We headed today into some really beautiful country. Here is an example of a red hillside in
Wyoming. Stunning.
On our way to Martin's Cove, we passed Independence Rock. Well, we had to stop and take some pictures. Unfortunately, the inscriptions left by the pioneers from the Mormon Trail and the Oregon Trail have all but disappeared due to weathering and vandalism. Still, it is a pretty cool place to see. The travelers knew that if they could reach this destination by July 4, Independence Day, they would have a good chance of making their destination before the bad weather hit. Unfortunately for the Willie and Martin handcart companies, they did not reach Independence Rock until late October and they were already in dire straights and struggling through snow.
Another landmark right by Martin's Cove is Devil's Gate. This fissure in the mountain was cut by the Sweetwater River.
The poorer travelers that couldn't afford the $200-$300 to outfit a wagon, could travel by handcart which would cost them about $20. Each person could bring 17 pounds of personal items. This is an example of what 17 pounds might look like. The guide asked us to think about what we would take if we had to leave our homes. It is something to think about. The pioneers certainly left many precious things behind.
One of Melanie and Mitchell's twins is named after Reddick Newton Allred who was one of the rescuers called by Brigham Young to go to the handcart companies and bring provisions. He was called the Bulldog because he would not give up in the quest to find them. He succeeded, too!
After our visit at Martin's Cove, we drove back to Lehi and have enjoyed an evening with Audrey and Redick and Reid--and their parents, too.
No comments:
Post a Comment