Since we were practically driving home on the pioneer trail we decided to take our time and have a Pioneer Adventure. Our hope was that the girls would have a chance to experience a little it of what it would have been like to be a pioneer. We wanted them to feel the spirit of the sacred places we visited. They are descended from these brave saints and it was important for them to feel that there could carry on their Legacy of faith. The girls got into the pioneer sprit by dressing up. They were truly excited and I think they did have a great Pioneer experience.
Our first stop was the Willie Handcart Company Crossing Site. Here the company was stranded on the banks of frozen Sugar Creek. They were starving, freezing and many had lost their lives to reach this point. The thought of crossing the frozen river another time was more than many of the Saints could take. It was there that the rescue team from Salt Lake arrived as Angels of Mercy and helped them cross the freezing river and make their way safely to Salt Lake.
There was lots for the girls to see and do including riding in a handcart across the river and touring an old school house.
Next we stopped at Martins Cove. It was a beautiful area right by Devils Gate and Split Rock. The girls were to young to take on the long hike back to the cove but we did get to see it from a distance and learn about the trials ns struggle the Martin company faced. The Martin company was days behind the Willie company and got stranded as well. It was divine guidance that led them to the cove where they were sheltered from a fierce winter blizzard. Many saints still lost their lives but it would have been worse if they had been exposed to the elements. The rescue teams were able to find the company soon after their stay at Martins Cove and help them complete their journey.
At the visitors center they had a small handcarts for the girls to pull on their own trail.
I finally got a turn pulling a handcart as well.
Some other highlights of the day included: seeing this awesome
rainbow streaked across the dessert sky,
Having a fun picnic lunch,
and being glad to see a porta-potty!
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