What you need to bring:
-Tent (with extra stakes & rope to tie down in the wind),
-sleeping bags,
-warm weather gear,
-cold weather gear,
-large water containers.
-Clothes of the era*.
-Hiking/walking shoes (Change of dry shoes, or water shoes to change into for river crossing)
-Lunch for Thursday on the drive. (ward will provide Thursday dinner, all meals on Friday, & breakfast & lunch Saturday.)
-Sunscreen!!
-chapstick,
-first aid kit (including blister care, such as Moleskin & bee-sting ointment) **
-insect repellant (100% Deet if possible),
-handkerchief to block out dust if windy
-hand sanitizers
-flashlights
-extra clothes, etc.
-pillow
-tarp.
-Own eating utensils, plate/bowl/cup (mess kit).**
-Rain poncho.
-3 pairs sturdy socks & 3 pairs of sock liners-(optional).
-3 sets of underclothing
-1 set of street clothing for the ride home.
-Warm and appropriate clothing (sweats) or PJ’s to sleep in.
-Comb, brush, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant (please don’t forget this one), wash cloth.
-Large water bottle (You will need 2 per person for each hike).
-Book of Mormon in a zip-lock bag with your name on it.
-Plastic tarps will be helpful to cover the handcart contents if it rains.
-Large, sturdy garbage sacks to cover gear during day.
-Several gallon water jugs.,
-Personal snacks if you so choose - Convenience stores are not so convenient.
-A cheerful & helpful attitude.
Please leave personal electronics at home. Cell phones are ok, but not appropriate to use on the hikes or in Martins Cove. While limited, there is some cell coverage there.
What will be your cost?
Time-Thursday & Friday away from work.
$15 per person ages 12 & over. Under 12 are free.
Ward plans to pay for all food & even reimburse for gas. 100% reimbursement depends on how many people actually attend.
What to expect:
Time-We plan to meet at 9:00 am Thursday morning at the Church & caravan together to the Willey Center, located about an hour from Martins Cove. We will camp both Thursday & Friday at the Willey Center. Drive time to Willey Center—around 5.5 hours.
Two hikes-one Friday & one Saturday. Fridays hike will allow for people to cross the Sweetwater River if they choose. The water will not be frozen or freezing. It may be a welcome relief from the heat. Saturday’s hike will also cross the Sweetwater River (3 times).
To stay on marked trails. No leaving trails is allowed by the BLM (they lease much of ground to Church). Rattlesnakes are abundant in the area-please watch where you step, put your hands, etc. Snakes usually will bite only of provoked. The MC rattlesnakes are actually green in color, not brown.
To supervise your children at all times.
To be obedient & respectful to missionaries & priesthood leaders.
To enjoy the scenery & wildlife. Deer, Antelope, rabbits, & other wildlife are all over the area. Cameras & binoculars are allowed.
If you come with the proper attitude & spirit, a wonderful and positive experience that will strengthen your testimony, strengthen your resolve to live the gospel more fully, a deeper appreciation for what you have now, more appreciation for those who crossed the plains (& who risked & gave everything) to come to Zion, & more love for your Savior.
Itinerary:
Meet at church at 9:00 am Thursday, July 15th. Drive to Willey Center. We will have an orientation once we arrive.
Set up camp, have dinner, other activities, fireside.
Friday morning-breakfast, travel one hour to Martins Cove.
Spend Friday at Martins Cove, doing a rek with handcarts. Several opportunities to rest & eat during that hike. Drive back to Willey Center for dinner & additional activities.
Saturday, July 17th-Breakfast, break down camp, 4-mile hike. Leave for home after completion of hike. Likely dinner on your own after arrival at home or on the way home.
Misc things to know.
Willey Center address: 4181 Highway 789, Lander WY 82520.
Martins Cove: 47600 West Highway 220, Alcova, WY 82620
Families will share a handcart, which makes it easier to push or pull. In some cases, three small families may be with one handcart. Usually ten (10) people per cart.
Handcarts will not be laden with gear, likely just personal gear, water, snacks, first aid kits, etc.
Whatever we pack in, we must pack out, includes garbage.
There will be running water at camp & at certain spots along the trek.
There are restrooms at the Willey Center & at Martins Cove.
The insect repellant is for mosquitoes (just like home) & deer flies-Yes, they do bite!
*Men Should Wear: Pioneer looking pants (NO Denim), Long sleeve buttoned shirt (No T-Shirts), Pioneer looking hat, Vest (optional).
Women Should Wear: Mid-Calf long sleeved dress or skirt, long-sleeved blouse if you are wearing a skirt, Bonnet, Mid-calf bloomers, lycra Capri’s or scrub pants.
Leather gloves are strongly recommended. For additional clothing questions, please contact Sister Mendenhall @ 225.7184.
**The ward will have a small first aid kit on each hike.
***Food is provided, but because it is a pack in pack out-there will be no paperware.
This site has been provided for the Vineyard 2nd Ward. It is our hope that this will help ward members prepare for this historical trek. In 1997, President Hinckley made a plea, "Go in a spirit of reverence and respect, and know that you are walking on hallowed ground."
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long is the trek? There will be two treks. The first is 6 miles long (on Friday), the second is 4 miles (on Saturday).
- I have a question about clothing, who shall I contact? Laura Mendenhall, kernlaura@hotmail.com
- I have a question not listed here at all, who shall I contact? Chelsea Tumanavao, chelseamartin_@hotmail.com.
- When are we leaving? Meet at the church 10am Thursday 7/15 to caravan up. Plan to leave 10:30am. Bring a sack lunch!
- Will food be provided? Yes! The ward will provide dinner Thursday, BLD Friday, and BL Saturday.
- Where is Martin's Cove? Alcova Wyoming. A map can be found through the Pioneer Links. It is about a 5 1/2 hour drive, if you never stop.
- Where will we camp? We will be camping at the River Camp at the Willie Center (Sixth Crossing), approximately 56 miles west of Martin's Cove. It is a nice campground with grassy areas, and close to the river. We park our cars right there, so there is no need to hike with our camping gear. YEAH!!
- Does the campsite have water? Yes, there are handpumps that provide clean water and running water in the bathrooms.
- Is there trash removal? NO! Everything you bring in, you pack out! We will all NEED TO BRING washable plates, utensils, etc.
- Are there bathrooms at the campground? Yes! There are portable bathrooms, and a few flushable stalls too!
- How will we all get there? We will be taking private cars. The hope is to reimburse for gas.
- How much will this cost? $15 to camp for each person over age 12. The ward plans to use budget and fundraiser money for other expenses. Depending on how the fundraiser goes, reimbursement for gas will be provided.
- I have questions about the food plan, who shall I contact? Sister Charity Moore, charityelsa@yahoo.com
- I have questions about the activities planned for the trek, who shall I contact? Sister Sunny Johnson, sjoh1391@yahoo.com
Pioneer Links
