When I moved out to New York almost ten years ago I don't think I fully appreciated how close I was to Palmyra and the church sites. But luckily I do live so close because I can basically go whenever I want. I recently went through the Palmyra Temple for the first time and it was an experience I'll never forget. Unfortunately on my mission I probably won't be able to go very often but that's why I have all summer to go here.
I just felt like going and taking pictures of the sites the other day for some reason. I'm not sure why but it was a gorgeous day and it was the perfect day to go. And there weren't any
mosquitos in the Sacred Grove! I started at the Hill Cumorah where I spend about two weeks in July every year participating in the Hill Cumorah Pageant. It felt strange to walk up to the top and to see the hill empty. I'm used to having people everywhere, having a huge stage on the face of the hill, and being there with my friends and family. It was so calm and peaceful and I just imagined what it's going to be like again in less than a month when the pageant starts again. At the top is the Angel Moroni monument. I can't remember how long it's been up there but it's been there for a while. After the Hill Cumorah I drove to the Sacred Grove and Joseph Smith Farm. The great thing about going during the week and during school hours is that there are very few people at the sites at those times. So I had the whole Grove to myself and the whole Farm. It was great! That way no one could get in the background of my pictures accidentally. I went into the Grove and walked down the path that I normally walk down and went to the same bench I always do. It's by a certain tree a
nd every time I go there I have to stop by. I'm not sure why. But I just call it my tree. I usually just sit on the bench right next to it and just enjoy the breeze, the birds, the squirrels, and of course the feelings you get by just being there. 
