SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR HANDCART...

Revised June 2014

MORMON HANDCART HISTORIC SITES IN WYOMING

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

FOR HANDCART TREKKING

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mormon-Handcart-Historic-Site/361065850570400

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

1

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 LOCATION

October 3 9 miles west of Chimney Rock, 580 miles from Salt Lake Valley

October 4 2 miles west of Scotts Bluff, Nebraska

October 8 Arrive at Fort Laramie

October 17 Deer Creek, personal baggage reduced to 10 pounds for adults and 5 pounds for

children; some baggage burned

October 19 Last crossing of the North Platte River. First snow storm. There were 14 people

who died that night.

October 23 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.

October 25 Flour rations reduced to 8 ounces per adult and 4 ounces per child

October 28 Express riders Joseph A. Young, Dan W. Jones, and Able Garr arrive at Bessemer

Bend camp.

October 29 Leave Bessemer Bend and camp near Rock Avenue

October 30 Camp at Willow Springs

October 31 Meet rescuers with wagons and some provisions at Greasewood Creek

November 1 Camp at Independence Rock

November 2 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.

November 4 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.

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November 5 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.

November 9 The storm breaks and the handcart company leave Martin’s Cove. However,

there was not enough space in the wagons for everyone to ride.

November 10 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

November 13 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 Arrive at the last camping place on the Sweetwater (Redick Allred’s camp),

where there are finally enough wagons for everyone to ride.

November 19 Crosses South Pass

November 23 Arrive at Fort Bridger

November 30 Arrive in Salt Lake

3

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 Camp near Fort Laramie

October 2 Parley P. Pratt and other eastbound missionaries visit the company

October 4 Flour rations reduced from 16 ounces to 12 ounces per adult

October 15 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

October 19 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.

October 20 Captain Willie and Joseph Elder travel 27 miles before they find Grant’s rescue

company.

October 21 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.

October 22 Travel 10 miles and camp at the base of Rocky Ridge. It is a bitter cold night

October 23 Make a brutal 16 mile trek over Rocky Ridge during a blizzard; some don’t reach camp until almost dawn

October 24 Bury 13 people in a common grave

October 25 Arrive at the last camping place on the Sweetwater (Reddick Allred’s camp)

October 26 Cross South Pass

October 31 Meet 10 supply wagons west of Green River

November 2 Camp at Fort Bridger

November 8 Camp a mile east of Little Mountain

November 9 Arrive in Salt Lake

4

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

Option to stop at Veil Crossing Bridge on way to campground – add 15 minutes

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 – 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


Square dancing 7:00 or 8:00 only – 1 hour


5

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


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


7:00 or 8:00 only Square dancing – 1 hour, location needs to be scheduled


Next Day

8:00 – 11:00 Campground to River Crossing – 3 hours (includes stop at restrooms by river crossing)


11:30 –11:45 River Crossing to Statues – 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




Lower Cove

1:00 – 1:30 Handcart Parking to Lower Cove Amphitheater – 30 minutes



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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



Handcart Parking to Lower Cove Amphitheater– 30 minutes



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)

7

9:00 – 9:30 Arrive – get handcarts have orientation


9:30 – 10:30 Staging to River Crossing (sand trail) – 1 hour 10 minutes


11:00 – 11:15 River Crossing to Statues – 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 Lower Cove Amphitheater – 30 minutes



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

8

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.

9


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


10

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


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 3rd 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

11

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.

12

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.

13

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.

14

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.

15

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.

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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, 5th 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.

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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.

18

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.

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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

Program Committee

Plan trek activities

Train Group Leaders

Trek activities

Plan and prepare music

PA system –

megaphone

Family

discussions/solo time

Others as needed

Food Committee

Collect cooking

equipment

Plan menu

Preparation of food

Sack lunches and

snacks

Garbage, water

Clean up

Others as needed

Historical Committee

Identify resources

Ancestral research

Provide pioneer stories

Make presentations

Others as needed

Publicity Committee

Within-Church

advertising

Local newspapers

Film activities

Ward firesides

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.

20

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.

21

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.

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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.

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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 – 19th and 20th 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.

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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

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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.

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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.

https://www.lds.org/youth/activities/bc/pdfs/stake/Handcart-Trek-Guidelines-June-2015.pdf?lang=eng

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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.

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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!

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Walk to Devil’s Gate

Trail starts at Veil Crossing Bridge.

One mile round trip (handcarts are left at Veil Bridge)

Tour Visitors’ Center at Martin’s Cove or Sixth Crossing

View displays

Hear stories

Video room

Testimony Meeting – the following locations may be used:

Sweetwater and Dan Jones Amphitheaters - must be scheduled in advance

Amphitheaters at campgrounds must be scheduled in advance

Rock Creek Hollow amphitheaters - must be scheduled in advance

Around the fire rings at campsite

Testimony Meetings are not allowed on BLM property.

Speakers for Firesides (Locations other than campsite fire rings must be scheduled in advance)

Speakers can be in amphitheaters at the campgrounds

Speakers can be around fire rings in the campgrounds

Firesides are not allowed on BLM property.

Men’s Callout/Women’s Pull

Suggest having young men called on missions, colonization, or remind that women often left to fend

for themselves when the men had died, and leave the sisters to pull the handcarts

Talk to YM/YW separately about priesthood/womanhood

This is to be a spiritual and reverent event. There should be NO cheering or teasing.

This experience is the most successful when it is done in silence.

Square Dancing

Must be in campground square dance area

Schedule in advance, even if bringing own caller and music. NOTE: there is no electricity in

campground

Learn the dances prior to arrival (good winter activity)

Remember, there may be 600 to 800 other campers in your area; be courteous.

Quiet Time is 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. (No generators!)

Solo Time

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Have parents write a personal letter to their youth before the trek, to be opened during solo time.

Parents are encouraged to include in their letters an experience of an ancestor that had faith.

Priesthood leaders or Ma’s and Pa’s should give youth good instructions on how they can use their

solo time as this activity can create an atmosphere to strengthen their testimonies and ponder the activities.

Provide paper, pencil, and an envelope for the youth to write a letter to themselves. Address the envelope to themselves and held by the Bishop to mailed to them in five years. Youth can also write in their journals about what they have gained from trek or read a specific chapter in the scriptures.

Assign Everyone a Pioneer Name

Provide name prior to trek

Provide everyone with a name tag (should be wind and waterproof)

Provide name from the Willie, Martin Handcart Company, Hunt or Hodgetts, or a rescuer

Provide everyone with a history of the name they are assigned or help the youth with the research

on this person. This is a lot of effort, but it is well worth it.

Have everyone tell about their person sometime during the trek.

There is to be no type of identification of someone who died on the trail (no white arm bands, no

white clothing, and no rejoining of the dead on the trail.)

Journals

Provide everyone a small journal prior to start of trek.

Include quotes from President Hinckley, some of the pioneers and/or some of the rescuers.

Include blank paper for recording thoughts.

Possibles Bag

Early trappers carried them; backpacks have replaced them today.

They were a pouch made of animal skins/leather and carried over the shoulder.

Everything needed to survive was carried in them; these items were never left on the horse where

they could be lost.

Powder, balls, caps or flint, knife, needle and thread, dried fruit, jerky, etc.

Include thoughts for the day or other inspirational material in addition to physical survival items.

Music

Make hymn books for everyone to be used on the trek. (could be part of journal)

Use both inspirational and pioneer songs.

Practice these songs during the winter; know them when you get here.

Bring pioneer musical instruments for around the camp fire.

Flags

Martin's Cove & Sixth Crossing assign the color for the flag for each Trek Group, including Day Trips,

and must be on the front handcart.

31

The flag holders on the handcarts hold ¾ inch PVC pipe, schedule 40 strength. Trek group flag

poles are to be no longer than 3.5 feet.

Flags can be pennant style, or rectangular, no larger than 2'X2'.

32

MEN’S CALLOUT/WOMEN’S PULL

This experience usually occurs near the end of the day on a very difficult hill. There are several ways of

conducting the men’s callout/women’s pull.

The Callout can be used to separate the young men from the young women. A priesthood leader will explain

that throughout the early days of the Church, men (fathers, brothers, and sons) were often called to serve

missions, colonize the Territory, or as in the case of the Handcart Companies, they died on the trail. The

women were often left to fend for themselves.

The men are separated and marched up the hill, out of sight, where they meet together. The priesthood

leader talks to the young men about following the prophet, honoring the priesthood, and womanhood. The

women meet and talk about what it means to be a sister in Zion, and how they can help the young men honor

their priesthood. Then they pick up the carts and start pulling.

The young men are instructed to remain silent, and when the women’s handcarts pull past, they are not to

join in or help pull the cart. The young men are encouraged to stand in reverence and silence, perhaps with

their hats off.

Remember, the men are “NOT THERE” on the trail to help the women. This is because when the rations of

the Willie and Martin handcart companies were limited, many of the men did not eat their share but rather

gave it to their wives and children. Thus, a disproportionate share of the men died, leaving the women and

children to pull the handcarts.

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Ideas and Questions for Touring MHHS When we cannot give individual or small group guided tours because of time limitation, we have walk-

through tours. Large groups (over 60) tend to get much less out of the walkthrough, so we ask you to try to

give some of your young people a small list of things to look for as they go through the Visitors Center. Group

Leaders and a missionary will be there to help them and move them along.

To what group of pioneers is the Visitors’ Center dedicated?

What river runs by Martin’s Cove?

Name one of the books given to Tom Sun by President George Albert Smith.

What four trails pass by the Martin’s Cove?

What was the longest river they followed?

How many Mormons had used the trail by 1869?

How many miles did the people pull/push handcarts?

What year did the Church begin?

Who did Joseph Smith see in his first vision?

In what state was the Book of Mormon first printed?

What year did missionary work start?

What year was the Prophet Joseph Smith martyred?

Why did the saints move to Kirtland, Independence, and Nauvoo?

Who led the first wagon train from Nauvoo?

In what year did they leave Nauvoo? …and arrive in Salt Lake?

What were the three best months to cross the prairie?

Why were those months the best?

Why did they change from wagons to handcarts?

How many pounds of personal items was the Martin Company allotted to take in their handcarts?

What was carried in the supply wagons?

Who decided to change to handcarts?

Who designed the Mormon handcarts?

What type of wood was used in building the Martin and Willie handcarts?

Why were the Martin and Willie companies so late in getting started?

What major decision was made at Florence?

What was the major concern of Levi Savage?

How many people were in the Willie Company?

How many people were in the Martin Company?

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What three things slowed down both companies?

How much flour per person per day was available?

What happened on October 19, 1856?

Why did as many as 56 people die in 9 days in the Martin Company?

How did Brigham Young hear of the plight of the Martin and Willie companies?

How long did it take the rescue wagons to start out on the rescue?

Where did the rescue wagons find the Willie Company?

Where did the rescue wagons meet the Martin Company?

Who were the Hunt and Hodgetts wagon companies?

How many of the Willie Company died crossing over Rocky Ridge?

When did the Willie Company reach Salt Lake City?

Why was it so hard to go over Rocky Ridge?

What did the “Valley Boys” do for the Martin Company?

What were the conditions in Martin’s Cove?

How long did they stay in the Cove?

How many died in the Cove?

What three things did Ephraim Hanks bring to the Martin Company?

Why was it so important to treat the frozen limbs?

What important thing happened at South Pass?

What do you think the Francis Webster statement is about?

How do you feel about the other eight handcart companies?

How would you assess the rescue party’s job?

As you look at all of the names on the boards both in gold and white print, what are your feelings?

Have you gained a better understanding of your pioneer ancestors?

35

Medical information FIRST AID TIPS Suggested First Aid Kit Items: Ace bandages

Tape (stretch/adhesive)

Triangle bandages

Sterile dressings (variety)

Moleskin, or corn pads (blisters)

Alcohol swabs

Basins (L,M,S) for soaking

IVs can be helpful, but PREVENTION is best!!

1 eyewash squeeze bottle, 4 oz

1 triangular bandage, 40”

1 disposable mouth to mask resuscitator

1 small bottle hydrogen peroxide

10 peptic swabs

10 antiseptic swabs

2 ammonia inhalants

Tylenol

20 Q-tip cotton swabs

4 disposable latex gloves

25 sterile pad 2”x 2”

100 plastic bandages ¾” x 3”

2 dressings 5” x 9”

Band aids (variety) Neosporin Ointment

Benadryl Ointment

Burn Ointment

Tweezers for ticks

2 compress bandages 4” x 7”

Tape ½” x 6 yards

10 large butterfly closures

10 medium butterfly closures

1 scissors

2 instant ice packs

1 tincture of green soap 8 oz

Poles and blanket for make-shift stretcher

Thermometer

35

Prevent sunburns: Wear long sleeves/pants, sunbonnets/hats. Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before exposure. Reapply sunscreen every 60-90 minutes (remember the back of your neck.)

Bee Stings:

Scrape away the stinger with fingernail, or piece of bark, or a credit card. Watch for allergic reaction. Get immediate help if breathing difficulties occur.

Repellants (should be at least 40% DEET, be able to spray on fingers & rub on scalp)

Read the directions. Some are for application to skin and some only on clothing. DEET is most common kind (cheapest and safest) and does not cause allergic reaction. May cause temporary irritation Repels mosquitoes and ticks.

o R326 is used against flies, gnats and no-see-ums. o MGK264 is a synergist…makes the others more effective. o COMPOSITE is a combination that makes the most effective and long lasting

(Sawyer Brand.) Dehydration:

By the time symptoms appear, the condition can deteriorate fast!! The first symptom is heat cramps in the abdomen and legs, also watch for bright red faces

or pallor. Treat with WATER and rest. If ignored, it leads to heat exhaustion, then heat stroke, which can be fatal.

Prevention (start a re-hydration program at least 2 weeks before coming) You may not feel thirsty, but drink, drink, drink!!!! One trek leader’s suggestion was, “Okay, everybody hold up your water bottle . . . now

drink half!” Repeat every hour. Take plenty of water. You might consider keeping clothing damp, use spray bottles. Water is located at strategic points. Refill your bottles! No water, however, is found in Martin’s Cove.

Sprains and Strains:

Treat both the same way: o Apply cold to reduce swelling and pain. Elevate site if possible. o 72 hours later, apply heat to increase metabolism and healing.

Rest the injured part. Bleeding:

Elevate injured limb above body level. Apply direct pressure. Cover with a pad (bandanna, scarf, shirt, or any other clean cloth.) If cloth becomes soaked, DO NOT remove it -- put another pad on top of it and get medical

help.

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Blisters: Prevention: A pair of thin inner socks under thicker hiking socks will reduce the friction. Wear shoes that are broken in! If you feel a hot spot forming on your foot, stop right away and treat it before it becomes a

blister. o Wash it with soap and water. o Cut a piece of moleskin in the shape of a doughnut and place it with the hole over

the blister. o If you don’t have moleskin, cut a corner off a foam sleeping pad and trim it into a

doughnut shape and secure over the blister with tape. Treatment: If you think a blister will break, sterilize a pin in the flame of a match. Prick the blister near its edge and press out the liquid. Try to preserve the skin covering. Protect the wound from pressure with a doughnut bandage and keep it clean with a sterile

bandage.

Heat Exhaustion: (Exposure to heat makes the body work to keep itself cool.) Symptoms: Pale face, cold sweat on the forehead, the whole body may feel cool and clammy Shallow breathing Nausea and vomiting Dilated pupils, headache and dizziness Weak pulse Heavy perspiration Unconsciousness Treatment: Move to a cool, shady spot. Place the person on their back and raise their feet. Loosen clothing or remove some of the patient’s clothes, shoes and socks. Give patient water and if you have Gatorade, dilute it with water (half and half) and

encourage patient to drink all possible. Fan and apply cool, wet cloths to back of neck, face, armpits, and lower legs. Give sips of water. Transport to First Aid Station.

Heat Stroke (caused by exposure to the sun and is a life threatening emergency) Symptoms: Red, very hot face. Skin is often dry but if a person has been exercising hard, he may be

sweating Very small pupils Slow, noisy breathing Rapid, strong pulse Possible unconsciousness

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Treatment: Get the person to a cool, shady spot. Place person on his back with head and shoulders raised. Undress the person down to the underwear. Cover the person – especially the head – with dripping wet towels, shirts, or cloths.

Hypothermia: (The body loses more heat than it can generate.) Can happen to anyone who is not dressed warmly enough in cold weather. Wind, rain, and exhaustion increase the risk. The temperature does not have to be freezing. Symptoms: Feels chilly, tired and irritable. Begins to shiver and then shivering becomes violent. Cannot think clearly, stumbles and falls. Treatment: Prevention, go prepared, eat plenty of food and drink lots of fluids. Take off wet clothes. Get into a sleeping bag. If in an advanced stage, the rescuer must also strip down to underwear and get into the

sleeping bag so that body contact can warm the victim slowly.

Insect Bites or Stings: We have “no-see-ums” early in the summer, then mosquitoes appear followed by deer flies,

all of which bite. Use at least 40% DEET or higher if possible.) Nonpoisonous Bites and Stings: Relieve pain by applying ice water or a cold towel. If the stinger of a bee/wasp is still in the skin, flick it away with your fingernail or edge of a

knife. Ticks are small hard-shelled insects that bury their tiny heads in the skin.

o If a tick has fastened itself to you, grasp it with tweezers and gently pull it away from the skin.

o Twisting or jerking the tick may cause its head to break off in your skin in which case, seek medical care.

o Once the tick is gone, wash the area of the bite with soap and water. o Calamine lotion may ease itching.

Poisonous Bites and Stings:

If you are allergic to insect stings or bites you should carry medication with you to treat the

allergic reaction (such as an Epi pen).

Send someone to get medical help.

Be sure the victim keeps breathing, give rescue breathing if needed.

If the bite is on an arm or leg, immediately tie a constricting bank above the bite. Tighten it only enough to stop the blood in the skin. You must be able to slide your finger under the band. If the limb swells from the bite, loosen the band.

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Keep the arm or leg lower than the body.

Put a cold compress or ice pack on the bite.

Treat for shock.

Get the person to medical care very quickly.

Skin Poisoning from Plants: (Know how to identify poison ivy, poison oak.)

Touching the plants may cause the skin to become red and itch. Blisters may form later.

Takes about twenty minutes to bind to the skin.

Rinse your skin immediately with soap and water.

Calamine lotion may relieve itching.

Try not to scratch the area.

PROPER FIELD TREATMENT OF RATTLESNAKE BITE

Important facts to keep in mind:

Don’t get bit!! Stay on the trails, stay off the rocks. Look before placing hands, feet or bottom anywhere. Wear over the ankle boots and long pants/skirts.

The best treatment is rapid, safe transport to a hospital where anti-venom can be given.

Out of 8000 reported venomous snakebites each year in this country, only 8-10 are fatal.

About 3000 of these are “illegitimate,” meaning the victim was molesting the snake.

35% of legitimate snake bites are “fry bites” with no venom injected.

Rattlesnakes strike humans defensively, not offensively.

For bites to any part of the body:

Move victim to safe location to avoid risk of another bite.

Have victim lie down with snake bite slightly lower than the heart.

o Remove any rings, watches, bracelets, footwear, etc., to avoid constriction when

swelling occurs.

o Remove clothing to expose the entire bite area.

o Reassure the victim that they will be transported directly to a hospital for care.

o Try to keep the victim calm.

For members of the Church, ask about and/or offer to administer a priesthood blessing.

Immediately transport victim to nearest hospital that has anti-venom available. This IS the

optimal treatment.

While waiting for or during transport, the following steps will aid the hospital team

o Make a note of exact time of bite.

o If red or swollen area is visible at bite site, outline it with an ink pen.

o Check area of redness/swelling every 15 minutes and re-mark it if it is growing

larger.

o Obtain from victim a list of any current medications, allergies, medical condition

and date of last tetanus booster.

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The use of ice, alcohol, elastic wrap, constriction bands, extractors, small cuts, etc., is no

longer considered of value in the treatment of bites and can, in many instances, increase

damage to the tissue. No snake bite kit can be recommended at this time.

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Due to our inability to dispose of trash, we ask you to . . .

Please leave the area cleaner than you found it.

Do not leave your trash in dumpsters along the highway.

Take all of your trash home with you or to a local landfill.

Call for Information: Lander: (307) 332-7040

52 Beebe Rd. 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday. Turn onto highway into Lander. About

4 miles before Lander there will be an animal shelter and a sign that reads “landfill”. This is

Beebe St. Turn left and drive to the landfill. or contact: trashmatters.org

Riverton: (307) 856-6785

329 N. Smith Road. 8:00a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday. Turn east on Park St. (between

“Loaf and Jug” and “Pizza Hut”. Go thru stop sign and continue. The road will become a dirt

road and the landfill is at the end of the road.

Sand Draw (307-856-3019) Public Landfill- 28.5 miles down Highway 135, towards Riverton on left side of road. Hours are

8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. , Tuesday thru Saturday.

Rawlins: $4.50 per 100 lbs

3001 Gun Club Road

Rawlins, WY 82301 Monday – Saturday 8:00 – 5:00

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR HANDCART...

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