For Some Must Push and Some Must Pull...

Our family trek to Martins Cove. The weather was really windy most of the time. We had a great time climbing Independence Rock. We read the names of some pioneers that were etched into the rock. The weather was pretty good at this point. It got windier as the day progressed. We arrived at camp and set up. Had an amazing dutch oven dinner (prepared by Layne and I) with peach cobbler for dessert. Read about some of our pioneer ancesters and their experiences crossing the plains. Had smores and sang songs around the campfire. Then we went to our tents for a sleepless night because of the raging wind trying to tear down the tents. Woke up and had a fabulous breakfast of eggs, hashbrowns and bacon, prepared by Chris and Blaine. Got ready to hike to Martin's Cove and cross the Sweetwater River. It took a lot longer than expected because some of the other families that were in our group were quite a bit slower. It was amazing going into Martin's Cove and feeling the special spirit that is there. We also were able to have a sweet experience crossing the river. In honor of the rescuers, Layne carried me across and Andrew carried Katie across, after they had pulled our handcart to the other side. I had a hard time contolling the emotions I felt watching Andrew carry his little sister across the river. We then went back to the Visitor's Center where we returned our handcart's. At this time the thunder and lightening and wind were really whipping up a storm. We had collapsed the tents that morning and decided instead of trying to put them back up in that weather we would just disassemble them, get everything out, pack up and go home early. We didn't think that in that weather any of the night activities were going to be possible. So instead of trying to put our tents back up and fixing dinner in the crazy weather and spending another restless night in our tents. We all chose to drive home. We arrived close to 1 a.m. We were very happy to have a warm home and showers. We enjoyed the overall experience and are very grateful to our ancestors who didn't have the choice of packing up and going home to warm shelters and showers. For all those pioneers who braved the crossing coming to Utah, we honor you.