Meanwhile in Wyoming

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These past few days we have received numerous emails and text messages from family and friends expounding on the warm, beautiful spring weather they have been experiencing.  We are told the trees are budding out and the daffodils are in full bloom.  Spring has also come to Wyoming, though weather and topography in Wyoming have more contrast than in most other states. Surface elevations range from the summit of Gannett Peak in the Wind River Mountains, at 13,804 feet, to the Belle Fourche River Valley in the state’s northeast corner, at 3,125 feet. Here at Sixth Crossing we are at 6,550 feet.  

Because Wyoming is located deep in the interior of the North American continent, far from any moderating influence of the ocean it has long cold winters, cool springs, but pleasant summers. We are anxious for summer to begin.  A typical Wyoming spring day will start out bright and sunny. Clouds will appear on the western horizon about noon, and thunderheads will develop by mid-afternoon. Snow will then begin to fall in the late afternoon covering the landscape in late afternoon and into the night. There can be severe storms with wind and hail, especially here at Sixth Crossing.  The average daytime temperatures are 45-55 degrees with nighttime temperatures of 25-35 degrees.  During the week we hike the trails trying to familiarize ourselves with them, and continue working on benches, campsites and handcarts when the weather permits. If the weather fails to cooperate, we spend our days indoors working on projects and learning pioneer stories.

Staining Handcart Wheels

With the recent snowfall we decided it would be extra special to hike the trails in the snow to get a feel for what the Willie Handcart Company endured when they came through this area during the winter of 1856. There was 12 inches of snow on the ground when we made our trek.  When the Willie Handcart Company was here there was about the same amount of snow on the ground, however the temperature was well below zero degrees!  

Handcarts waiting for trekkers

Wagon near our trailer

Trekking where the Willie Handcart Company Trekked

Typically the missionaries from Sixth Crossing drive the 60 miles to Martin's Cove Sundays for Church services, however, the past two weeks we have been snowed in, and unable to make the trip. So we held services here, with the other 19 missionary couples. This Sunday, May 1st, however, the weather was nice enough for us to make the trip.  It was nice to be able to finally meet with the other forty missionaries couples.  Perhaps, spring really is here.  But, as they say in Wyoming, "If you do not like the weather in Wyoming, wait five minutes!"

Elder and Sister Bowden

Spring Wyoming