Paul and I were so lucky to go Martin's Cove with the youth this past week. We had such a great week with lots of great spiritual experiences. We left Monday morning about 5:00 am, we were able to ride up with Lynn and Priscilla in their truck. I realized what great friends they are. We had lots of fun riding the 8 hours to Wyoming with them.
When we got to Martin's Cove we gathered our families together, got our handcarts and headed to camp. By the time we got there were a little late so by the time we ate and got our tents up it was time for bed. Which was ok by me, I was tired by the time we got there.
Tuesday morning we were up bright and early. We loaded our handcarts with our buckets and water coolers and trekked back to Martin's Cove.
Paul, Teresa, Clayton Brown, Parker Dalton, Kyler Norris, Autumn James,
Kamrie Whittaker, Jakayla Millett, and Brianne Bremner
Clayton, Kyler, Parker, and Paul. These boys worked so hard this week.
They pulled the handcart about 95% of the time.
These girls were so much fun. I just love all of them.
Trekking towards Martin's Cove.
There is such a special spirit that can be felt there. The Missionaries have said that the spirits of those pioneers that died there still visit, and many visitors have felt their presence. It is amazing to stand there and think of the feelings that they might have felt. I can't imagine being that cold and hungry and watching my children and husband, wondering if they would still be alive in the morning.
We were able to do a silent crossing on the Sweet Water River. It was one of the spots where we were able to feel the spirit of the pioneers. One of the stories that they tell is when the pioneers got to the Sweet water and saw the icy river they sat down on the banks and cried. They had crossed the river before and lost many family members to the freezing river. Four Valley Boys that had came with the rescue party packed all of the people in the Martin Handcart Company across the river. Even though we didn't cross it during a terrible snow storm with freezing temperatures, I think we were able to feel the spirit of what happened there.
Tuesday night we had a "visitor" come to camp. Ephraim Hanks who was one of the first rescuers to get the Martin Handcart company came and shared his story with us. After the fireside the "Pony Express" came into camp and brought letters all the kids from their mom and dads and home. I even got a letter from Paul. I know how Paul feels about me and the gospel, but it was a special treat to be able to read it in a letter. I love Paul so much and it was so fun to spend the week with him.
Wednesday morning we broke camp and headed to the Willie site. One of the other great experiences that we had was the Women's Pull. They pulled the men away from the women and took them up to the top of the hill. The Sister Missionary asked us how we felt as we watched the Priesthood leave our mist. It was feeling that I don't want to feel again. They talked to us about choosing a mate that would be a worthy Priesthood leader. It was one of the hardest things that I had to do. Not only were my emotions a little stirred up, but pulling that handcart up the hill just about killed me. I when looked up and saw all those Priesthood leaders lined up along the ridge of the hill it brought tears to my eyes. I am so grateful for Paul and the Priesthood that he holds. I should call on him more often than I do, but I have felt the Priesthood
power in my life.
We did another river crossing at the Willie Site. Once again it was a another opportunity to feel the Spirit. The Dalton girls were down by the river playing 'Come Come Ye Saints' on their violins. It is amazing how much music can set the tone so quickly.
River Crossing at Willie Site
Thursday morning we got up early and broke camp. The first group of 150 had to be on the trail by 7:00 am. The second group had to wait about an hour before we could go.
Waiting to hit the trail.
Watching the first group go.
We were excited to get going, but I must admit the 15 mile hike worried me. When we reached the bottom of Rocky Ridge they told us it was 5 miles up hill. As I walked up the hill I tried to imagine some of those Pioneers trying to pull their handcarts, some with family in them, up the hill in the snow. The story says that it took some of them 27 hours to climb Rocky Ridge and then go another 10 miles to Rock Creek Hollow where the rescuers were with food and clothing.
Monument at the top of Rocky Ridge.
After we got that behind us I think the worst was ahead. The last 10 miles were so long. By the time we got to the last 2 miles everyone was exhausted. Our feet hurt so bad! And they kept stopping us. It made it worse to keep stopping and starting again, our muscles would stiffen up and by the time we would get them working again we would stop.
One of my favorite parts of Trek this time was when we finally made it into camp. All of the stake that had made it there before us, and all of the support leaders were there to cheer for us. I was one of the last ones to come into camp, and I just keep looking for that one familiar face.....Priscilla. I finally found her at the end of the line. And it brought tears my eyes to see her there cheering for me. It made me think back to when those pioneers finally made it to the Salt Lake Valley. I'm sure those pioneers were so glad to finally have reached Zion. Especially those that had family that had made the trip before them and were waiting for them. I am so thankful for the sacrifice that my ancestors made to come across the plains to join the Saints in Zion. I had a Grandma and Grandpa that came across the plains. In her journal she tells of the hardships that they faced. They lost a infant boy three days after reaching Salt Lake.
Paul and his friends cooling off in the River after a day of walking. On the last night Paul and Chris Wood snuck down to the river at about 11:00 pm and had a bath! The water was so cold, but they both smelled a lot better the next day!
Our group sitting at the top of Rocky Ridge.
Only "two more miles" I didn't know if we were going to make it! Look how tired Paul looks!
It was a very spiritual week mixed with lots of fun times too. I am so grateful that I got to go and spend time with Paul, the youth, and leaders from the Stake. It definitely strengthened my testimony.
