This is the land of my heritage. My great great grandfather, Charles Richard Brewer Ockey homesteaded this parcel of land circa 1900. We learned of Ockey Ridge recently and decided as a family to participate in the climb together. Those participating in the event (from left to right) are Carol Sillito (wife of Clint), Verene (Ockey) Sillito (direct descendant of Charles Ockey), Kris Funk, Clint Sillito, Sherida (Sillito) Clutterbuck, Derrol Sillito, Tricia (Sillito) Hogenson.

Derrol, Kris and Sherida made the climb but the remainder offered support from below.

The night before a severe snow storm was in the area and dropped several inches of snow. The weather cleared but we waited for the afternoon to allow some snow to melt. We were met by Lana Shaw who resides at the base of Ockey Ridge and she welcomed us as extended family and directed us up the hill (that she climbs regularly for exercise).

We made our ascent along a small trail and tried to stay within view of those below. We saw a multitude of crocus blossoms along the way peeking through the snow. Lana informed us that the hillside is covered with them in the early spring.

This is an easy climb (except for those who are not in shape) with an easy path. When we reached the top, the view was beautiful. We could easily see why our ancestors would stop here and make their new and permanent homes. The view down the valley shows a new house on the site of the original Ockey home. Further down the valley, (which is known as Badger Valley) is a house where my grandfather and grandmother lived when they were first married.

We celebrate the lives of those who went before us and felt a close connection with them as we completed this trek.