It has been a dream of mine since I was small to visit the Willy Handcart rescue sites. We went to Rock Creek Hollow once before but never was able to get to the actual rescue site at the 6th crossing of the Sweetwater river. This is the place where my great great grandfather, John Linford died and was buried before they were actually rescued at this place. Since we were there some 10 years or more ago the Church has built a nice visitor's center not only at Rock Creek Hollow, but also at the 6th crossing site on the Sweetwater river. Last week we took a vacation to see the Willy and Martin Handcart sites the church has built. We first went to Rock Creek Hollow, (the only place we had visited before,) then to the 6th Crossing Visitor's center. It is a very nice and informative place with several campsites for people who want to go on treks pulling handcarts. They gave us directions to John Linford's Memorial that was put in place in 1998. What a desolate place to die in. We don't know exactly where he was buried, but the memorial gives an idea of the terrible conditions the saints were in.
Next we drove to Martin's Cove. We were impressed with this site as well, though it did not hold the same emotional appeal for me as at the 6th crossing site.
We had never been to Mt. Rushmore, so after leaving the handcart sites, we drove to So. Dakota and first went to the Wind Cave Nat'l Monument. If you have the chance you need to see this 4th largest cave in the world. It was great. We thoroughly enjoyed Mt. Rushmore. It was better than what people have told us it would be. Between the caves and Mt. Rushmore, I KNOW that we went up and down over 1000 stairs. Great sites and great exercise. No, you don't have to do that to go to these places, but heck, we are only young once, right.
Then we headed towards St. George VIA Colorado. Never been there either, so we took in Rocky Mountain National Park and Colorado State Park. Very beautiful and we were amazed that the RMNP road took us along the ridge for probably 20 miles close to 12500 feet high.
After wandering through Wyoming and Colorado we ended up in St. George where Spencer w
as to bless his baby, Jaron. We stayed at the Marriot's Towne Place Suites. They had a wonderful pool. The temperature was 108 degrees. Swimming was tops on our list of things to do on Saturday. Tessa and Kurt and family, Tyler and Julia and family, Spencer and Carey and family, (yes, even Jaron) hit the pool along with Brinton, who came up from California and John. Great way to cool down and spend time with family. (picture 2)
Sunday we went to church for Jaron's blessing. There were so many of Spencer's friends who joined him in the circle we couldn't count them all, but he gave Jaron a very special blessing. (picture 3).
Cassie turned 3 on Sunday as well, so we had a great time giving her a birthday party. Hope she remembers it all.
