MORMON HANDCART HISTORIC SITES IN WYOMING SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR HANDCART TREKKING

MORMON HANDCART HISTORIC SITES IN WYOMING SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR HANDCART TREKKING Revised June 2014

HISTORY... 1 MARTIN S COVE... 1 SIXTH CROSSING... 3 PLANNING INFORMATION... 4 Martin s Cove... 4 Sixth Crossing... 9 MORMON HANDCART HISTORIC SITES... 13 Campground Rules... 13 SAGE CAMPGROUND RULES... 16 Group Usage of the National Historic Trail... 17 HANDCART INSTRUCTIONS... 18 PLANNING INFORMATION... 19 SAMPLE ORGANIZATION CHART FOR STAKE/WARD LEVEL TREKS... 19 PREPARATION AT HOME... 20 PLAN FOR A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE... 22 ORGANIZE YOURSELVES... 24 GROUP LEADER GUIDELINES... 26 FAMILY DISCUSSION SUGGESTIONS... 27 SUGGESTED TREK ACTIVITIES... 28 MEN S CALLOUT/WOMEN S PULL... 32 Ideas and Questions for Touring MHHS... 33 Medical information... 35 FIRST AID TIPS... 35 Revised June 2014

HISTORY MARTIN S COVE The special atmosphere that exists at Martin s Cove is not due to the facilities or Martin s cove itself but it is the faith, obedience, sacrifice, and charity of the people of the Martin Handcart Company who passed through here that make this place special. Review their journey from Chimney Rock to Martin s Cove: Date 1856 October 3 October 4 October 8 October 17 October 19 October 23 October 25 October 28 October 29 October 30 October 31 November 1 November 2 November 4 LOCATION 9 miles west of Chimney Rock, 580 miles from Salt Lake Valley 2 miles west of Scotts Bluff, Nebraska Arrive at Fort Laramie Deer Creek, personal baggage reduced to 10 pounds for adults and 5 pounds for children; some baggage burned Last crossing of the North Platte River. First snow storm. There were 14 people who died that night. Arrive at Bessemer Bend near Red Buttes; 10 miles from last crossing of North Platte River. Leaders decided to camp for six days so people and animals could rest. They were hoping for food, hoping for a rescue, hoping for a miracle. Josiah Rogerson recalls six to eight and more deaths each day. He helped bury 18 in one morning. Flour rations reduced to 8 ounces per adult and 4 ounces per child Express riders Joseph A. Young, Dan W. Jones, and Able Garr arrive at Bessemer Bend camp. Leave Bessemer Bend and camp near Rock Avenue Camp at Willow Springs Meet rescuers with wagons and some provisions at Greasewood Creek Camp at Independence Rock Cold wind brought storm clouds and a large snow storm. Near dusk arrive at Fort Seminoe west of Devil s Gate. Snow was deep and terrible cold. Not enough room for all in the buildings at the fort. 6 below zero, rescuers decide to move handcart people into a protected area a few miles northwest of the fort. The place now called Martin s Cove. This area provided some protection from the wind and a good supply of firewood. They had to cross Sweetwater River to get there. 1

November 5 November 9 November 10 November 13 Temperature is recorded at 11 degrees below zero for two days. During their time in the cove flour rations were reduced to 4 ounces for adults and 2 ounces for children. At the fort men were unloading freight from Hodgetts and Hunt wagons which would be left at the fort with 20 men to guard it. During their stay in the cove historians believe there were not quite as many as the 56 believed to have died at Bessemer Bend. The storm breaks and the handcart company leave Martin s Cove. However, there was not enough space in the wagons for everyone to ride. In anticipation of additional supplies flour rations increased to 8 ounces per adults and 4 ounces for children. Ephraim Hanks meets the company and dispenses buffalo meat Meet three relief wagons, the first wagons to arrive other than those of the initial rescuers. November 16 Meet Anson Call s group of 10 relief wagons. Flour rations are increased to 16 ounces for adults and 8 ounces for children. Martin Company crosses Rocky Ridge. November 18 November 19 November 23 November 30 Arrive at the last camping place on the Sweetwater (Redick Allred s camp), where there are finally enough wagons for everyone to ride. Crosses South Pass Arrive at Fort Bridger Arrive in Salt Lake 2

SIXTH CROSSING The special atmosphere that exists at the Sixth Crossing site is not due to the facilities or the site itself but it is the faith, obedience, sacrifice, and charity of the people of the Willie Handcart Company who passed through here that make this place special. Review of the Willie Handcart Company from Fort Laramie to South Pass: Date 1856 LOCATION September 30 October 2 October 4 October 15 October 19 October 20 October 21 October 22 October 23 October 24 October 25 October 26 October 31 November 2 November 8 November 9 Camp near Fort Laramie Parley P. Pratt and other eastbound missionaries visit the company Flour rations reduced from 16 ounces to 12 ounces per adult Pass Independence Rock and Devil s Gate; flour rations reduced to 10.5 ounces for men, 9 ounces for women and older children, 6 ounces for younger children, and 3 ounces for infants Leave Sweetwater River at Fifth Crossing, to meet it again 16 ½ miles at the Sixth Crossing. Just past Ice Spring a snow storm with a shrill wind began. The company stopped to wait it out. Meet express riders near Ice Slough who tell them several wagons loaded with flour, onions, and clothing and bedding are within a day s drive. The express riders continue on to look for the Martin company. The Company arrives at Sixth Crossing at dark; nearly out of food. Captain Willie and Joseph Elder travel 27 miles before they find Grant s rescue company. At 8:00 in the morning Captain Willie and Joseph Elder retrace their trail with Captain Grant s rescue company to reach the camp at Sixth Crossing. Travel 10 miles and camp at the base of Rocky Ridge. It is a bitter cold night Make a brutal 16 mile trek over Rocky Ridge during a blizzard; some don t reach camp until almost dawn Bury 13 people in a common grave Arrive at the last camping place on the Sweetwater (Reddick Allred s camp) Cross South Pass Meet 10 supply wagons west of Green River Camp at Fort Bridger Camp a mile east of Little Mountain Arrive in Salt Lake 3

PLANNING INFORMATION Martin s Cove Based on a group of 100 Martin s Cove trek: Camping at Cherry Creek Walking time (based on 2 miles an hour) 1:00 2:00 Arrival use restrooms, orientation, pick up handcarts 60 minutes Option to stop at Fort Seminoe for Daniel W. Jones story add 30 minutes 2:00 4:00 Staging to Cherry Creek campground 3 miles - 2 hours Suggested evening activities Next Day Option to stop at Veil Crossing Bridge on way to campground add 15 minutes Ephraim Hanks 30 minutes 7:00 or 8:00 only Square dancing 1 hour, location needs to be scheduled Pioneer Express 10 minutes 8:00 9:00 Campground to River Crossing ¾ hour 9:00 9:30 River Crossing 30 minutes 9:30 9:45 River Crossing to Statues 15 minutes 9:45 10:00 Statues story 15 minutes 10:00 10:15 Statues to Handcart Parking 15 minutes 10:15 10:45 Restroom break prior to cove 30 minutes (add 15 min for every 50 people) Handcart Parking to Daniel W. Jones Amphitheater 5 minutes 10:45 11:15 Cove talk Daniel W. Jones 30 minutes 11:15 12:45 Walk through cove 1 hour 30 minutes 10:45 11:15 Handcart Parking to Lower Cove Amphitheater 30 minutes 11:15 11:45 Lower Cove talk 30 minutes 11:45 12:45 Walk through cove 1 hour 12:45 1:15 Lunch at handcart parking 30 minutes (average, can be less if they like but also includes restroom break, add 15 min for each additional 50 people) 1:15 1:45 Handcart Parking to Men s Callout/Women s Pull 30 minutes 1:45 2:15 Men s Callout/Women s Pull 30 minutes (over 150 use both sites) 2:15 3:15 Trek back to Cherry Creek campground ¾ hour Ephraim Hanks 30 minutes Square dancing 7:00 or 8:00 only 1 hour Pioneer Express 10 minutes 4

Next Day 9:00 11:00 Trek back to staging to return handcarts 11:00 11:15 Return/Clean Handcarts 1-2 minutes per handcart 11:15 11:30 Leave If doing a daytrip to Sixth Crossing they can be picked up and dropped off on Sun Ranch Road at Cherry Creek to leave and return. Martin s Cove trek: Camping at Jackson Walking time (based on 2 miles an hour) 1:00 2:00 Arrival use restrooms, orientation, pick up handcarts 60 minutes Option to stop at Fort Seminoe for Daniel W. Jones story add 30 minutes 2:00 6:00 Staging to Jackson campground 6 miles 3 ½ hours Option to stop at Veil Crossing Bridge on way to campground add 15 minutes 4:00 4:30 Stop at Cherry Creek campground for restroom break Suggested evening activities Ephraim Hanks 30 minutes 7:00 or 8:00 only Square dancing 1 hour, location needs to be scheduled Pioneer Express 10 minutes Next Day 8:00 11:00 Campground to River Crossing 3 hours (includes stop at restrooms by river crossing) 11:00 11:30 River Crossing 30 minutes 11:30 11:45 River Crossing to Statues 15 minutes 11:45 12:00 Statues story 15 minutes 12:00 12:15 Statues to Handcart Parking 15 minutes 12:15 1:00 Lunch at handcart parking 30 minutes (average, can be less if they like but also includes restroom break, add 15 min for each additional 50 people) Daniel W. Jones Cove Handcart Parking to Daniel W. Jones Amphitheater 5 minutes 1:00 1:30 Cove talk Daniel W. Jones 30 minutes 1:30 3:00 Walk through cove 1 hour 30 minutes Lower Cove 1:00 1:30 Handcart Parking to Lower Cove Amphitheater 30 minutes 1:30 2:00 Lower Cove talk 30 minutes 2:00 3:00 Walk through cove 1 hour 5

3:00 3:30 Restroom and break after cove 30 min add additional 15 min for each additional 50 people 3:30 4:00 Handcart Parking to Men s Callout/Women s Pull 30 minutes 4:00 4:30 Men s Callout/Women s Pull 30 minutes (over 150 use both sites) 4:30 7:30 Trek back to Jackson campground 3 hours Next Day 9:00 1:00 Trek back to staging to return handcarts 4 hours 1:00 1:15 Return/Clean Handcarts 1-2 minutes per handcart 1:15 1:30 Leave If doing a daytrip to Sixth Crossing they can be picked up and dropped off on Sun Ranch Road at Cherry Creek to leave and return. DAYTRIP to Martin s Cove on arrival day (Cove only) Plan 6 hours 10:00 10:30 Arrive get handcarts have orientation 10:30 11:00 Fort Seminoe Daniel W. Jones story 11:00 11:10 Staging to Veil Crossing Bridge 10 minutes 11:10 11:15 at Veil Crossing Bridge 11:15 11:45 Veil Crossing Bridge to Handcart Parking 30 minutes (either lunch or restroom break) 11:45 12:15 Restroom break prior to cove 30 minutes (add 15 min for every 50 people) Handcart Parking to Daniel W. Jones Amphitheater 5 minutes 12:15 12:45 Cove talk Daniel W. Jones 30 minutes 12:45 2:15 Walk through cove 1 hour 30 minutes Handcart Parking to Lower Cove Amphitheater 30 minutes 12:45 1:15 Lower Cove talk 30 minutes 1:15 2:15 Walk through cove 1 hour 2:15 3:00 Lunch at handcart parking 45 minutes (if lunch earlier this is restroom break) (average, can be less if they like but also includes restroom break) Option to add Rescue Statues add 45 minutes (15min trek over, 15 min there, 15 min back to HP) 3:00 3:45 Trek back to staging 45 minutes (front trail) 3:45 4:30 Return/Clean handcarts 1-2 minutes per handcart DAYTRIP to Martin s Cove Travel from Sixth Crossing 1 hour (plan 8 hours for DAYTRIP) 6

9:00 9:30 Arrive get handcarts have orientation Option to stop at Fort Seminoe for Daniel W. Jones story add 30 minutes 9:30 10:30 Staging to River Crossing (sand trail) 1 hour 10 minutes 10:30 11:00 River Crossing 30 minutes 11:00 11:15 River Crossing to Statues 15 minutes 11:15 11:30 Statues story 15 minutes 11:30 11:45 Statues to Handcart Parking 15 minutes (either lunch or restroom break) 11:45 12:15 Restroom/lunch break prior to cove 30 minutes (add 15 min for every 50 people) Handcart Parking to Daniel W. Jones Amphitheater 5 minutes 12:15 12:45 Cove talk Daniel W. Jones 30 minutes 12:45 2:15 Walk through cove 1 hour 30 minutes Handcart Parking to Lower Cove Amphitheater 30 minutes 12:45 1:15 Lower Cove talk 30 minutes 1:15 2:15 Walk through cove 1 hour 2:15 2:45 Lunch/restrooms at handcart parking 30 minutes (if lunch earlier this is restroom break) (average, can be less if they like but also includes restroom break) 2:45 3:15 Handcart Parking to Men s Callout/Women s Pull 30 minutes (if no MC/WP skip) 3:15 3:45 Men s Callout/Women s Pull 30 minutes (if 150-250 use both sites) 3:45 4:45 Trek back to staging 1 hours (sand trail) 4:45 5:00 Return/Clean handcarts 1-2 minutes per handcart 7

MARTIN'S COVE Trail Rules Walking in small groups of approximately 20 promotes reverence for this sacred site. Take your time. Vignettes may be given in most places on the trail, with the exception of the trail above Daniel W. Jones Amphitheater and through the Cove to the Monument. Always leave the trail clear for others. We are a public access trail under a BLM permit in these locations. Musical numbers are allowed at Daniel W. Jones Amphitheater or Sweetwater Amphitheater, but not beyond there as you walk to the cove. The walk through Martin's Cove is a reverent experience. Absolutely no climbing on the rocks or sand hill at Martin's Cove. You are responsible for your own medical issues. This is home for deer, antelope, rabbits, rattlesnakes, etc. Please enjoy our wildlife, but do not disturb, feed or harm them. We are the visitors. Picnicking is permissible in designated areas. No picnicking in the Cove or on the trail above Handcart Parking. Pack it In! Pack it Out! This applies to all trek groups: stakes, wards, and families. We have no trash facilities. Do not go beyond the trail into Devil's Gate! It is private property and dangerous. 8

PLANNING INFORMATION Sixth Crossing Trek Templates Based on a group of 100 4 Mile Trek (also could be a day trip from Martin s Cove) #1 Walking time based on 2 miles an hour 8:45 9:00 Handcart Corral (from Jamerman, Meadow and Sweetwater Camps) 9:15 9:45 Men s callout/women s pull (Short pull.20 miles) 10:00 10:30 Third crossing, river crossing 10:30 11:30 Third crossing, lunch, restroom break 12:15 12:45 Flagg Bridge, Willie Account 1:00 1:30 Handcart corral, return and wash handcarts 1:30 1:45 Return to Camp Evening activities include Square Dancing, Pony Express, and Levi Savage account #2 Walking time based on 2 miles an hour 8:45 9:00 Handcart Corral (from Family, River and River Commons Camps) 10:00 10:30 Flagg Bridge, Willie Account 10:45 11:45 Jamerman camp, restroom break 12:00 12:30 Men s Callout/Women s Pull, (short pull.20) 12:45 1:15 First Crossing, river crossing 1:15 2:15 Third Crossing, lunch 2:30 3:00 River Camp, return and clean handcarts 3:00 3:30 Return to Camp 9

6 Mile Trek: camping at Meadow, River or Sweetwater Camp Walking time based on 2 miles an hour 8:45 9:00 Arrival, pick up handcarts 15 minutes 9:15 9:30 Jens & Elsie Nelson re-enactment (.24 mile pull) 10:00-10:30 View Ridge, (beginning of Willie Company Story) 10:45 11:30 Men s Callout/Women s Pull (long pull.7 miles) 11:45-12:15 Linford Monument 12:15 1:30 Willie Meadow, Lower Lunch 1:30 2:15 Willie Meadow, Upper, (Willie company story) 3:00-3:30 Two Gates Potty 3:45-4:15 Flagg Bridge River Crossing 4:30 5:00 Return to Camp Suggested evening activities include Square Dancing, Pioneer Express, and Levi Savage account 10 Mile Trek: camping at River Camp Walking time based on 2 miles an hour 8:45 9:00 From River, pick up handcarts 9:15 9:45 3 rd crossing, 3 river crossings 10:15 10:45 Jens and Elsie re-enactment (.24 miles) 10:45 11:15 Poison Springs, rest stop 11:45 12:15 View Ridge, (beginning of Willie Company Story) 12:30-1:15 Men s Callout/Women s Pull (long pull.7 miles) 1:30 2:00 Linford Monument 2:00-2:45 Lower Meadow, Lunch, restroom break 3:00-3:45 Upper Meadow, Willie Account 4:30-5:00 Two Gates Rest stop 5:45-6:15 Three Crossing Rest stop 6:30 Return to Camp Suggested evening activities: Square Dancing, Pioneer Express, and Levi Savage account 10

SIXTH CROSSSING On-Site Trail Rules Be mindful that ALL requests from missionaries MUST be followed! It is the responsibility of your group s priesthood leaders to ensure that all of the following are adhered to by all of your participants. Once on the trail, do not deviate from your assigned trail without approval of Trek Supervisor. During spring high water, we may need to modify and/or change trails. The MHHS Director will advise when the Sweetwater River is deemed passable for river crossings. At that time, it will then be the decision of your priesthood leaders to proceed with the crossing. The 10 Mile Trail and the 4 Mile Trail has three Sweetwater River Crossings (designated as 1st, 2nd & 3rd Crossings). Adjacent to the Flagg Bridge may also be utilized as a river crossing. The 6 Mile Trail has one Sweetwater River Crossing location; one at the Flagg Bridge. Your first water crossing should be silent to allow your group to feel the Spirit. Your group leaders should come prepared to address your youth with talks, testimonials, stories, etc. that will help them to learn and appreciate the faith, obedience, sacrifice and charity of those who helped establish the restored gospel. We have found that group leaders are especially in-tune with the Spirit in knowing what to and how to share with your youth. It is preferred that your youth and leaders provide the talks. If necessary missionaries are available to provide talks for: the Willie Account, Men s Call Out/Women s Pull, Water Crossing, Pioneer (Pony) Express, Ephraim Hanks, Levi Savage, and Jens & Elsie Nielson re-enactment. Please schedule in advance. Missionaries are not available to tell stories at the Sage Campground. The Willie Account is told in the Willie Meadow, but may also be given along the 4 Mile Trail, during/following NHT-Rocky Ridge Orientation or in the campgrounds. Vignettes and appropriate music are permitted. Please be mindful that other groups are utilizing the trail and keep it short. There are three Men s Callout/Women s Pulls. o Long Pull: Available on the 10 Mile Trail and the 6 Mile Trail. It is located near the Linford Monument and is.7 miles long with a 124 climb. o Poison Springs Pull: Available on the 10 Mile Trail. It is located near the Poison Springs restrooms and is.24 miles long with a 95 climb. o Short Pull: Available on the 4 Mile Trail. It is a short distance from Handcart Parking and is 0.2 miles long with a 49 climb. The above locations may also be utilized for the Jens & Elsie Nielson re-enactment. There is no drinking water available on the trail, except at Lower Meadow by the Willie Meadow. We recommend that you carry 1 gallon of water per individual on your handcarts. 11

There are four restroom stops on the trails. One at Poison Springs, one before the Willie Meadow, one just after the Willie Meadow,, and one just after the third River Crossing. Toilet paper is provided. Trekkers should be prepared with a few rolls of toilet paper for emergency purposes. There are no tables or benches provided along the trails. Trekker buckets can be utilized for sitting on. Please make sure all litter is picked up prior to your departure from your lunching area. Typical areas for lunching on the trails are: On the 10 Mile Trail and 6 Mile Trail, lunch is usually taken at the Willie Meadow or the Two Gates restroom area. On the 4 Mile Trail, lunch is usually taken near the Flagg Bridge or at the Meadow or Jamerman Campgrounds (if space is available). Please leave all gates as you find them. When in doubt, close them. Do not climb on fences or gates. Only one medical and/or one support vehicle from your group is allowed to travel on any authorized site roads beyond your campground. Support vehicles are not allowed on the trails. Please check with the Campground Host and Base Station to get permission and for detailed instruction if support people want to catch up with your group on the trail to listen or participate in events. Event locations should be accessed via walking the trail. They should walk not drive to their desired location. The only vehicles allowed on the trails are medical vehicles and mission service vehicles. No vehicle travel without base approval. You are responsible for your own medical issues. Handcarts may be utilized to bring the individual off the trail to a road access point. If the medical emergency necessitates the use of a vehicle, your medical vehicle is allowed on the trail. This is the ONLY time a vehicle is allowed on the trail. If the individual is not accessible by your vehicle, our Rover may transport the individual to your vehicle. You remain responsible for taking care of the emergency. This is home for deer, antelope, rabbits, rattlesnakes, etc. Please enjoy our wildlife, but do not disturb, feed or harm them. We are the visitors. Do not disturb or feed the cattle or horses owned by local ranchers. You are responsible for handcarts that are assigned to your group. If you break them on the trail, you must bring them in. (Duct tape is an effective temporary fix.) If your group is responsible for damage to handcarts, campground, restrooms, etc., a bill will be sent to our stake, ward, or group to cover the repairs. 12

MORMON HANDCART HISTORIC SITES Campground Rules Be mindful that all requests from missionaries MUST be followed! It is the responsibility of your group s priesthood leaders to ensure that all of the following are adhered to by all of your participants. Unload and park only in designated areas. Whenever possible there will be someone to direct you. Please do not block roads, trails, or gates at any time. DO NOT drive any vehicles into the campgrounds. You may use your issued handcarts to assist with loading and unloading of gear. In some campgrounds, we provide handcarts for moving your equipment. Recreational Vehicles (RV s, campers, camp trailers, pop-up tent trailers, motor homes, toy-haulers, any type trailer with living quarters, etc.), no matter what their intended use (sleeping, cooking, medical, hauling gear, etc.) are not allowed to be parked at any of the campgrounds, including at Sage and Rock Creek Hollow. If used for unloading they are allowed 60 minutes to unload and then must be moved out of the campground area into the areas where they are permitted. At Rock Creek Hollow RV s may camp at the bus parking area. However, they are still subject to quiet hours for generators, which is 10 p.m. At the Sixth Crossing sites, parking for these types of vehicles may be up to 2.5 miles away from your campground. At the Martin s Cove site, parking is 8 miles away. Better yet, plan on having all of your group s participants enjoy the total pioneer experience and do not bring these types of vehicles. Do not climb on the campground fences or gates. We cannot transport people, equipment or other items for your trek in our Rovers. This includes musical instruments, food, props, ice, or trekkers. These must be transported in your assigned handcarts. It may be necessary to check out an additional handcart to transport your special equipment. Do not wash dishes, hair, feet, or teeth, near the water faucets or hand-pump water wells. The wells are shallow and surface water seepage can contaminate the drinking water. Take water back to camp in jugs, buckets, etc. Use this water to fill water bottles for cooking, for washing, brushing teeth, etc. Go at least 50 feet away from the pump. No pets or horses are permitted. Only service animals will be allowed. No bicycles or ATV s will be permitted. No casual use of boom boxes, tape players, CD players or IPods. Upon approval, these items may be used for appropriate musical numbers for devotional purposes, etc. 13

Camp in your assigned area. You may rearrange the picnic tables and/or benches ONLY in your assigned area. When you break camp, they must be returned to their original locations. Use only the fire rings assigned to your group. Fires are only to be in the fire rings provided. Do not remove the fire rings. Do not dig holes for fires or for cooking purposes, i.e. for Dutch Oven cooking, etc. Obey fire ban if issued. Put out all fires that are unattended during the day or night using water only not dirt or sand. Do not put your food garbage in the fire rings; however, you may burn burnable items. Firewood is not provided. You must bring your own. During a dry year, all open fires or charcoal use may be prohibited. EXCEPTION: No open fires or charcoal are permitted in Sage Campground. Please ask your Campground Host where to stack unused firewood. You are responsible for keeping your campground clean during your stay. Paper and plastic items can easily be blown away by the wind. You are responsible for removal of your own trash. Remember, Pack It In and Pack It Out. Leave your area clean, including no trash in the fire rings (i.e. orange peels, apple cores, pop cans, etc.). We do not have trash service. During a fire ban (even a partial ban) there is no burning of trash in the fire ring. Use only your assigned restrooms. It is your group s responsibility to keep all restroom facilities clean. Do not throw any debris in the toilet as it will clog the cleaning hose of the vacuum truck. Your assigned restrooms must be cleaned prior to your leaving camp. Please keep all restroom doors closed to keep out the critters, snakes in particular. Close the toilet lids to reduce odor. Contact Campground Host if supplies are needed. Watch out for snakes! If you see one, advise an adult leader or missionary. LEAVE THE SNAKE ALONE! This particularly pertains to Martin s Cove, but a few have been spotted near the Sage campground. Consider collapsing your tents if you leave the campground. The wind can come up quickly and strong. 14

Quiet time is 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. All generators, refrigerator units, etc., must be shut off or, if applicable, moved away from camp to a spot designated by the Campground Host. Be considerate of other groups. No early morning wake-up calls or lights-out signals over a sound system or by bugle, siren, air horn, etc. Do not disturb or feed the wildlife or cattle and horses owned by local ranchers. If a gate is closed, close it after you. Square dancing instruction and music should be provided by your individual groups. No square dancing is allowed at the Sage or Rock Creek Hollow campgrounds. Please be mindful that it is the responsibility of your group's leaders to gather your youth at the appropriate time to participate in the square dancing. If damage occurs to any assets (handcarts, porta-potties, bathroom buildings, campsites, water buffalo, etc.) a bill will be sent to your group to cover the repairs. 15

SAGE CAMPGROUND RULES All requests from missionaries must be followed. Priesthood leaders are responsible for ensuring that their trek group is trained on and adhere to the following: SPECIFIC TO SAGE: Quiet time is 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. All generators, refrigerator units, etc., must be shut off or moved away from camp to the Hudson-Atlantic City Road staging/bus unloading area. You may have two camp support vehicles parked in the food/support parking area, the remainder of your vehicles are to be parked in the upper parking area. Open fires and charcoal are NOT allowed. Propane cooking is permitted. No overnight camping is permitted at the Hudson-Atlantic City Road staging/bus unloading area either on the ground, in tents, cars, trucks, campers, or support trailers. GENERAL: NO RV s are permitted (motorhomes, campers, toy haulers, pop-up tents, camping trailers, 5 th wheels, etc.) Be considerate of other groups. No early morning wake-up calls or lights-out signals over a sound system or by bugle, siren, etc. Do not drive in the campgrounds. There is one hand-pump water well. Do not wash dishes, hair, hands, feet or teeth near hand-pump water wells. The wells are shallow and surface water seepage can contaminate the drinking water. Take water back to camp in jugs, buckets, etc. Use this water to fill water bottles, for cooking, for washing, etc. Go at least 50 feet away from the pump. There are vault toilets. Please keep doors closed. Toilet paper is provided, but you will want to bring a few emergency rolls with you. No bicycles, ATV s, horses or pets. No firearms, fireworks, smoking or alcoholic beverages are allowed. Do not feed or disturb the wildlife, cattle or horses. Always protect the wildlife by storing food, toiletries and trash in a secure manner. Watch for snakes! If you see one, advise an adult leader or missionary. LEAVE THE SNAKE ALONE! Pack-it-In, Pack-it-Out! Please review your Campground Checkout List before leaving for details regarding cleaning the restrooms and the campground. Allot time for these tasks when scheduling your departure time. 16

Group Usage of the National Historic Trail (For small groups not associated with MHHS treks.) 1. Where a group is housed or camped has no bearing on whether or not a permit is required. 2. Groups less than 26 persons including trail support (drivers of water & medical vehicle) may go over the National Historic Trail any time and do not require a Special Use Permit from the BLM or slots under the Sixth Crossing Special Use Permit as long as they have no more than two vehicles on BLM lands including the Hudson-Atlantic City Road. 3. Groups less than 26 persons going over the National Historic Trail and traveling on BLM lands including the Hudson-Atlantic City Road in three or more vehicles are required to have a Special Use Permit from the BLM. 4. Groups less than 26 including trail support (drivers of water & medical vehicle) using handcarts from the Sixth Crossing are required to have slots under the Sixth Crossing Special Use Permit to go over the National Historic Trail, and are subject to the rules of the permit. The fee is $5.00 per person, per day, including trail support. Reservations are made through Martin s Cove office (307 328-2953). 5. Groups over 25 persons planning to go on the National Historic Trail and are not using handcarts from the Sixth Crossing are required to have a Special Use Permit from the BLM. Contact the BLM Lander Field Office (307 332-8400). 6. Groups over 25 persons using Sixth Crossing Handcart Center handcarts must have slots under the Sixth Crossing Special Use Permit and are subject to the rules of the permit. The fee is $5.00 per person per day including trail support (drivers of the water & medical support vehicles). Reservations for treks over the National Historic Trail are made through the Martin s Cove office. 7. Group over 25 persons, not using Sixth Crossing Handcart Center handcarts, and are planning to go up Rocky Ridge and return back in groups of less than 25 must be separated on the National Historic Trail by at least 24 hours. They may not have more than two vehicles with each group. Permits are not required. 17

HANDCART INSTRUCTIONS Help us take care of the handcarts. They are a very valuable resource for a successful trek and our missionary program at these Historic Sites. Treat handcarts with care; pull or push them by hand. The back rails and side rails of the handcarts are fragile. You can push on them, but please don t pull back, lean, sit, or stand on them. Do not sit or stand on the shaft when it is resting on the ground. Do not pull handcarts behind vehicles. No one should ride in the cart, except in an emergency or part of a planned trekking experience, and then not more than 2 people per cart. Do not run with the handcart. Trek participants easily trip and get run over by the wheels. When stopping the handcart, slowly lower the shaft until it rests on the ground. Never drop the shaft. Always set it onto the ground gently. Carefully watch the handle clearance when going through gates and other narrow places. Stay away from the wheels. Some clothing, especially dresses, can get caught in the wheels. You may attach a 20-25 foot rope during cart use. The rope allows more people to pull at once. When going down steep hills, always keep the handcart under control. You may attach rope to the back of the handcart and have everyone help to slow down the cart or turn the handcart around and take it down the hill backwards. When stopping on a hill, place a rock or some other object behind the wheels so that the handcart does not roll. Do not pull a loaded handcart sideways on a steep incline (where one wheel is consistently lower than the other). If all the weight of the handcart is shifted to one wheel, it can break. Do not deface any surface of the handcart (writing, carving, painting, etc.) Do not leave handcarts on the trails or in campsites. You are responsible for them while they are assigned to your group. If you break them on the trail, you must bring them in. (Duct tape is an effective temporary fix.) Make sure your handcarts are washed and the mud scraped off if needed before checking them in. This can take considerable time. Be sure to plan this into your departure schedule. Contact the missionaries at your return location to report damage to handcarts and for cleaning instructions. If damage occurs to handcarts, we will send a bill to your stake, ward, or group to cover the repairs. 18

PLANNING INFORMATION SAMPLE ORGANIZATION CHART FOR STAKE/WARD LEVEL TREKS Trek Committee Stake Presidency/Bishopric Young Men and Young Women Leaders Two Youth Representatives (oversee all trek activities; organize and assign all spiritual activities; oversee family history research, referrals, and baptisms; call Ma s and Pa s; plan testimony meeting; the bishop would give the prayer and priesthood blessing before going into Martin s Cove.) Medical Adviser Oversees preventative preparation; first aid kits and on site medical situations. Trek Master Coordinates with missionaries at Mormon Handcart Historic Sites in Wyoming at Martin s Cove and Sixth Crossing; plan, propose, and carry out instructions of Trek Committee. Committee Transportation Committee Arrange buses Arrange for firewood Traveling activities Assign and care for Handcarts Care for tents, stoves, ax Others as needed Historical Committee Identify resources Ancestral research Provide pioneer stories Make presentations Others as needed Program Committee Plan trek activities Train Group Leaders Trek activities Plan and prepare music PA system megaphone Family discussions/solo time Others as needed Publicity Committee Within-Church advertising Local newspapers Film activities Ward firesides Others as needed Food Committee Collect cooking equipment Plan menu Preparation of food Sack lunches and snacks Garbage, water Clean up Others as needed Dress Committee Plan and propose Assist in making or finding clothing Others as needed NOTE: Ward leaders should have a contact back home that will constantly be near a phone. Verizon does not work at Martin s Cove. 19

PREPARATION AT HOME Establishing your Goals and Objectives Wherefore stand ye in hold places and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. (D&C 87:8) I make a plea, go in a spirit of reverence and respect, and know that you are walking on hallowed ground. (President Gordon B. Hinckley, 1997) By selecting Martin s Cove and/or Sixth Crossing and Rock Creek Hollow for your youth trek, you have selected to have a spiritual experience in HOLY PLACES, rather than a recreational experience. Remember, this Trek is for the youth of Zion. We are only the support group. Start a physical conditioning program for youth and adults Walk. Depending on our itinerary, you could walk 5 to 15 miles per day. Remember the altitude here is nearly 6200 feet, and near 7000 feet at Rocky Ridge. Break in a good pair of shoes (two pair would be preferred.) Get used to being outside. Bring clothing and potions such as sun screen, wind, rain, snow, heat and cold. The days could be very warm; the nights could be very cold. Plan your activities. Don t plan too much. Leave enough time for the spirit to work Select activities from the list in this booklet (plan, study, include the youth.) Promote bonding among the youth. Testimony meetings (both at home and while you are here) Eliminate idle time ( solo time is not idle time) Include the youth in all planning (no surprises when you arrive.) Set your rules in advance and include the youth in preparing this list. Some examples: Wear period clothing for the entire trek, save bacon grease for axle use. Bring scriptures and provide study time. No MP3 or CD players. Candle molds and wax in case of power outage. No footballs, Frisbees, etc. Cell phones for leaders only (for emergency use only, get away from the world) No electronic games, ipad, tablets, etc. 20

This is your trek Include everyone and plan ahead for those who have special needs: Wheelchairs cannot be pushed on the trail to Martin s Cove. We do have handcarts that are adapted for a wheelchair to go in. The wheelchair handcart is the only handcart allowed from handcart parking into Martin s Cove. Rickshaws are available at handcart parking to transfer the person into to go into the cove area. The injured or handicapped should be included in all possible activities. This will help promote special bonding. Please reserve wheelchair handcarts and rickshaws in advance. Bring your own medical personnel and supplies. Attend the temple just prior to coming. Youth can do baptisms for the dead. Adult leaders, an endowment session. To get their families sealed was a driving force for these early saints to come to Zion as soon as possible. Study, read and learn what happened here in 1856 Journals Books about the Martin and Willie handcart companies Ensign magazine, August 1997 Assign everyone a name from the Martin, Willie, Hunt, Hodgetts, or Rescue Company or other family name Provide these prior to arrival in order to allow time to research the names and know who they were and what happened to them. Tell your family group about this special person sometime during the trek. Other preparations prior to coming on your Trek Learn the pioneer songs and the songs of the trail If you are going to square dance, learn the dances (The Virginia Reel and Oh Johnny Oh) Check and verify your reservations as well as your missionary speakers. 21

PLAN FOR A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE Elder Neal A. Maxwell in his book Not Withstanding My Weakness (1981, pages 17-18) made the following statement: The Latter-day Saints need to remember that those who live now are being called upon to work out our salvation in a special time of intense and immense challenges. The last portion of the dispensation of the fullness of times is during which great tribulation and temptation will occur. The elect will almost be deceived and unrighteous people will be living much as they were in the days of Noah. Therefore, though we have rightly applauded our ancestors for their spiritual achievements, and we don t and must not discount them now, those of us who prevail today will have done no small thing. The special spirits who have been reserved to live in this the dispensation of the fullness of times will one day be praised for their stamina by those who pulled handcarts. President Ezra Taft Benson, in Women s Conference in 1986, made the following comments directed to the youth of the Church: You have been born at this time for a sacred and glorious purpose. It is not by chance that you have been reserved to come to earth in this last dispensation of the fullness of times. Your birth at this particular time was foreordained in the eternities. You are to be the royal daughters (and sons) of the Lord in the last day. You are youth of the noble birthright. I leave you my witness that I know that the youth of today are some of the strongest and most valiant children of the Lord that he has held until this time in history. I want you to know that I know the sacredness of my calling in pronouncing patriarchal blessings. I pray that these blessings can be a personal Liahona to all who receive them. I bear you my witness that I know that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ. This is The Church of Jesus Christ here on the earth. I leave that with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Elder M. Russell Ballard made the following statements in General Conference in April 1997: We cannot begin to understand the journeys made by those who laid the foundation of this dispensation until we understand their spiritual underpinnings. Once we make that connection, however, we will begin to see how their journeys parallel our own. There are lessons for us in every footstep they took lessons of love, courage, commitment, devotion, endurance, and, most of all, faith. Handcarts were heavily laden with faith faith in God, faith in the restoration of His Church through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and faith that God knew where they were going and that He would see them through. We all face rocky ridges, with the wind in our face and winter coming on too soon. Always there is a Devil s Gate, which will swing open to lure us in. Occasionally we reach the top of some summit in life, as the pioneers did, only to see more mountain peaks ahead, higher and more challenging than the one we have just traversed. And how will we feel then, as we stand shoulder to shoulder with the great pioneers of Church history? How will they feel about us? Will they see faith in our footsteps? I believe they will. 22

We will learn, as did our pioneer ancestors, that it is only in faith real faith, whole souled, tested and tried that we will find safety and confidence as we walk our own perilous pathways through life. We are all bound together 19 th and 20 th century pioneers and more in our great journey to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and to allow His atoning sacrifice to work its miracle in our lives. While we all can appreciate the footsteps of faith walked by Joseph Smith and his followers from Palmyra to Carthage Jail and across the Great Plains, we should ever stand in reverential awe as we contemplate the path trod by the Master. His faithful footsteps to Gethsemane and to Calvary rescued all of us and opened the way for us to return to our heavenly home. Joy will fill our hearts when we fully come to know the eternal significance of the greatest rescue the rescue of the family of God by the Lord Jesus Christ. For it is through Him that we have promise of eternal life. Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the source of spiritual power that will give you and me the assurance that we have nothing to fear from the Journey. 23

ORGANIZE YOURSELVES Select your Leaders Youth leaders Trail Boss Group Leaders Historian/Communications Coordinator (documents trek with pictures, videotape, scrapbook) Family History Coordinator (responsible for coordinating family history research and temple work; every person is invited to do temple work for one of their ancestors both youth and adults) Story Telling Coordinator (responsible for researching stories from the Willie and Martin Handcart companies and the Hunt and Hodgetts Wagon companies; a storyteller can be provided with a script and costume to tell these stories on the trail) Photographer Music leader Dance instructor Select Family Groups Make family group assignments prior to arriving at Mormon Handcart Historic Sites Group leaders (Ma s and Pa s) 6 to 8 children; selection should go across peer groups (it is alright to include best friends) Include both strong and athletic and the less physically fit About 10 people are assigned per handcart Select your support group; they are the unrecognized backbone of most treks Transportation specialists Equipment specialists Cooking specialists Medical specialists Food specialist Audio specialist; if possible bring your own battery-powered portable speaker system when the wind blows it is impossible for large groups to hear; several speakers set in a circle would be better 24

Family Equipment Needs Two or more 5-6 man tents See Handbook 2: Administering the Church 13.6.12 Overnight Activities One cooler for lunch supplies (to be carried in the handcarts) Two 5 gallon water coolers (to be carried in the handcarts) Small first aid kit ( to be carried in the handcarts) Ward Equipment Needs Two (at least) large propane cook stoves (the kind with legs is suggested) Pots, pans, and other cooking and clean-up gear Paper goods, cups, utensils, or tin plates, cups, utensils, etc. (reduces garbage) Propane lanterns Shovel and ax Large first aid kit and supplies Stake will provide (if on a stake level) Water (if going to BLM campground and over Rocky Ridge) Wood Food for all meals Garbage removal Experienced nursing or other medical support Medical supplies (not covered at ward level) Have a great Trek! Remember this is your Trek. Plan what is needed for your group. We missionaries have been set apart to assist the Spirit work here at these sites. We also are here to assist you and explain guidelines. 25

GROUP LEADER GUIDELINES 1. Each couple will be responsible for: a. Transportation to and from Wyoming b. Supervising on the trail and in camp c. Supervising six to eight youths ranging in age from 14 through 18 assigned to your family from wards throughout the stake. d. You may not know the youth in your family, and they may not know each other. One of the youth in each family may be a youth leader ideally a young man or your woman serving on the Trek Committee. 2. Each Group Leader is expected to: a. Help the youth leader lead. Support the youth leader as he/she leads the family in activities (some groups have Group Leaders do this) such as get-to-know-you activities, devotionals, meal preparation, following trek rules, keeping the family together, problem solving, etc. b. Keep things positive. Encourage appropriate behavior by setting a good example and maintaining a positive and supportive approach before and during the trek (absolutely no whining!!). If you have concerns, speak directly to one of the stake leaders. Your family should be working together. If you find yourself and your youth leader running around gathering equipment, loading carts, doing dishes, etc., something has gone wrong!! Help all members of your family to be responsible. c. Maintain hydration. Keep yourself hydrated and make sure everyone in your family is carrying his own water bottle and drinking at least as much as you are. d. Enhance the spiritual experience. Prepare well, and seek the Spirit in all you do and say. The manner in which challenges are faced and handled will have as much of a lasting impact on the youth as any of the prepared activities or talks. Remember that we do not want to try to accomplish the Lord s purposes using Satan s methods. 3. All adult leaders, along with the youth, will walk approximately 3-6 miles the first day, 6 12 miles the second day, and 3-6 miles the third day. (The miles to be walked over Rocky Ridge is 16 miles.) Each family will pull a handcart the entire way. 4. Everyone will be camping in primitive circumstances. See Handbook 2: Administering the Church 13.6.12 Overnight Activities 5. https://www.lds.org/youth/activities/bc/pdfs/stake/handcart-trek-guidelines-june-2015.pdf?lang=eng All participants are strongly encouraged to wear pioneer style clothing throughout the trek. 26

FAMILY DISCUSSION SUGGESTIONS Group Leader led family discussions are an important and necessary part of the trek experience. They may be held anytime and almost anywhere on the trail. They can help youth become mentally, spiritually, and physically involved. During the discussions the youth should begin to seriously ponder the Gospel as it relates to their everyday life. The family discussions may be either formal or informal, though the first discussion should be formal as it will set the tone for the rest of the trek. In preparing for the discussions, ponder the following suggestions: 1. After your meal and cleanup, gather your family and sit in a circle with everyone facing toward the center. 2. Share a pre-assigned pioneer ancestor story, either your own or someone else s in the family. 3. Ask the youth to look for parallels between their own lives and the experiences of the pioneers. 4. After the stories ask some questions to get the discussion started: a. Begin with concrete questions like, what part do you remember most? b. Next ask questions about how they felt about these events. c. How do you feel about the trek so far? Why do you feel that way? d. What are you learning from this experience? Can you think of similar situations in your life? e. We all may want to think and ponder how your trek through life is similar to the trek the pioneers actually did. f. Have someone share scriptures that are relevant to the discussion. g. Close with your testimony. Below are some general ideas to help you with meaningful meetings: 1. Remember this is a time for sharing and expressing feelings and ideas about the experience, life, or the Gospel. Your responsibility is to initiate the sharing. 2. If you do not know where to start, begin at a point in the circle and have each respond in turn to a question. Then ask them why they responded the way they did. Then continue that process around the circle. 3. For many this will be a new experience. Encourage everyone to share but do not force anyone. Listen carefully to what anyone says and give reinforcement. However, don t overdo the compliments; they will become forced and insincere. 4. It is all right for the youth to express negative feelings. Don t let others laugh at what is said. 5. Make sure that your youth know there are no wrong answers. It doesn t matter if their stories or feelings seem out of line. What matters is that everything be kept sincere. 27

SUGGESTED TREK ACTIVITIES Possible locations for stories or reflection: Martin Handcart site Veil Crossing Bridge Handcart Parking Dan W. Jones Amphitheater, Lower Cove Amphitheater, Sweetwater Amphitheater (These must be scheduled in advance.) Foot Bridge Sixth Crossing, Rocky Ridge, and Rock Creek Hollow Willie Meadow (Must be scheduled in advance.) Rocky Ridge Lower Monument Upper Monument Rock Creek Hollow memorial, grave site (Must be scheduled in advance.) Remember Rock Here you may consider using messages of the First Presidency Other Suggestions: Have someone from your group learn the stories beforehand and present them (be sure they are accurate) Divide into small enough groups that all can hear Allow for the noise of the Wyoming winds The missionaries would be happy to present the stories if you are not prepared to do so. Pull Handcarts along the Trails To and from the campgrounds To and from Handcart Parking To and from the Visitors Center Around Sixth Crossing Trails 4, 6, or 10 mile Pull Handcarts through the Sweetwater River The river could be only a foot deep or it could be waist deep.you might consider spare shoes and clothing Handcarts can be pulled through the river when the water is below the wheel hub Walk through Martin s Cove You will need to be prepared both physically, but more importantly, MENTALLY Reverent walk through the cove Go in family groups Remember, it is not what you will see or hear, but what you will feel! 28