Let The Treks Begin

 Trekking with Youth from Utah

After spending weeks preparing, trekkers begin arriving at Sixth Crossing to experience life as an 1856 pioneer crossing the plains of Wyoming.  Our first trek consisted of approximately 170 youth from Utah.  We had a wonderful time relating experiences of the Mormon saints in the Willie Handcart company.  Dressed in pioneer clothes this youth group pulled handcarts over original trails to Poison Springs, View Ridge, and the Linford Monument.  We had lunch in the Willie Meadow, then talked about the miraculous rescue of this beleaguered handcart company, by men sent by Brigham Young from the Salt Lake, after they were stranded here on the Sweetwater River in a freezing, blinding snow storm.  Together, we trekked over four miles, before returning to camp for the night.  There was a sweet spirit here at Sixth Crossing as we related to the youth these pioneers' love for our Savior Jesus Christ and a love for each other.  These early Mormon pioneers sacrificed much so they could live a life free from religious persecution.  Many of the young and old lost their lives traveling west, but in the end the pioneers who made it to Utah said it was worth the sacrifice.  

Relating Pioneer Experiences

Emily Hill, a poet of some accomplishment and a member of the Willie Handcart Company, wrote of her handcart journey:

        Not a morsel to eat could we anywhere see,

       Cold, weary and hungry and helpless were we,
       On the brink of the tomb few succumbed to despair,
       Our trust was in God, and our strength was in prayer.

Suzanna Stone Lloyd writing of her experience with the Willie Handcart Company said, "I am thankful that I was counted worthy to be a pioneer and a handcart girl.  It prepared me to endure hard times in my future life.  It was hard to endure, but the Lord gave us strength and courage."

Preparing to leave on a Family Trek

Imagine our delight when a couple of days later, two of our daughters, and four of our grandchildren visited us at Sixth Crossing. They dressed up in pioneer clothes and were anxious to pull a handcart.  It was fun spending time with them and providing them also with an opportunity to experience pioneer life. Together we pulled a handcart for six miles, relating many experiences of these wonderful pioneers as we traveled along the Mormon trail.  They were so excited to find arrowheads near some "buffalo bones" along the way!

Modern Day Pioneers

While our family was visiting, we also took time to show them other fun Wyoming sites such as:

Fort Seminoe at Martin's Cove

Hot Springs at Thermopolis

an Indian Village in Lander

Fishing on the Sweetwater River

Climbing Independence Rock

Recognizing we are all pioneers, we pray your pioneer experiences prove worthwhile,
Elder and Sister Bowden