How do I sum up an experience that defies description? How do I define an event that has consumed my life for years? All I can do is tell their story and my story.
In 1856, a new project was started. It enabled the poorer members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to come to Utah. A perpetual emigration fund was set up where money was donated by wealthier members of the church and then was loaned out to help finance a handcart with the supplies needed to walk to Zion.
This plan was hugely successful and the Saints arrived in Salt Lake City healthy and vigorous from the experience. Near the end of the season, two companies got a late start due to miscommunication. They were the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies. They traveled from Europe on the ships, "Horizon" and "Thornton." They then continued on to Iowa City where they prepared for the overland journey. They had only green wood available to build their carts.
Things became even more difficult after the trip began when their cattle were stampeded. They were planning on using them for milk and meat and to pull the supply wagons. They searched for several days but only found a handful of them. Nonetheless they continued on.
Their troubles continued when they reached a station where they anticipated restocking their food supplies. There was no food to be found, but they still voted to continue on. Winter came early. Snow arrived in early October. When they reached Wyoming their food had run out, and they were facing freezing temperatures.
Around this time the Prophet Brigham Young learned of the handcart companies that were heading to Utah, and he cancelled a scheduled conference with the Saints in Salt Lake, to use the time in calling out for a rescue. This would be no ordinary rescue. It would require the sacrifice of families who had suffered successive crop failures. They gathered all the necessary food, clothing and supplies needed and went into the winter storms in a matter of days. It would be months before they would return.
They Willie Handcart Company was two weeks ahead, and they ran out of food just as they miraculously stumbled upon the rescuers. They had to hike the notorious Rocky Ridge to get to where help was available. They went on a 27 hour forced march that took all of October 25th and part of the 26th. At their destination, Rock Creek Hollow, 13 perished in exhaustion, and the two who dug their grave died the next day.
The rescuers brought them food, warm clothes and hope. They gave help to them as the pulled the remaining miles into Utah, and carried those who had no strength left. They also continued on, looking for the Martin Handcart Company who was much worse off.
After the final crossing of the Platte River, Martin's Company suffered many deaths. They staggered their way past Independence Rock and Devil's Gate and finally stopped at a sheltered Cove. They were done traveling. They food was gone, and they would either perish or be rescued. Many were close to giving up, but aid finally came. They were given food, clothing and waited as enough wagons arrived to carry them through the final journey. They had enough to eat, but still suffered from the cold the rest of the trip.
Between the two companies of 980 people, over 213 people perished. Miraculously the remaining number survived.
The following year, five more handcart companies traveled using handcarts, with few losses. The final company had no deaths.
We trekked with the Alamosa Stake Youth and Leaders in remembrance of all those among the Willie and Martin Handcart companies as well as the Rescuers.
It was a privilege and a humbling experience. There was a Spirit we felt in Rock Creek Hollow that approached that of the Temple. It was wonderful to be there with our older boys. Nathan and I were a Ma and Pa, and we had our boys in our family group. We also had several other "children" who were a pleasure to trek, work, camp and eat with.
We had our own trek miracles. On the 11 hour drive to Wyoming one of the three buses had the air conditioner go out. They dropped us off at the Rocky Ridge trail and that night Ramblin sent a new bus up. The next day, on the way to Martin's Cove, the third bus hit a huge rock on the dirt road that tore open the oil pan. They would have been delayed by at least 6-7 hours and entirely missed the experience, but the bus without an air conditioner was still close by, and they were only 2 hours behind us as a result.
We were all able to go to Martin's Cove together. It was a blessing to see the Lord's hand in our experience.
We had music all along the trail that added a richness to the experience. I was able to play my flute with a Young Woman as everyone went on a silent walk through Martin's Cove. The music echoed off the rock walls and had an almost haunting beauty. The veil was very thin.
We were able to hear the story of the rescuers who carried the company across the Sweetwater River. Four young men crossed the icy river 75 times to help the group on their final river crossing.
Then we had our own silent river crossing as a Young Women played a beautiful hymn on the violin.
It was very powerful.
For me, the most personally touching moment was during the women's pull, to memorialize all the women who pulled on their own. I had flash through my mind the stories of the widows, orphans, and single women who pulled their handcarts for the entire journey.
Trek was a triumph. I don't know how it could have gone better, and it was a life-changing experience for all of us who participated. We could feel the spirits of those who made this journey and will forever learn from their sacrifice and example.
I feel gratitude and reverence for the experience.
I'm glad I could share it with my close friends and loved ones.
We all have our own personal treks, and burdens to carry. It's up to us to choose what our story will be.
This picture was taken the last night in Wyoming
by a friend of mine
of a friend of mine. It takes us back in time, and we see that we really are the same. We have the same desire of eternal families, prophets, and most importantly guidance from God.
I hope that I will never forget this lesson.
