Martin's Cove: Sacred Place of Fate

Group Picture

My Family

Being Lazy

The bus trip home

The top of Independence Rock


This past weekend I had the opportunity of visiting Martin's Cove with some of the singles in my area. We left last Thursday night around 11:30 at night on a bus that would take us Independence Rock then onto Martin's Cove. All of us, very sleep deprived from less than great sleeping conditions, arrived at Independence Rock around 7:30 a.m. I realized how out of shape I was when I was climbing it and I could not have imagined pulling a handcart up that rock. Once on top of Independence Rock the view was very breathtaking. What a glorious view it had to be for so many pioneers on the Oregon Trail. After Independence Rock we went to Martin's Cove. We loaded our belongings in a handcart and started our trek. When we literally walked Martin's Cove it was a reverent walk. I couldn't help but to imagine the weak and fragile pioneers camped out there. While I was imagining I couldn't bring myself to think of them as gloomy but only to think of the children playing and the saints singing. We also got to cross the Sweetwater River. That is the river the "Valley Boys" carried so many pioneers across. We also had a chance to do a women's hike which was symbolic of the Mormon Battalion. It was hard but I gained such an appreciation for guys! I saw so many small acts of service while I was on this trip and also felt a unity among us YSA's. I can not express the feelings of gratitude I felt for these pioneers. At times in my life I have felt kind of bad because none of my ancestors, that I am aware of, made this trek. It came to me as I was walking this that although none of my ancestors did make the trek that as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints this is still my inheritance! What a sweet revelation that was! I am so glad that I was able to have this experience and gain such an appreciation for these pioneers. I know that they did marvelous things. I also know that it is our responsibility to be pioneers in our day. One of the comments made by a brother who was a member of the Martin Handcart company was, "The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay." I want to be able to say those same words after I face each trail in my life.