Youth Trek to Martin's Cove

My kids! The whole Family, minus "Pa".

Pa, Kolton, Michael, Rachel, (baby) Jabar

Nikelle, Kolton, Von (Pa), Mary (Ma), Michael, Patrick, Rachel, Ashley, & Amber

Martin's Cove

Hiking out of Martin's Cove

The Women's Pull

This was to represent women who came accross the plains by themselves and the women who sent their husbands off to fight in the Mexican war and had to pull by themselves. The hill was much steaper than it looks and it really was very hard!

Von made one hot Pioneer!

Martin's Cove dog, Oscar. He just wanders between all the camps. He was super friendly. They don't know where he came from but he seems to love it there. One morning when we were all gathered he came and sat in middle of everyone and his face was covered in blood. At first we were concerned until the missionary there informed us it was just his breakfast all over his face. Who knew a dog could hunt like that?!

Beautiful sunset!

I never had the opportunity to go on trek as a youth so Von and I were super excited when were called as a Ma and Pa for our stakes Youth Trek to Martin's Cove. We were assigned "children" a hand cart and off we went. It was wonderful to bond with our children so quickly. They really were so wonderful! The first night was CRAZY windy. I have never been in wind like that in my life. It broke tent poles and the dirt was horrid! It made me really appreciate the pioneers who endured much worse with wind, SNOW, & FREEZING COLD! We hiked into Martin's Cove the next day. The spirit there was so strong. A truly sacred place. I am so appreciative that we were able to go. I will never forget it.