CES Tour/Hiking Rocky Ridge

May 25, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,
What a wonderful, eventful, spirit filled, fun week we have had here at Martin's Cove. Monday morning started early when we boarded two big white busses shortly after 7:00am. Elder Lindsey and I were in the Hunt Company and the other bus was the Hodgett Company. The Hunt and Hodgett Companies were the two wagon companies who followed the Willie and Martin Companies and who were stranded with the Martin Company. In fact it was here at Fort Seminoe that they unloaded the wagons so that many of the people who were too sick or weak to walk could ride in the wagons when they left Martin's Cove.

We loaded up our wagons and rode to the East side of Casper where our first stop was at Reshaw's Bridge. This was a bridge built over the North Platte River that was too expensive for most of the pioneers to cross over, thus the need to ford the river in freezing temperatures and blizzard conditions. The cost to cross the bridge was anywhere from two dollars to five dollars depending on the season. In todays market the $5.00 would translate to about $75.00.

Sister Moench is a great picture taker and never passes up an opportunity for a group photo and trust me she probably had an easier time getting her kids to pose and I'm positive they did it with far less murmuring....are we done yet!

This is Brother Kyle Anderson. He works for the Church in Church Education and was one of our tour guides. He and Brother Udy were so knowledgable and made the stories come alive for us.

This is Brother Udy our other tour guide from CES. He was on our bus and none of us will ever forget his name...Howdy Doody Brother Udy!

Sister Jolene Alphin the author of the book "Tell My Story Too" was also with us on the tour. She added an amazing spirit to our travels because she knows these people that we only talk about. It has been her life's work to learn who they were and to pass that knowledge on to us so that we can learn from them and become better people in our own lives because of them.

After we left the bridge we went to the Casper Interpretive Center where we spent about and hour. Elder Lindsey and I had been a few weeks before but enjoyed the beautiful displays again. Then it was back on the bus and a quick ride to Fort Casper where we saw the spot where the Martin Company forded the river in the snow storm which took an awful toll. We ate lunch and then enjoyed listening to brother Udy teach us more of the events of 1856. Then we boarded the busses again but this time we headed for the actual trails with our first stop at Bessemer Bend which is the spot on the North Platte River where the Martin Company was camped in dire straights, freezing, starving and with no knowledge that rescue was coming and where in one brief moment that all changed when the advance rescue riders came up over the bluff and were spotted by the people.

Above is a picture of Bessemer bend looking today much like it might have looked in 1856. Then it was back on the trail to Avenue of Rocks a very unusual formation, stark and beautiful standing as it does alone on the plains. Our last stop was at Sage Creek (or Horse Creek, or Greasewood Creek). It was here that the Martin Handcart Company was met with huge bonfires and warm clothing and food.  There was a peace here that could be felt. Brother Anderson talked about Cyrus Wheelock, one of the rescuers who met the Martin Company here. He had served a mission to England for four year and knew and loved these people. He had been home only three days when he turned around and went to rescue them. How tender his feelings must have been to have seen them starving and freezing and suffering so. Later in life he wrote the hymn "Ye Elders of Israel."  We sang that hym there at that sacred spot and as we sang the words of the third verse; We'll go to the poor, like our captain of old, and visit the weary, the hungry and cold...brought tears to our eyes as we felt in some small measure the feelings that he felt as he became a rescuer to those he loved so dearly. 

After arriving back to Martin's Cove for a hot meal we headed home excited for the continuation of the tour the next day. On Tuesday we all rode in trucks and four wheel drive vehicles as we headed to Sixth Crossing. Our first stop was the Willie Meadow, the spot where the Willie Handcart Company met the advance rescue riders who then went on the find the Martin Company. From the Meadow we drove around to the Eminence, the hill top on which the rescue wagons were first spotted by the Willie Company. Then we drove about 20 miles on dirt tracks to the Lower Monument. This is the area where the Willie Company started their climb of Rocky Ridge and into Rock Creek Hollow a 16 mile trek, pulling hand carts in snow and freezing conditions with barely enough food to survive. Where the Martin Company had 13 people die after fording the North Platte, the Willie Company lost 13 people their first night in Rock Creek Hollow. 

                                     

      Lower Monument

From Lower Monument we got into our vehicles and headed the 17 miles on four wheel drive roads to Rock Creek Hollow. I can't begin to explain in a way you would understand the spirit that resides in these places. You just need to come experience it for yourselves. Come learn about these people who sacrificed so much so that we could have so much.

This is the grave marker for the 13 people buried together after dying at Rock Creek Hollow.

Elder Lindsey and I at Rock Creek Hollow

After two days of touring we served in the Visitor's center on Wednesday and work crew on Thursday. Then on Friday it was back into the trucks and over to Rocky Ridge to trek to the top. Rocky Ridge gains 700 feet in elevation in 2.4 miles. We started about 2.5 miles from the base of Rocky Ridge so our total trek for the day was close to 10 miles. We didn't have snow and freezing temperatures and we for sure weren't starving but we did have mud...thick, sloppy mud that clung to your shoes making each step feel like you were lifting weights. We also took a couple of handcarts which Elder Lindsey and I took turns helping with...no easy feat!

We wore our pioneer clothes for a picture at the top. We might look a little weary but we were happy!

When we arrived back at Sixth crossing we had a wonderful spaghetti dinner, completer with salad and french bread. It was soo good! Elder Lindsey and I were so tired we were in bed by 8:30 pm and slept until 6:30 am Saturday and boy were we glad it was P day!

Saturday night we had a huge rain storm complete with thunder and lightening that lit up the sky for a good part of an hour. Sister Stull our next door neighbor got this shot.

Once again we've had a wonderful Sabbath with great talks and lessons and a fireside this afternoon with President Lorimer who was the Stake president of the Riverton, Wyoming Stake and was instrumental in acquiring the Sun ranch and the land that Martin's Cove is on. He talked to us about President Hinckley and his relationship with him. We are so blessed to be here and have these experiences.

Our Tender Mercy for today. I mentioned to my friend Pam on Facebook that I had totally spaced Memorial Day and doing something for Jonathan and Mark. She did it for me placing beautiful flowers on both graves including a hanger for Jonathan. Her kind act of service touched our hearts.

We love you all,
Elder and Sister Lindsey

Happy Birthday Elder Lindsey

May 18, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

On Wednesday we celebrated Elder Lindsey's birthday during lunch. Our District leaders (the Ormsbys) had P day on Monday so they picked up a cake at Sam's Club and I hid it in the refrigerators in the barn. Elder Lindsey was surprised and everyone loved the cake and ice cream. Elder Lindsey said he's never had so many people wish him a happy birthday.  For dinner we BBQed steak and had baked potatoes and took calls and texts from kids, grandkids and siblings. All in all a good day to turn 70!

Since I didn't want to be the one to burn down a barn built in 1870 I used 7 large candles instead of 70 small ones!

Monday was a snow day but Tuesday dawned sunny and cool so we hit the trails. We went out in 4 groups of 6 each and cleaned the trails leading up into Martin's Cove from Handcart Parking. That's about 3 miles of trail and we got it all done in just a little over one day. Amazing what a bunch of old people can accomplish. To make the work extra fun we paused every 15 minutes or so and took turns telling the stories of the Martin Handcart Company. Telling the stories was a wonderful way to bring the spirit into our work as we looked around and reflected on the fact that the stories we were sharing happened close to the spots we were standing in. It is always fun to work together with the other missionaries, we can always find something to laugh about and that makes the work seem light.

Below is an overview of part of the trail into Martin's Cove. Notice the hardworking missionaries!

On Friday Elder Lindsey and I received a sweet Tender Mercy. Our work assignment for the morning was to go into Martin's Cove and paint the last 17 stairs going up to the seating area at the top of the Cove. We were the envy of all the other coupes because everyone is aware of the beautiful spirit that is up there and the opportunity to be alone there as a couple is a rare one.  Although the day was cool and windy, in Martin's Cove the sun was warm and we were protected from the wind. The picture below is Elder Lindsey taking a short break.

Elder Lindsey used the roller and I came behind with a brush and filled in the cracks.

Done!

After we finished we took a few minutes to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that is in Martin's Cove. We talked about how much we love serving here and how blessed we were to spend a couple of hours together in what is a very sacred place.

This picture doesn't begin to show the beauty that is Martin's Cove. If you haven't been here you need to come!

Friday evening was movie night at the Pavilion and we enjoyed watching "Second Hand Lion".
Saturday was P day so after doing laundry and a bit of housework we did a little sight seeing. Our first stop was Alcova. We mailed a letter then got an ice cream cone at the general store. Then we visited Alcova Lake. After Alcova Lake we went to Pathfinder Dam. It was built in 1906 and we were able to walk across the dam and look down into the North Platte River.

We didn't stay out long since we decided to smoke ribs and have two couple over to dinner so we spent a quiet afternoon at home working on projects, preparing for Sunday and just enjoying a beautiful day.

Every week I think Sunday couldn't get any better and then it does. We had a beautiful spirit filled Sacrament meeting. One of the couples told a sweet story of the challenges they have faced and the blessings they've received in their lives and how they came to serve here at Martin's Cove. Then the Seeley family spoke. Brother Seeley is the Ranch Cowboy and he and his wife have a beautiful family. Sister Seely has a beautiful singing voice and sang a song she wrote last night to honor her pioneer ancestors. It brought tears to my eyes. Brother Seeley talked about the little moments in his life that developed his testimony of the gospel.

For Sunday school we studied the book of Judges. Elder and Sister Taylor Jr set up a court with Elder Taylor as the Judge and Sister Taylor as the attorney and they called biblical witnesses to tell their stories! It was so fun and we learned alot!

After pot luck we had a CES fireside taught by two Church Education System Employees. They set the stage for our two days of training along the trail that starts tomorrow. The extra fun thing for me was I knew these men from my work in the cafeteria!

I have to give a shout out to my daughter in law, Jenni...the Mothers Day cookies arrived whole and were yummy! Thank you. Any day we get a package or letter in our box is a great day!

As always we've had another wonderful week here at Martin's Cove!

Love to all of you, you are in our prayers,
Elder and Sister Lindsey

Devil's Gate

May 11, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

Another week has flown by. This is a week in which Spring arrived and even stayed for about a day and a half and then suddenly we were back to Winter again. Those who live here say we will see a few more days of Spring and some time in July we might even get a couple days of Summer...I'm not counting my chickens though. We have learned to do everything in what ever weather comes along and we are even enjoying it. 

We had school groups visit almost every day this week. I got to lead a group on Monday morning. They were a great group of fourth graders and I really enjoyed being their guide and teaching them a little about Wyoming history. I'm the one holding the yellow flag and wearing a bonnet in the back. For school groups we dress in pioneer clothing. 

Thursday was a super day. We started off cleaning the highway for a mile on either side of the entrance to Martin's Cove. We found some very interesting items...tell me how does one lose their underwear...never mind I don't want to know! May I just ask you to NEVER throw anything out your car window! Thank you very much...I feel better now. I told Elder Cherry that I could now cross "adopt a highway" off my bucket list. As always we had great fun doing the work and Saturday as we drove into Casper I was quite proud of how good it looked along the side of the road.

I got to drive a rover!

After lunch many of us headed out to climb Devil's Gate. The picture below is just to show you where we were when we got to the top. We were on the right side as close to the crevasse as you can be without risking a long fall into the Sweetwater River.

Not at the top yet but a picture showing part of the trail. None of us are what most would call young but the man right behind the Sister in the hot pink jacket is 83! The views were spectacular and the weather perfect. The picture below is looking down on the Homestead.

This shows exactly how I felt. I did it...remembering that this time last year I was barely walking!

At the top you can see names of pioneers carved in the rocks so Elder Lindsey decided to immortalize me.

The group that made it to the very top!

I thought I would introduce you to some of our leaders. Below are Elder and Sister Bushman. They are from Texas. Elder Bushman is in charge of the treks and Sister Bushman works in the office and schedules all the treks. We call Elder Bushman the energizer bunny. They are such great teachers and leaders and are just plain fun to be around.

Elder and Sister Ormsby are second year missionaries and our district leaders. They are from Syracuse, Utah and we have some mutual friends. Elder Ormsby takes care of all the computer and video systems and Sister Ormsby is his quiet, hard working companion. They are true examples of the motto of Martin's Cove, "Err on the side of kindness." They have been great teachers and leaders for us.

Elder and Sister Cherry are the FM (facilities maintenance) missionaries. They are from Idaho Falls. They assign all the work crew jobs. This is a huge job and they do it well. They seem to know just who to assign to which jobs, always making sure everyone gets a chance to paint! Elder Cherry brings candy to hard working crews and he and Sister Cherry always let you know how grateful they are for your work. They take great pride in making sure Martin's Cove looks neat, clean and beautiful.

Elder and Sister Moench are the Directors of the MHHS. They began serving in January of 2013 when the Missionary department took over management of  MMHS from the Farmland Reserve and they will serve until January of 2015. They are from Salt Lake City. Elder Moench is a sheep herder.They are amazing people with a love for these sites that just spills out when they tell the stories of the handcart pioneers. They also have a great love for us as missionaries and all of us in turn love them. Here they are speaking at the baptism that was held on Saturday.

Saturday was our "P" day and this time we did something a little different. We went to see "Captain America." We both enjoyed it very much. We had lunch at a great Mexican place, did our shopping and headed for home. On the way back we stopped at the Homestead to witness the baptism of an eight year old boy from Casper in the Sweetwater River. It is quite a popular thing for people to chose to be baptised here especially if you live in Casper. It was a chilly, windy day and the water was very cold but he was a trooper and I'm sure he will always remember his baptism.

Happy Mother's Day. This is what we woke up to outside! It's still snowing but it should start to warm up on Tuesday...spring in the rockies! Elder Lindsey gave me a beautiful necklace made by our neighbors who collect and polish rocks. I was so surprised, it was one I had admired at a class we went to last week. Church was great (they gave the mothers candy bars...yes!) and after potluck (the women got to go first) we had a fireside with Jolene S. Allphin. She has written the stories of the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies and put them into a book titled "Tell My Story, Too." Trek groups often use the book to help the youth learn the stories of the people they are honoring as they trek. The stories are true and they touch the heart. It still amazes me what they sacrificed for us. We are so very blessed. When all our meetings were over we found that the road back to Sixth Crossing was closed because of the snow storm so we could possibly have overnight guests tonight as they try to find places for 19 missionary couples who can't go home to sleep.

Jolene signed everyone's book. She had plenty of time since she was snowed in!

Tender mercy this week; on Monday we received a wonderful package from our Winder 2nd Ward youth. It was filled with pictures, little notes, candy, a journal for me and a new tie for Elder Lindsey. It brought tears to our eyes and we felt so very loved! Below is a picture of Elder Lindsey in his new tie.

We are well and happy and loving our mission. You are in our hearts and prayers. Love you all.
Elder and Sister Lindsey

Wyoming Spring

May 4, 2014

                                                                    Happy trekking!

Dear Family and Friends,
As Elder Lindsey and I were riding in one of the rovers today taking handcarts back to Base I was watching the scenery thinking how very much I love this place and how at home we both feel here. On Saturday we passed our one month mark of arriving here at Martin's Cove. The time has flown by and we are one of those couple who will go home telling everyone how wonderful it is to serve a mission...especially at Martin's Cove! Friday as we sat at the Veil Bridge Crossing waiting for the handcarts to arrive we talked about how happy we have been and how this month has been one of the best of our 20 plus years together and that's saying allot since we've had some pretty great years!

As you can see by our picture the weather on Friday was pretty terrific for the Trek Leader Training. If you pay attention to me holding my hat on you will know that the wind is still blowing! As I mentioned in the blog last week Elder Lindsey was assigned to do photos and videos of this season. On Wednesday Elder Lindsey was asked to create a video of Martin's Cove to be shown at dinner Friday evening. He worked on it day and  night and it turned out beautifully. The pictures were so pretty and he set it to what could be called trek theme music; "Come Come Ye Saints".

 This week was different as Elder Lindsey and Elder Cherry, our FM leaders, spent the day taking video and pictures of the trekkers. Sister Cherry and I rode in a rover (being careful not to be spotted by the trekkers) and ferried them all over. Now Elder Lindsey will put it all together in a video. It was great fun and we still got a fair bit of walking in.

Monday we did some work around the Homestead in the morning and then painted the water buffalo and picnic tables at handcart parking. It was cold. In fact it snowed and the wind blew so hard it was difficult to see at times, then the snow would stop and the sun would come out and we'd have hope for warmer temps but then the cycle started all over again. Here are a couple of pictures to illustrate the point.

See that little bird house type building in the background...Elder Lindsey and I painted it. It is the water buffalo for handcart parking. Everyone who treks is required to fill their water bottles there before they head up into Martin's Cove.

 Don't feel too bad for us though because we were having a great time, laughing, singing, joking and talking. We were all pretty layered up so as long as we were working we didn't suffer from the cold.

Tuesday was better weather but we worked mostly inside on various jobs. After lunch the Sisters cleaned the Trek Center and then since we had time the Sisters who crochet gave lessons to those of us who don't. I'm determined to learn and to make a shawl while I'm here.

Wednesday we had "P" day although Elder Lindsey did spend most of the day working on his video. We took time to make a quick trip into Rawlins for a few groceries and lunch at KFC which made Elder Lindsey very happy.

Thursday afternoon I filled our assignment in the Visitors Center while Elder Lindsey worked in the office on his video. The days just fly by and we sleep very well at night. We are well settled into the motor home and find we have enough room and all we need.

Saturday those of us who didn't go over to Six Crossing for Trek Leader Training gathered at the Homestead and put things back in order from the last two weeks of training. We cleaned the barn, took down the displays in the sewing center and cleaned it, cleaned the Trek Center and got it ready for church tomorrow and cleaned the gathering room and set it up for Primary.

Elder Lindsey and I and Elder and Sister Bingham returned three handcarts and one rickshaw to base where they can be taken down onto the trail as needed by trek groups. We did this by driving the rover very slowly while holding onto the handcarts and pulling them behind.

We finished all the cleaning and organizing before lunch and we all got the afternoon off. I used my time wisely, taking a nice long nap! After dinner as we were reading our Sunday School lesson I became distracted watching two very young calves frolicking in the field just in front of our motorhome. The sun was just setting and Wyoming sunsets are amazing. We are  feeling very blessed to be surrounded by and enjoy all the beautiful things of this earth right outside our window everyday.

Sunday was great, the spirit is strong in all of our meetings and it's a joy to feel the goodness of all these people we serve with. Today while sharing his testimony with us Elder Rollin's said that here we are in a branch where 100% of the people pay tithing, 100% of the members hold temple recommends, (except the four children of the ranch assistant manager) where 100% of the people are willing and do serve and where we have 100% home and visiting teaching. He went on to say how blessed we are to live in a "Zion" society. Elder Lindsey also shared his testimony. He talked about hearing one of the Brethren at Conference say he was sharing his testimony joyfully, and so even if his voice is quivering with emotion Elder Lindsey wanted us to know he was joyfully sharing his testimony of Jesus Christ with us...and now with all of you.

May is here, the warmer winds seemed to have arrived and we have a busy and exciting month ahead of us. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you.

Elder and Sister Lindsey