As they Walked, and Walked, and Walked, and...

It all began on the 25th of June. We began our travels to the middle of NOwhere Wyoming for a three day tour (trek) across the plains into Martin's Cove, across the Sweetwater and through South Pass following the footsteps of our ancestors (indirectly). Both Kristin and I are related to those who traveled in other groups across the plains or by way of train later on in time. Anyway, back to our high adventure trek. We started the day at 5 AM rushing to wake up and get some breakfast before our LONG trip to our Campgrounds. Our first stop was to pick up the Fox's (our carpool buddies) only to discover they were still asleep!! So we quickly ran to the Shell Station to grab some additional breakfast goodies (wishing we could have some Carl's Jr. breakfast burritos instead) and went back again to pick them, this time they were ready and half-awake. :) Then over to the church to meet up with our Shuttle buddies (The Demille's & Garfield's) and to give them the other walkie-talkie before we officially set out. This is when we were first introduced to Shawn Garfield's addiction to Diet Pepsi. So, we once again made another pit stop even before leaving Cedar City, to the Love's Station at the edge of town, which also happens to be where the Carl's Jr. is located, however, THEY DON'T OPEN UNTIL 7AM, and it was only 6:15AM now, after I actually considered waiting around, I decided or noticed no one else shared my same craving, we settled for breakfast (more realistic) at Subway. It actually wasn't half bad, but still nothing compared to a breakfast burrito from Carl's Jr.

On the open road, at last. We traveled rather quickly, obeying "ALL" of God's commandments, stopping in Nephi, Evanston, Rock Springs, Green River, and Muddy Gap in our nine hour drive to our final destination near the Sweetwater River. We discovered a whole new appreciation for satellite radio and new car games to help pass the time. Although, we did discover some amazing seats at the Article Circle in Green River, WY. Careful as you saddle up, they are definitely kid size! Thankfully, we were not required to dress up for the journey, only once we arrived. This was mostly for the fact that our bishopric was shuttling youth in a long 15-passenger van that they rented and if they were all dressed up, they would definitely fit the mold as FLDS going to Wal*Mart.

Nonetheless, we finally arrived and set up came pitching our tents and getting in our pioneer clothing to fit the part. We had been asked to be the Ma & Pa of our group. This was a fun role to play and included some extra requirements that made the whole experience a little more special for us, since we had to leave Little Em back in Cedar to be watched by her adoring fans Grandma and Papa Mabb. We were asked to have a family prayer and a spiritual thought everyday with our "family". I am sure this helped Kristin not dwell on the fact that her own little baby was at home without her. :( More on that later... The first night we ate dinner at our camp and danced with the whole ward doing the Virginia Reel, and Oh Johnny Oh! Kristin discovered that her hubby actually CAN dance, to bad it's to OLD fashioned music. We had a good time and it provided some relief from the ever present and hungry mosquitoes that ravaged our camp while we were there, so much that part of our group left and picked up a whole box of mosquito repellent at the nearest Wal*Mart just to find some relief. After dancing and family prayer we turned in for the night for another long traveling day ahead, but this time on foot into Martin's Cove and around the Sweetwater River.

Day 1: On the Trail, Location: Martin's Cove.

To let the record be set, early on. Our "Family" (pictured to the right) minus Brother Crane and Sister Richmond was the driving force and the ultimate reason, I am sure, we had an enjoyable time. Day one was an easier day and a good warm up but the next day was a lot tougher and our "family" made it possible staying positive and always working together every step of the way. Oh, and yes...the pioneers definitely had a big orange igloo too, and some awesome polarized shades. :) We started Day 1 driving over to the Martin Center we were welcomed by the missionaries serving there and they shared some very touching stories, one specifically about a direct descendant in our "family," Francis Webster. We traveled along a graveled dusty road after the orientation to the entrance to Dan Jones' Cove and Martin's Cove. No handcarts are permitted into the Cove, so we parked them and to a short jaunt into Dan Jones' Cove where we had another spiritual message from another Missionary about the Coves followed by a duet of "Come, Come Ye Saints" by Kristin (The Mrs.) and Mary Fox. Afterwards we headed off into Martin's Cove leaving church property in the BLM and into Martin's Cove. It is quite a ways off hidden between the hills and rocky mountains into Martin's Cove. The pioneers sought shelter here while they waited for rescue and to weather the storms as well, many members of the handcart companies pass away there. It was very touching to walk silently hand in hand with Kristin through the trail where so many stories we have heard actually occurred. Once we returned to our handcarts we trudged along to the Sweetwater River where there was a monument to the boys who came to the rescue of the handcart companies in the cold winters storm. To see how wide it was and to imagine (since it is the middle of June when we are here) the large pieces of ice floating down the river and the speed of the river, I can only imagine how after coming so far and reaching this point many of the pioneers fell on their knees and wept. We were not going to go through it today since we would cross it again in our travels the next day, so we took the convenient bridge nearby, just large enough for a hand cart. How convenient... :) We finished the trail on Day 1 while carrying the youngest of our family in the handcart, quickly removed as we neared the nearest hill. :) We finished strong and returned back to camp ready for an afternoon nap and dutch oven ribs (I'm sure that is how the Pioneers did it too). We danced once more that evening and was visited be a missionary dressed up at "Ol' Eph. Hanks" who shared several of his own stories on the plains with us. It was a great first day full of spiritual highlights and touching moments as well as the grunting and pulling the whole six miles that we traveled.

Day 2: The Long haul, 10 Mile trail.

This was the beginning of what seemed to be a long and never ending day, only to realize the pioneers averaged 15 miles often doing 17+ in one day in a much more severe conditions. We left straight from our campsite with our handcarts crossing the Sweetwater by bridge once more and following it along the original Oregon/Mormon/Pony Express trail. Since we followed the river as the pioneers did the mosquitoes never left us alone, luckily we had enough repellent to fend them off along our way. We stopped periodically to drink water, use the facilities (they were posted occasionally along the trail), and eat lunch. The trail again was rocky at parts and sandy at others were our handcart wheels would sink a good inch or two into the sand as we trudged along. The time came as we were closest to the largest hill we would have to climb, when ALL the men were "called out" to join the Mormon Battalion and for the women and children to push ahead without any men. The men all hiked on to the top of the hill and watched silently as the women pushed along. This is one of the most touching parts of our adventure. I have often wondered how Kristin would handle life's burdens without me, since I rely so heavily on her and strive to provide and eliminate so many possible burdens for her now in life. I was impressed to say the least. She was the Ma of the lead cart and as they approached the final stretch all uphill, she called out to the rest of the girls in our "family", "Let's Run!!" And, off they went pushing that final stretch full speed ahead. What peace filled me heart knowing that my "Beautiful Princess" can hold her own. I love her so much and am completely proud of her toughing it out especially in their toughest moments. As well, to the rest of the "family" again, they never complained and were completely positive and encouraged each other the entire time. This picture is from us stopping at Poison Springs for lunch. :) We finished our long day of following a mosquito infested river and up and down several hills to end up again the Sweetwater River to finally do the crossing as the Pioneers did. Kristin asked me to carry her the first time and the second time we crossed it arm in arm. The water was shockingly cold and fast paced, which brought back to my mind of how bitter and hopeless the pioneers felt as the reached that same point in their journey under harsher conditions and weaker strength. After everyone had crossed a missionary called out to everyone and said, "The record stands at 12 people to jump off the bridge into the water, think you can beat it?" We finally got most of our bishopric and several others to join in and beat the record with 14 people. Truthfully, after a long hot day of trudging along the river was quite refreshing when it was all said and done. We walked back to camp trying to dry off, while the ladies all setup their "Sweetwater Salon" and gave shampoo's to most everyone (men included). The day ended with another amazing meal and powerful testimony meeting as the sunset concluded our last day on the trail on sacred ground dedicated by the Prophet, President Gordon B. Hinkley. I believe everyone that went will truly remember, as I know I will, that same spirit that touched us as we heard and experienced only a piece of what the pioneers did to follow the prophet's counsel and establish Zion in Salt Lake City. To us all the prophet calls again, but in our own land wherever it be to establish that same Zion that our pioneer heritage gave all including many of their lives to reach and to establish.

Come, come, ye saints, no toil nor labor fear; But with joy, wend your way. Though hard to you this journey may appear, Grace shall be as your day. ’Tis better far for us to strive Our useless cares from us to drive; Do this, and joy your hearts will swell All is well! All is well! Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard? ’Tis not so, all is right. Why should we think to earn a great reward, If we now shun the fight? Gird up your loins; fresh courage take; Our God will never us forsake, And soon we’ll have this tale to tell, All is well! All is well! We’ll find the place which God for us prepared, In His house full of light, Where none shall come to hurt or make afraid; There the saints will shine bright. We’ll make the air with music ring, Shout praises to our God and King; Above the rest these words we’ll tell, All is well! All is well! And should we die before our journey’s through, Happy day! All is well!We then are free from toil and sorrow, too; With the just we shall dwell! But if our lives are spared again To see the saints their rest obtain, O how we’ll make this chorus swell, All is well! All is well!

Scott