Oh, If I were a Pioneer!

The first week of August we had the opportunity to spend a couple of days in Martin's Cove, Wyoming. This pretty picture is of the Sweetwater River.

When the pioneers came across the plains to Utah, one group, pulling handcarts, left too late and got caught in a blizzard. They ended up camping out here until rescuers came from Salt Lake.

This picture is taken back in the cove, a place surrounded on three sides by some rocky hills and on one side by a grassy hill. It was a very peaceful, beautiful place.

So why did we choose Martin's Cove of all places to vacation in? Because my Grandma and Grandpa Mac are serving a mission there! The first day we got there, in the evening, they took us on a tour of the cove in a little scooter. It was a lot of fun and so pretty and pleasant.

This is how Sammy spent a lot of his time on our vacation - in Grandma Great's arms! :)

Pictures never do sunsets justice - this was absolutely gorgeous in person!

The next day we did the tour of the little village they have set up. It is in buildings from the Sun Ranch Homestead. We learned about the history of the area and watched a little video.

We also took turns hauling each other and the kiddos around in a handcart. They have a little pathway - Prairie Park - that you can go on if you aren't up for the trek to the cove.

This was surprisingly easy at first. Then after, what? 100 yards?, it got hard. It's amazing to think that the pioneers did this for so long, in such yucky weather, and wearing all those yards of fabric! I'm so grateful they did though - this trip made me appreciate what they went through and made me realize that even though they had trials that seem hard, we do too - they just aren't as physical.

Lucy even got in on the handcart pushing! She helped Daddy go park it after we were done.

Here she is counting the bolts on our picnic table during lunch. So cute!

After a nice nap, we toured the fort. They have rebuilt it to be the same size as the original fort. They also had some different thing from the period you could explore like this buggy and the wagon Lucy is sitting on below.

When the pioneers got to the fort, it was abandoned so the food and supplies they were counting on were obviously not there. Then a group of teamsters came in behind them a few days later (one of which is my great-great-great-great grandpa). There were way too many people to fit in the fort so they went over to the cove to camp out until help arrived.

On the left side of this picture is Devil's Gate, a landmark the pioneers used. People think this was part of the trail they took, but the river goes through there and it is too skinny. They actually went where you see the road. It was a lot of fun to learn about the past, enjoy the beautiful area, and spend time with my grandparents.

Lucy especially loved that - she got so spoiled with Red Vines, taffy, and popcorn! Overall I'd say the trip was a great success! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!