This Is My Last Post, Unless It's Not

This has been one fantastic journey. Some days I feel like I am still on the tour bus and feel a little morose when I realize that I am not. That little family of newly made friends was enduring as well as enlightening. Just like our Tuesday night Adult Religion Class with Joseph McConkie, we didn't want it to end. Barbara and I thoroughly enjoyed our two week tour and would recommend it to anyone. If you go, be prepared to be up at 6:00 a.m., having your luggage packed and outside your hotel room door at 7:00 a.m., eat breakfast and on the bus by 8:00 a.m. everyday. There is lots of bus drive time. Late hour lectures at the hotel. It's hard work. It felt a lot like being in school without the tests. On the other hand, you meet the most interesting and fun people. You will learn the most unbelievable things. Get ready to get a little physical with some mild to moderate hiking. We were spiritually fed until we were full. You are in very close proximity to highly educated and enlightened tour guides. We hope some of it rubbed off. And you know what? We want to do it again. You really don't need to subscribe to the North American Geographic Model for the Book of Mormon to go on the tour. All you need to do to qualify for this trip is have an open mind and a desire to learn some really neat stuff.

So here is the deal, if you think you are one of those folks who would desire to embark on such an adventure here is some information for you:

http://www.clawsonshields.com/ Mary Ellen or John Elggren, Tour Guides and Owners

http://www.hillcumorahhistory.com/ Wayne May, Archaeologist and Tour Guide

http://www.bookof mormonevidence.org Rod Meldrum, DNA Researcher and Tour Guide

Click on the link above to go to the site.

Begin your quest by purchasing two DVDs: Wayne May's, "BOOK of MORMON Archaeology in North America" and Rod Meldrum's, "DNA Evidence for Book of Mormon Geography". I have copies of these DVDs at my home. You can call me at 801-226-1520 for single copies. I probably won't be mailing any. Pick up only, thanx. Yer welcome.

A similar tour (Ultimate LDS Tour) is in the works for the first week of October of 2009. I was next to Mary Ellen and Rod in the Minneapolis Airport while they were planning it. Mark it on your calendar. Clawson-Shield Tours will correct any faux paus I may have made announcing something I have no say in.

So, what's next? How 'bout a little geology mixed with a smattering of plate tectonics and a sprinkling of thermal dynamics in a whole 'new geological earth model.' Anyone want to try a taste? Stand by.

Last Day(s) October 18 2008

The Last Album of the Tour But Not the Last Post

Headed Home! Can't Wait To See You.

This has been quite the adventure. It was the first tour of its kind ever in the annals of the restored Church. (At least we like to think we are special) We were lucky enough to be part of an LDS group (a very interesting make-up of people) to visit the Land of the Book of Mormon. If you agree or not agree with this geographic model, it was still fun and very exciting. We had lots of lectures by Wayne May, Rod Meldrum, Harman Rector, Jr. and Mary Ellen Eggren. No time was wasted while on or off the bus. Our driver, Paul, who was a great sport and a funny guy, had his ears filled. He thinks we are nuts and he is right. Paul was as daring as us. inasmuch he drove into some very tight spots and narrow roads, where buses as big as ours were not suppose to go. Our group was diverse. Several widows, lots of seniors, some as old as 92 and as young as a day and a half. We, however, shared the same belief that the Book of Mormon lands are right here in North America. I recommend seeing Rod Meldrum's DVD on the DNA and Wayne May's DVD on the archaeology. I also recommend Waynes 3 This Land book series. Nevertheless, whether you believe that the Book of Mormon took place in North America, Meso America or Indonesia (some really do!) it is the message not the geography that remains most important. No matter how many artifacts or ancient cities or petrogliffs are found, the authenticity of the Book in substantiated by spiritual means only. Who wants to go next year?

Big Spring and Stone Fort Photo Album

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Mosiah 18:1-17 & 3 Nephi 3:23-26

http://scriptures.lds.org/en/mosiah/18(Click on this link and see verses 1-17) Today we visited two sites. The first place we visited was in the Missouri Ozark Mountains, South of St. Louis. This was a beautiful drive through rolling hills, and dense oak and fur tree forests. We subsequently ended up at a place called Big Springs. If this is not the Waters of Mormon, it should be. The pictures do not do it justice. The 'fountain of water' (see scripture link above) is aqua blue, crystal clear and boils up about 3 feet from the surface. Water crest grows freely on its banks. This is indeed a special place. It fits well with all geographic locations including Helam and Zerahemla. Let's talk.

http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/3 (Click on this link and see verses 13-26) For the second half of the day, we drove to the Southern tip of Illinois. Wayne May has located 41 hill top forts that string across Illinois from the Mississippi River on the West and Ohio River on the East. The forts are built on rock wall out croppings and are as large as 5 to 20 acres or larger. The forts were lookouts for Gadianton robbers trying to get to the Nephite/Lamanites. the robbers would be stopped between the forts. The area South of the 41 forts was the land where the people grew crops and raised their animals for almost 7 years. Subsequently, the Gadianton robbers were defeated and everyone returned to their separate cities.

Nauvoo, Carthage and Zarahemla Slideshow

Back In Nauvoo, Carthage and Zarahemla

What a treat. The many times Barbara, our family and myself visited Nauvoo while at chiropractic school and on vacation, we always asked the question, as we stood around the foundation where the Temple once stood, "will the Nauvoo Temple ever be rebuilt?" Seeing the Temple for the first time since its resurrection, was a special treat. It stands so prominent and proud on its hill, even in the rain. It is magnificently beautiful.

Barbara and I had the privilege to attend a morning endowment session with many on the tour. It had to be the highlight of the day and probably the high point of the Church history part of the trip. The rest of the day was spent visiting all of our favorite homes and sites in old Nauvoo, ending the day with dinner at the Hotel Nauvoo, and watching the missionary couples staring in that favourite musical, "Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo."

Today we drove over to Montrose where the Saints gathered after being driven out of Nauvoo. Joseph Smith was told to build two cities: Nauvoo and a second city directly across the Mississippi to be named, Zarahemla. Zarahemla never was never as large as Nauvoo, never the less, Joseph was obediant to the Lord's command. It was, however, large enough to be a stake at the time. The Montrose area could be the right sight for the Zarahemla of the Book of Mormon according to our guides.

From Montrose the bus drove us to Carthage, Illinois. Not much has changed much since we visited there last. It is always heart rendering and very thought provoking. If you are planning to visit Carthage in the future, I would suggest visiting the museum directly across the street from the Carthage Jail front door. They have some very interesting Hopewell artifacts and fun Church history reprint material along with other interesting stuff.

Mixed Up Mess

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This Photoalbum is 'buggen' me. Har, har!

Zelph Exposed........Zelph Who?

There it is, right there. In the picture I am pointing to the Burrows Mound, better known to the LDS as Zelph Mound. Here is the short story. After crossing the Quincy River in Illinois, a group of men with Joseph Smith climbed a small hill East side of the river. This was Zion's Camp. Two hundred plus men coming from as far as New York were in the process of marching to Jackson, Missouri to defend the Saints and reclaim their land. This little climb took them to one of dozens of Indian mounds in the area. Joseph gave permission for the men to dig. Close to the surface, a skeleton of a large man was unearthed. Comparing the thigh bone to Joseph's (he was 6'+ tall) they determined the remains to be of a person 6 feet 8" tall. The bones, having been exposed to the air, quickly disintegrated. What was left was a arrow head lodged between his ribs. Soon after this experience, Joseph was given a vision. It was revealed to him that they were in the land of the Book of Mormon. Zelph, a righteous Lamanite, lived during the last great battles that annihilated the Nephities. (Remember, the Nephites are the bad guys now.) He served under a righteous King named Onega known from the Rockey Mountains to the East sea. There are several accounts by the brethren who recorded their stories in journals. Joseph wrote about this in a letter to Emma. Now for the rest of the story: Zions Camp made it to the Missouri border bearing the flag that said PEACE. They were met by a large group of men led by the governor, who told them if they crossed the state line, they would all be killed. They returned to their homes without firing a shot. Several things came out of this experience. One was that most of the future Church leaders came from this group. Another, Joseph told them after having traveled 1500 miles, they had just crossed the Land of the Book of Mormon. (Go to the comments on this post and read what is going on here with the mound and the LDS members in this area.)

HERE IS A TIP! Stop buying stock. Try this instead.

Click on the posted pictures. You can see a lot more detail. Also, we welcome comments you can make on any of the postings.

Fort Ancient and Miamisburg Mound

Today was another beautiful day with lots to see and do. Because it is Columbus Day, many of the guided sites were closed. This was true with Fort Ancient. But just as we drove up, the site curator pulled up in his truck. Wayne May spoke with him for a minute and next thing we knew, we were inside the site and in the museum. The curator gave a rousing lecture on the history of the Fort along with a site archaeologist. Remember, this was their day off. The picture on the left is the Miamisburg Mound. Barb and I are standing with Rod Meldrum, the DNA guy. One person was buried here. No one has fully excavated the mound. It is not the tallest at 68 feet. Wayne suggests it is an Adena (Jaredite) mound because of it's size.

The rendering on the right shows Fort Ancient. The guide suggests it was built by four families and never contained more than a few thousand people. He also described it as religious site. According to the on site experts, these are all sacred sites of idol worship. Wayne says this fort follows a pattern of being a defensive city. The bottom part of the map is the older Jaradite fort. There is a narrow connection to the top all built by the Nephities. There are 67 tower breaks in the burmed wall which had a wooden 15 foot fence around the parameter. The 67 breaks in the wall the guide described as gates. This fort is built on a flat hill with very steep sides. You decide who is right.

The picture in the middle is a famous Indian chief. There were more than 20 of these pictures in the museum at Fort Ancient. Each one is wearing a turban and European style clothes. Not one of these guys had ever been to nor had they ever met anyone from Europe. They just knew how to dress.

NOTICE: The Problem Is Fixed!

I fixed the Photobucket problem. Just click on the picture on the post. It will take you to a secure site that will ask you for a password. Type in 'mormon'.
Vohla!

Mounds, Forts and Fun

We arrived at the Seip Mounds at 8:30 a.m. The high today was around 82 degrees. This is the largest concentration of mounds in Ohio. The site was excavated in the late 1800s and again around 1932. Subsequently, many of the mounds were leveled to build barracks for soldiers in the First World War. Many remains were found here buried with artifacts made of copper from Michigan or Tennessee, mica from North Carolina and sharks teeth from the Gulf coast. Today, these sites are beautifully maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. The many of the artifacts are currently on display in a museum in the visitors center. The ranger explained that some items are not exhibited. They found very finely woven linen. Their belief as that the Indians could not have produced them so they put them along with other items, that didn't seem to belong', in storage. They displayed buckskin clothes instead. The latest science discoveries show that the Hopewell(300 B.C.-400 A.D.) and Adena (1400 B.C.-500 A.D.) civilizations did produce these and other modern implements and tools along with advanced agriculture. Time to rewrite the history books. (Go to comments)

Earthworks and Flint Works Well, Too

Today we visited the town of Newark, Ohio. Ohio is the swing state for the Presidential elections. Barack and John are campaigning here somewhere in earnest. Newark sits on one of the largest earthworks from the Hopewell Indians. It takes up most of the city. Click on pic to see more.

We also visited the earthworks at the Moundbuilders Golf County Club. And we found flint at the 20 mile Flint Ridge Quarries (click on pic for more info) We walked miles today. It was great exercise and unbelievably exciting!

Friday, October 10 Album

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Picture Album of Kirkland, Ohio Oct. 9th

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Land of the Book of Mormon?

Tomorrow we begin the DNA and archaeology portion of our tour. This evening, Wayne May brought us up to date on the cutting edge of the research on the pre-columbian indians. Here is what researchers, leading archaeologists, and private groups, including the Smithsonian, are saying. Due to current DNA investigations along with field work in central and north-eastern United States the new belief is that North America was first inhabited by industrialized, highly educated people who were mostly agrarian and came here from eastern Europe and the middle east by boat. Wow! Ever heard of that before? More to come.
This is a copper speare head owned by Wayne May.

The Saints and the Hansens in Kirkland

Kirkland, Ohio was by far the deep well where the Saints drank from the waters of revelation. The restored town of Kirkland, including the Newel K. Whitney Store, the Temple, the sandstone quarry are all wonderful spiritual treats. However, when you come here, don't forget the John Johnson home in Hiram. While overlooked by many, a real cornerstone to the restoration.

Hill Cumorah - Beginning of the End

Wayne May, archaeologist to Precolumbian indians lectures on the dispostion of the sacred records and the final Nephite/Laminite battle. Read in http://scriptures.lds.org/en/morm/6 how the Hill Cumorah was a stratigic area for the Nephities leading to their final destruction but also becomes the final resting place of the golden plates.

This Is An Photo Album

Photobucket Album

Smith Family Farm Fence

Here I am at the original Smith farm rock fence located just East of the Palmyra Temple East parking lot. Joseph and his brothers built it under the direction of Joseph Smith, Sr., if he employed the 'delegation principle'. This tour is both a look at Book of Mormon North American geograhics as well as a visit of Church Historical and Sacred sights.

The Beginning-the Grove

Our journey begins where the boy prophet's calling began. We were blessed with a wonderful sermon by Elder Hartman Rector, Jr. in the Sacred Grove, Palmyra, New York. In his narrative of the story, it is his opinion as well as other general authorities, Joseph was given the high priesthood as were all prophets when they were called, in order that he have the power to translate the golden plates from the beginning. This is in line with the calling of all other prophets, even at Joseph's young age. Peter, James and John came later to set him and Oliver Cowdery apart as apostles.

My Myrtle......Commercial Break

Off to Palmyra and the Sights of Upper New York

Tomorrow we fly into Rochester, New York. We will be in Palmyra for two days to visit Church and local sites. The Church Historical sites and visitor centers are he best! They hold such a special spirit. The missionary couples are wonderful and represent the Church so well. We cannot wait to see them again and visit the Palmyra Temple for the first time.

Still stuck in Orem......

We are a week away from starting our blog in earnest. We will officially start on the evening of October 6th in Palmyra, New York. Here is the deal: Barbara and I will be on the first ever Book of Mormon tour in North America. Our tour guides include Harman Rector, Jr.(general authority emeritus), Wayne May (archaeologist), Rod Meldrum (DNA evidence of Book of Mormon) and Mary Ellen Elggren (Church history). This blog will cover evidence of Book of Mormon having taken place in North America. It is true, where the Book of Mormon took place is not important. The spiritual truths held evident within its pages are its real treasure.



But now, new DNA evidence in the last 3 years has caused Church theologians to start rethinking where the Book of Mormon took place. Experts on North American precolumbian Indians including archaeologists, historians, social scientists and others are at this moment rewriting ancient American history based on not only DNA evidence but new fascinating discoveries at various archaeological sites throughout all North America.



We hope to include a day-to-day blog of our two week trip from Palmyra to St. Louis. Your comments are invited. May you find it fun and fascinating. We hope this information will not put a dent in your current belief of a geographical Mesoamerican theory. Where it took place is not important as the fact that it did take place. We have been told to read these priceless scriptures everyday. Now, there is the challenge.