Martin's Cove 2010

This begins our handcart journey. Technically it began the day before. We put Rayce on the all night bus ride with our ward members while the rest of us (David, Porter, Ryann and I) headed to the airport. Can you believe that renting a car for a week and having it sit in the parking lot at Martin's Cove is cheaper than gas to drive there? It's true. We had no other choice, that's just what we did.

This is us leaving our hotel in Casper WY to meet up with our fellow trekers at the Martin's Cove Visitors center. Casper is about 90 minutes from MC. We donned the pioneer digs and headed out to join our group.

 There's a happy fella. We pulled into the parking lot just as the all night bus arrived. We couldn't wait to see how their trip was. Rayce came off the bus smiling.. Delirious I think. Or maybe anyone would smile when wearing a hat like that. The Bishop had wanted to create an experience that would pull everyone together without the use of technology. The teens were banned from any electronics on the bus. This was a 12 hour ride mind you. By 2am, the kids were going nuts and the adults on board were getting nuttier.. needless to say, Redbox is a great thing. They even have those out in the middle of nowhere. Shhhhhh....what happens on the bus, stays on the bus.

 Martin's Cove or Devil's Gate? Where should we go? Ah, The arrow's are pointing in the same direction.

These two are the roughest toughest pioneers. Moooove 'em out!

I quickly became victim to the sun and the wind. I now appreciate the pictures of the pioneer women who looked like they had been dragged behind their handcarts. Plus add a frumpy shirt and an elastic waistband. It's the new definition of sexy.

This photo captures the beauty of the Father/daughter bond. I love it.

Double rainbow after a micro burst came through and leveled our camp.

Give her some wood and a log and she'll entertain.

Mom, Rayce, Dad, Porter, Ryann

Ryann and Porter climbing Independence Rock. Our journey almost over, we stopped to take a look at this historical place.

Almost home. Porter and I waiting out a tornado in Denver. We had just boarded our flight when the tornado sirens went off. We waited in our seats for over an hour. I did feel bad for the folks around us. This picture was taken on Friday, we had not showered since Monday.. We Stink!