The Kincaide Family: Martin's Cove

In June the boys and I were able to go to Martin's Cove for our Jackson Family Reunion. I have to admit when Matt wasn't able to come with us I was not excited to go camping for three days without him.

Olivia getting ready to pull the handcart.

Most of the Jackson family.

Everyone getting ready for the day long pull.

Devils Gate.

The carts crossing a small creek. I can't even imagine doing this several times a day through bigger rivers!

The more you pull the handcarts the closer you get to your ancestors.

After a while they have what they call the women's pull. The men go to the top of the hill and all the women have to pull the carts up a sandy hill. It is to symbolize when the men left for the Mormon Battalion or passed away. The women had to pull and survive without them. Getting to the top of that hill seeing the men waiting up there for us was a very special feeling.

Crossing the Sweetwater River.

Kyle and JD were the first to cross. They were very brave to go over first.

JD crossing. Mark, Clay and Coy helped the smaller kids.

Coy, Kyler and Ryan.

Thad, Dustrie, and Kaysie.

Wyatt, Levi, Ryder and Uncle Kent.

Colton and Me.

Amy.

Olivia.

Gracie, and Amy.

Martins Cove was one of the best experiences of my life. I have always been very proud of my ancestors, but to be able to learn more of what they went through was incredible.

The next day we drove to Rock Creek Hollow, where the Willie Handcart Company was stranded. Mom told us all about the Mortensen ancestors.

Driving back to camp we stopped at this old mining town. It was neat.

Katie, Josh, Ava and Olivia.

We also stopped at this Bluff. When you got out of the car you could smell the wild flowers. I really loved Wyoming, I though it was pretty.

JD and Kyle

Three days of camping doesn't look good.

We went up the rode a few miles to Independence Rock. I was not wanting to climb to the top of the rock but while I was talking I looked up and both boys were half way up already. So I had to go up.