Unbelievable. Michael and I (Pa and Ma Bowman respectively) along with our passel of kids: Shannon, Hannah, Andrea, Billy, Greg, Austin, Josh, Nate and Alex traipsed through remote Wyoming territory this week pushing and pulling a handcart more than 20 miles. Can I say it again? Unbelievable.
On day one, we arrived at the Sweetwater Rescue Site of the Willie Handcart Company and we were assigned our handcart families. We had such an amazing group of kids from nearly 13 years of age to 19 - we couldn't love them more. We crossed the Sweetwater River three times with our handcart as we traveled approximately 4.5 miles. It was getting quite late as we headed to camp at Sage Creek, ate a fabulous roast beef dinner and then watched as the youth enjoyed square dancing by the light of the moon.
Michael and I carefully followed the packing list - fools that we are - so we didn't bring an air mattress or sleeping pads. Monday night was so very, very long. The next morning after breaking camp and eating a hearty breakfast -- that's right, there will be no weight lost on this trip -- we loaded up the handcart and we were off to tackle Rocky Ridge, the site of so many deaths in the Willie Company.
The morning light was soft and there was a wonderful breeze and some high cloud cover for most of the day. But that didn't stop the blisters and heat exhaustion that many faced. Our little family was just fine and I was so impressed with how they kept relieving each other as soon as someone looked tired. The young men were doubly impressive as they wouldn't let there sisters push or pull the cart on the miles leading to Rocky Ridge where the girls would face the highest elevation alone in the Women's Pull. Prior to this ascent, a few costumed men walked up an down the handcarts and called out a family name, "Bowman and sons, you have been conscripted into the Mormon Battalion." Our men left us and marched ahead leaving us to face the aptly named Trail of Blood alone. After a few words of direction and encouragement, we heading up the mountainside. It was difficult, but our young women put their heads down and with determination and grit they wound their way to the crest of the hill where the men were waiting in solemn and respectful silence. I cannot find words to express how I felt as we reached the summit of the trail. The right words are also difficult to find as I shed tears as we completed the 14.5 miles to cross the finish line to the cheers of those who were already at Rock Creek Camp.
What an awesome and amazing journey Michael and I had together. I wouldn't trade the fatigue, uncertainty, sore feet or the spiritual awareness awakened in me for anything. That... you can believe in.
