Martin's Cove

As many of you know, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The beginning of our church is full of history of a people willing to sacrifice all to get to Zion. These people were known as the Mormon Pioneers. Their stories are more than inspiring. One very significant point in the story of the Mormon Pioneers happened in a place called Martin's Cove (which is located just outside Casper, Wyoming). The Martin handcart company arrived in the West far too late in the year and got caught in a record breaking winter storm with no supplies, no food, more than 1/3 of the company having died and with no hope of being able to arrive in Salt Lake City on their own. Their stories are amazing. Through the grace of God and the inspiration given to faithful members in Salt Lake the Martin handcart company was rescued and the remaining living nursed back to health. This year, as a family, we recreated this trek through Martin's Cove and ended our journey with our 8 year old, Bela, being baptized in the Sweet Water River as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We had fun, were touched by the stories and received an increase of God's Spirit as we tried for three days to live as the pioneers did so long ago.

Bela and three of her cousins dressed in white, ready to be baptized in the Sweet Water behind them.
Bela and her dad, waiting to baptize her.
We got to recreate the pioneer crossing of the Sweet Water. It was a welcome relief from the scorching heat and whipping dry wind. Look at those smiles!
This is all you see for miles. It is beautiful. Now, more than 150 years later, the trails are well manicured and groomed.
We even got to square dance! We had a great time. These two were my favorite. Violet and cousin Cohen even got into it.