly brother, Brett. Thanks for making an extra effort for me and being detailed in your writings so that I can hear all about it. ; )
Eliza Rose Corbin
May 22nd, 2010 at 12:24
Hi Conner,
I love you.
Eliza
conner
June 2nd, 2010 at 15:02
Hi Eliza, I love you too. thanks for taking care of the birds.
Brandon Corbin
May 22nd, 2010 at 18:11
Hey man! Hows the trek? I heard you had an interesting experience with a tic. That sounded fun. Otherwise sounds like you are having a blast! The chickens are doing awesome and so is the pterodactyl. Hope you are enjoying the trek! Keep us in touch! Peace!
Michelle (Mom) Corbin
May 22nd, 2010 at 18:24
I wasn’t sure if my last message processed…so, I’m going to try again just in case. Just wanted to say, “Hi!” I miss you, but am so glad that you are being so strong; “Be strong and follow through”…our family motto. I’m sure you are having plenty of opportunities to practice this! ; ) I am grateful that you are safe, healthy and strong. Heavenly Father really has blessed us, hasn’t He?
I want to THANK you (hint, hint) for writing such detailed journal entries in your personal journal so that you can come home and share all of your experiences you are having. I CAN’T WAIT! ; ) And…drawing some cool pictures of all of the different scenes you are seeing. Justin mentioned that he wanted to also in his description of himself. Maybe you 2 could have a drawing party!
Well, know that I love you and admire what you are doing.
Eternally yours,
Mom
Conner Corbin
May 25th, 2010 at 21:48
Thank you for remembering me. I’ll just get the messages once a week, but I’ve read everything so far. I love you so much and miss you too, you’re the best mom in the world! (Shari is doing a good job while you’re not here though)
Michelle (Mom) Corbin
May 22nd, 2010 at 18:26
uhh…..it did work! Oh well, you get two! ; )
(Uncle) Jeff Neese
May 23rd, 2010 at 18:35
Hey Conner, How are you? I just wanted to write to you and let you know how proud I am of both of you for bravery and courage to do this treck. So where are you at now? Is the schedule on this web site accurate to dates and locations you are at? Hope you are having a good time and be safe. Walk on Brotha. Love Jeff
Conner Corbin
May 25th, 2010 at 21:50
Thanks for the support! I love you too 🙂
Robin Turner
May 23rd, 2010 at 20:11
Hi Conner!
I am thinking of you and Brett often. I think you guys are AMAZiING for doing this. Stay strong!
Love,
Aunt Robin (and all of the Turner’s too)
Emily Neese
May 23rd, 2010 at 21:03
Conner, we are all hoping you are doing good and that you have gotten over the blisters you started out with. Keep up the good work you guys are doing, keep smiling you great smile. Hugs and kisses to you and Brett. Love you guys lots and pray for your safety each night.
Conner Corbin
May 25th, 2010 at 21:53
I have only got four blisters. Thanks for visiting us, it was great having you and grandpa with us. Hugs and kisses for both of you!
Jamie Morgan
May 25th, 2010 at 11:14
Dear Conner,
I am so proud of you and very jealous of the wonderful experience you are having! You are an inspiration to me for the hard work and dedication you are showing by being on this great adventure. Are you keeping the rest of the group entertained with your harmonica playing? I hope so! I have always wanted to learn how to play the harmonica, but I’m kind of tone deaf! I want you to know how much we love you and miss you each week in quorum and Wednesday night activities! You are a very strong young man and these experiences you are having will carry you throughout your life as you become a missionary, husband and father! What great tales you can tell to your kids and grandkids! You are creating a great legacy for you and your family!
Sincerely,
Jamie
Conner Corbin
May 25th, 2010 at 21:55
Thanks for writing me. I’m sure that you could learn how to play the harmonica. It’s great fun! I can’t wait to be back at mutual on Wednesday nights.
Sincerely,
Conner
Conner Corbin
May 25th, 2010 at 22:11
Day 13. 185 miles.
We arrived in Grand Island today. I never thought we were going to here. We took some wrong turns and had to walk an extra 3 miles. We didn’t get in to camp until 8:30pm.
Overall it’s been pretty good. We got to take real showers for the first time yesterday and the day before. It was refreshing. We also washed our clothes in a bucket. We got to swim in the lake yesterday and sleep in. Our favorite pastime is playing on the merry-go-rounds that are at most parks we stay at. People in the campground yesterday were really nice and gathered around our handcart. They asked us questions and supported us and had a go of the handcart themselves. We gave away some Books of Mormon.
Today we were interviewed for the local newspaper before we left camp and then another reporter came with a photographer to ask questions and get our pictures during the day while we were walking.
Last night we set up a tarp to sleep under instead of in a tent. There was rain and wind and lightning right above us, but we stayed dry. We’re hoping for more thunder tonight.
It’s hard being out here doing what we’re doing, but it’s worth the experience. I guess it will take the full three months and longer after that to fully appreciate it though. Thanks for everyone’s support, it definitely helps me to feel good about what I’m doing and push forward.
Love,
Conner
Michelle Corbin
May 26th, 2010 at 12:50
SOOOOOOOOO fun to hear from you Conner! I LOVE all of the detail!! ; ) Glad to hear all is well. Why the tarp instead of the tent? Those extra 3 miles must have felt like 10! What was the total amount of miles you walked yesterday? Love you all…♥ Mom
conner
June 2nd, 2010 at 14:58
I guess the tent is not sturdy enough for the wind and the rain. I love you mom.
Grandma Neese
May 26th, 2010 at 11:58
Makes me so proud of you Conner for following through with your commitment to help out with the trek. I can tell you are becoming stronger and dedicated to this trip. Keep up the good work. Sorry to hear you had to walk an extra 3 miles, that would be really hard, but you guys stood up to the task and made it. We love you and think of youand pray for all of you every day. Lots of hugs and kisses from us.
Grandma Neese
conner
June 2nd, 2010 at 14:55
thanks for writing to me. I love you Grandma.
Grandpa Neese
May 26th, 2010 at 14:36
Grandma and I were over to This is the Place Monument yesterday and were thinking about all of you on the trek. We are praying for you Conner and all of you every day. We really enjoy the updates. I love the idea of listening to the rain on the tarp and the lightning and thunder. That makes this trip even more exciting and real.
How are the boots holding up? When I think about the pioneers wearing out their shoes/boots and walking at times in bare feet, at times in snow, I’m just glade you won’t have to do that.
We tell friends and family every chance we get about your trek and how proud we are of all of you. By their reactions as we tell them, it’s obvious that they too think you guys are doing something very special and memorable. I know the Lord will be with you and bless you for this effort to remember those pioneers who suffered and triumphed and made for us what we have today here in this beautiful valley, the Salt Lake Valley.
Grandpa.
conner
June 2nd, 2010 at 14:53
I cant wait to cpme over the hill to this is the place monument , it will be o exciting. My shoes are holding up pretty good, but it’s the blisters i am worried about. I love you Grandma and Grandpa.
Christine Rancie
May 27th, 2010 at 22:34
I was thinking of sending a harmonica to you guys and then I read that you play! It is such a great thing to be able to do and so easy to carry along with you. I hope you bring it out all the time. I am glad you are there with our friends, the Haydon’s.
Elisa and Scott’s Mum, Chris
conner
June 2nd, 2010 at 14:46
sounds good. I will try to get it out as much as possible.
DaeNeese
May 29th, 2010 at 13:12
Hi Conner! it is so good to see that you are doing well and that you are enjoying the things you are learning while you are out there. I love you so MUCH! Keep being a fabulous example and a strong man. (: I like many others have been praying for you every night and think about you often during the day.
Your favorite big sister,
DaeNeese
HUGS AND KISSES!!
conner
June 2nd, 2010 at 14:45
thanks for the prayers . I love you so much and you will always be my favorite big sister.
Michelle Corbin
May 29th, 2010 at 13:30
Extra energy…on it’s way! Hope you enjoy it! Left this morning at 7:30 am our time (8:30 yours). Love ya, Mom
conner
June 2nd, 2010 at 14:39
Sounds good ! thanks mom. I am sure it cold definitely be used.
Alison Hollingworth
June 7th, 2010 at 23:37
You’ll need all that stuff. There were like 50 tornadoes around the area of America that you’re in yesterday and today. I don’t know if that usually happens, because I looked up tornadoes on the weather for the first time today. There weren’t any Nebraska (Thank goodness!) But there were alot in the states around it. You guys are very much in my prayers and I fasted for you guys this Sunday with my family. I had no idea how much you’d need it. Keep living, and just say you’re prayers and read scriptures and all that stuff, and you’ll be fine. 🙂
Alison Hollingworth
June 8th, 2010 at 22:17
AHHHHH! I jinxed myself! Why do I always do that!? My father said that you saw a tornado yesterday! Oh my goodness, I am so grateful so many people are praying for you guys! I always jinx myself I should never say bad things cause then they’ll happen! AHH! JK, but I do jinx myself an awful lot!
conner corbin
June 13th, 2010 at 15:28
Thanks for the fasting and the prayers, and thanks for remembering us.
Alison Hollingworth
June 14th, 2010 at 21:59
U is very welcome! 🙂
Michelle Corbin
June 2nd, 2010 at 15:23
Clive says that things went much better after we talked yesterday. Keep up the good work! “What can I do to help?”, or 3 steps: Look around, see it, do it. Then, always encourage the other boys to do the same…there’s always work to be done. ; )
Love ya bud, Mom
Michelle Corbin
June 2nd, 2010 at 15:25
P.S. You are strong and are following through…thanks! May Heavenly Father and His guardian angels always be with you. ❤
Michelle Corbin
June 5th, 2010 at 17:30
Hi Conner,
It’s Saturday today. Dad’s at work (LDS Hospital day) Brandon is playing in a tournament in Payson, Eliza is playing with Nikki C. and I am cleaning up after the dogs in the kitchen. Just thought I would take a little break and say “hi” to my boys…
I hope you are well. Brandon tells me that you boys are plain ol’ ripping the ticks out of you. I talked to Randy (Dr. Crockett) who grew up in tick country (Missouri). He says that you boys should be wearing bug repellent every day! Then, if you happen to get a tick, you should pull them out carefully, turning counter clockwise as you pull. If you get any red rings around where there were ticks, you need to be seen by a doctor right away as you may contract lime disease, which you really do NOT want! Can you pass it along, bud. I figured I could count on you to get the info, out to everyone else. Are you out of repellent? If so, will they buy more?
Still thinking non-stop about you…Hope everything is going real well.
I love you,
Mom
Michelle Corbin
June 10th, 2010 at 10:58
I canceled my facebook account. I will look forward to communicating with you by phone, blog and gmail. You have a gmail account, right? If not, Brett can help you make one. Glad to hear that you are all weathering the “storms” . I told Brett, “You guys could make a movie out of this!” I’m so glad you are in good spirits, health, and all. You are almost half way there! ; ) Love you, Mom
conner corbin
June 13th, 2010 at 15:43
To the best mom in the world,
thank you for all the info about ticks and how everyone is doing. during the week I am just waiting to get on the blog and hear all the comments. I love you so much and cant wait to talk to you tonight. I think we have got enough repellent and clive said that he would be willing to put bug spray on the list. We have not been putting it on everyday but I will tell clive to add that to our morning routine. I keep on telling brett that I am excited to go too high school with him and that i am in the same peer tutoring period as him.remind me to tell you abut the rattle snake story on the phone tonight. I love you mom..
Alison Hollingworth
June 13th, 2010 at 21:49
O my goodness. u are going to be in high school! I hate when I have late reactions… (So are Tiffany and Audrey and Kennedy. O my goodness) 🙂
Grandma Neese
June 16th, 2010 at 14:28
Think about you guys every day, hoping you are doing well and that the trek is treating you good. How is the harmonica playing coming along? Learning some new songs on your own? Fun to just play anything you can think of, make up your own tune. You a Brett are in our prayers a couple of times each day that things are going well. You are more than half way by now. Just keep one foot in front of the other and the day will go quickly. Love you lots, Grandma
motrekkers
June 25th, 2010 at 21:05
I have learned a couple new songs and I think that it is pretty fun. I cant wait to see you again that will be so great . Love you Grandma.
Michelle Corbin
June 16th, 2010 at 19:54
Hello Conner!
Well, here it is already Wednesday. It’s very windy and dark and cloudy here. I am wondering how things are going for you guys. Can you believe that you are about half way home? I am sure that you have noticed a difference in the landscape around you. As we drove from Nebraska through Wyoming, we saw a big difference! Alot less trees & water and alot more open spaces of wheat fields and dry grasses. Have you had a chance to do much drawing?
Things are going good here. I updated Brett on all of the individual activities of everyone. You can read his blog comments to catch up on everyone too. ; ) Everyone always wants to know how you boys are doing…there are so many people thinking about and praying for you. What a blessing! I am so grateful.
I love you and can’t wait for a hug! ; )
Mom XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO (enough for Brett too, I forgot to put some on his post)
motrekkers
June 25th, 2010 at 21:12
I have noticed a bog difference in the weather and landscape. i keep on forgetting about the drawing but i will remember sometime thanks for remembering me mom and ope your preschool is doing well love youXOXOXOXOXOXOXO I hope that’s enough.
Michelle Corbin
June 27th, 2010 at 16:45
Pants are fallin’ down, eh? uh,oh…oh well, we pretty much knew that would come. How do you feel? That’s the big question!? Did you go through the stomach thing everyone seemed to get? Hope you and Brett are taking your garlic! Love ya, Mom
Conner
July 14th, 2010 at 20:56
no ,I did not but have been taking garlic .
love you,
conner
Brandon
June 27th, 2010 at 18:22
Sup dude! How have things been? I heard the story of the rattle snake you guys found. Sounds like fun! I just got back from BYU basketball camp on thursday.I am proud to have you as my younger brother. I have been working for sis. Berret. She continually talks about how Corbin is an awesome worker. She really loves you and how you work so hard. Keep it up and I will see you in a couple of months. See ya!
Conner
July 14th, 2010 at 21:02
sup,tell sis. berret thanks for that. I hope basketball camp was fun for you.It is down to a couple of weeks now, I am so excited to see youtahnks for the message.see ya,bro.
Eliza Rose Corbin
June 27th, 2010 at 21:43
Hi Conner, how you doin’? i hope you’ve been enjoying the time with Haydon’ s and Justin .I love you and hope you enjoy your last month on the trails and only being outside. Love ,
Eliza
Conner
July 14th, 2010 at 21:07
Hi , Eliza it has been very fun but hard. how is it going, how are the chickens. I hope that it has not been to hard for you. I love you eliza and I really miss you. Love Conner
Ann Packard
June 28th, 2010 at 23:02
Connor – This is Ann Packard, BYU reporter covering your story now! Just wanted to ask you a couple of questions – and hope you can reply by Tuesday night!
1. What type of preparations for the trek were you involved in before you left? Being as descriptive as possible will be helpful!
2. Considering the preparations that you made – how did they prepare you physically, mentally and spiritually? And if not, what advice would you give someone now?
I will be asking all those that can write the same question, and would be very appreciative of any input all can offer.
For next weeks article, I would like to focus on the “celebrations” that your company have experienced, such as birthdays along the way, Samuel’s ordination, the half-way point, arriving in Martin’s Cove, 4th of July and any other celebrations that you feel are newsworthy!
Look forward to hearing back from you.
ann
Grandpa Neese
June 29th, 2010 at 18:34
Hello Connor, I feel like it’s been to long since I said hi and how’s it going? From the reports we get from your mother, it sounds like things are going very well. Of course when your undertaking such a great challenge as you are, it’s obvious your going to learn things that you otherwise would never have had experienced in your life. That’s what makes this trek such a great challenge and wonderful learning experience. You will never meet anyone during your life time that has done what you are doing. That makes this whole thing all the more exciting and incredible. We are thinking of you every day and praying for you daily, as I’m sure many, many others are as well.
Keep strong, stay happy and know you are doing a great thing. Love, Grandpa Neese
Conner
July 14th, 2010 at 21:13
hi grandpa thank you for the letter it brings joy to read them. thanks for the shoes and the belt to hold up my pants. I love you very much and I wish I could call you every sunday to , Love you, conner.
DaeNeese
July 6th, 2010 at 19:36
Hi my adorable brother!
It was so good to see the pictures mom took while she was there visiting you guys. I love you SO MUCH! i am so so excited to hear that you might be back sooner than when you originally said! (: I am so glad you are learning and being so strong! again i love you.
DaeNeese
Conner
July 14th, 2010 at 21:17
thanks DaeNeese, I love you so much too. I can not wait to see you guys again. It will be so awsome. How is school going and how is it to visit home love you DaeNeese.
conner
Michelle (Mom) Corbin
July 7th, 2010 at 16:04
I am sooo glad that I got to see you boys this weekend! ; ) Loved all the catching up, and trekking together (not to mention the camping, etc.). It was truly a pleasure for all of us. I loved singing along with your harmonica playing. You are getting soo good! It was good to see how you all work your daily schedule together, and to feel the spirit of it all. You are really accomplishing something wonderful.
Brandon and Spencer are planning to come see you this Fri. (the 9th). I’m sure it will fun for all, again.
I love you. See you soon…(24th-ish)
Love, Mom
Conner
July 14th, 2010 at 21:23
Dear, mom I love you so much. I am so glad that you guys were able to come out and trekit is so fun knowing that it is only a week and a half away. I am sorry that we were not able to call you or write but I finally got to get on. elder page is so awsome it is a blast with him love you mom xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo.
Michelle Corbin
July 16th, 2010 at 18:10
Conner, It was so fun to get your call today! I’m sorry about your shoes. I think 1 week is your fastest record of wearing out shoes. What shall we do with you??? I would love to run out there and give you a replacement pair. I’m glad you have another old pair you can use, but what about Brett!!?? What – about – Brett! Yikes! He and his shoes are so hard to keep up with! Please have him call me if it becomes an emergency, and he really needs some. Are his soles completely shot after today?
Virginia also told me that you guys did 42 miles yesterday! How in the world? I can hardly imagine! You are going to be so strong by the time you get home! Yard/house work will be nothin’!
I love you to pieces Conner! You make this last week your best ever in service to your trek fam. You are definitely being strong, and following through. Tell Elder Page thank you for making the trek so much fun. What a blessing he showed up to add a little spice for the last few weeks. I expect to hear an awesome harmonica duet by you and he upon your arrival.
Love, Mom