What an amazing day!!!

Early rising is the order of the day. Think of the pioneers and how it must have felt day after day to begin - not feeling rested from the day before and hungry. To have subsisted on 3/4 cup of flour…or less. Fortunately for our youth the food has been plentiful and tasty.

Today was warm! Less breeze meant more heat and the temperature climbed into the high 90's. Even that didn't put a damper on the trekkers spirits. Making sure that everyone is staying hydrated (and sun screened) meant another day without injury.

They began with a handcart trek to the pathway into Martin's Cove. President Sorensen requested that everyone travel up into the Cove in silence. What a sobering experience for all as they trekked into that sacred place. The Martin Company spent 5 long, cold days in the cove after the crossing of the Sweetwater River and lost many more of their company.  Our modern company had a beautiful devotional with a talk from President Sorensen. 

The trail into Martin's Cove!

The other highlight of the day was the actual crossing of the Sweetwater River. Once again, as they began the crossing they were asked to Remember and treat this experience with reverence. The water was only knee high and though it was very hot and the temptation to have water fights and splash each other must have been very great, everyone felt of the Spirit of the occasion and crossed with care. They even had some of the young men return and carry some of the girls across so that they didn't need to get wet!

The Spirit was also invited in by a talk from President Larkin, violin music from Tiffany Munns, flute music from Angela Bennion and the recounting of several pioneer vignettes. Who can forget the story of Sarah Ann Franks and George Padley - the young couple who were engaged to be married and refused to be married until they could be married in Zion. George passed away in Martin's Cove and Sarah, concerned that his body not be desecrated by the wolves, had his body wrapped in her shawl and some of the brethren raised his body into a tree. When President Faust heard their story, he proclaimed it "one of the great love stories of the western migration".

Back in camp this evening, footsore and weary, they have cooked and eaten, played games and enjoyed singing and playing on makeshift musical instruments and prepared to gather for a testimony meeting before turning in for the night. Oh, how their testimonies have been strengthened by their experiences. We are sure they will sleep well!