Phillips Family Reunion at Martin's Cove

This past weekend we went to Martin's Cove for our Phillips family reunion.  This was my third trek and I was excited to do it with my family this time.  The first time I went, I was 14 for Youth Conference and the second time was with a group from my singles ward in 2008.  I had an amazing experience then and I was looking forward to going again.  I was excited to get away and have this experience with not only my husband but my immediate and extended family that came.   

This was Saturday morning getting ready for the trek.  Kristy, Gavin and Misty.

It was a long drive for a weekend trip but well worth it.  My sister's Kristy and Misty and their families didn't make it there until one  in the morning on Saturday.  We woke up when they came and helped them set up their tents.  

The rattle snakes are worse this year then they ever have been because of the drought.  I saw my first rattle snake ever there...it freaked me out!!  This one below has it's head and rattle cut off.  One of the missionaries had killed it right by our camp.   I thought it was big and it really grossed me out.  The missionaries said they kill a few a day and this one was a "small" one!! Yikers!  I was surprised it was so green.  Not really what I pictured...I saw another one right off the trail while we were on the trek.  It was smaller then this one. 

Getting the wagons ready. Broc, Makayla and Ady

Happy little pioneers...Bryce, Cassie, me and Spencer

Listening to the missionaries before we started.

 My cousins: Logan, Shayla, Caleb and their dad, Uncle Joe

Part of our trek family. My cousin Carson, Spence, my aunt Maryann in the back and my mom.

Alicia, Ariana and Julia

My uncle Doug is not in very good health at all and could not walk any of it.  Spencer, Bryce, Logan, Caleb and many others helped push and pull him the whole way. 

Stopping for lunch after visiting the actual cove where the pioneers had went for some shelter. Many had also died and were buried there. 

Bryon is a true pioneer with Misty in his arm and Drake on his back. :)

I did not get any pictures of the Sweet Water Crossing.  As we walked over to where we were going to cross Cassie and I started crying.   The spirit was Strong there.  It definitely felt different.  As I started to think about the pioneers as the had to cross Sweet Water, they must had been to tired already then they had to get into the freezing water.  I thought about those four men that helped everyone across and how much they gave because they had a testimony of the gospel and they knew that was what they needed to do.  As Spencer carried me across I just cried thinking of those people who had crossed there before. 

Doing the women's pull with my sister Misty and her kids  made it more real to me and brought a whole new meaning of what they  had to go through.  Seeing little Drake and Broc in the wagon and Ady and Auston helping push and mom helping in the back made me cry.   I thought about those strong pioneer women that did much more then  go up one hill like we had to do while their husbands and all the men were gone.  I am so grateful for them and for their example. 

After each wagon made it up,  those who could ran down to help the others.

I am forever grateful for my pioneer ancestors.