Pioneer Day Handcart Company

The B.L.S. (Berney, Larsen, Seamons or better known as the Brave Latter-Day Saints) Handcart Company departed late in the Summer of 2010 on their journey across the Walen Plains. Three strong men, two brave mothers and 14 of our children ranging from 5 months to 15 years in age (including our beloved little Louisa Anne aka the BIG rag doll) loaded our handcart and braved the harsh conditions in loving memory of those that have gone before us.
"Pioneer children sang as they walked and walked and walked...."

We started East on our journey through the wilderness around a large lake (the swimming pool) and then headed South past barren wastelands (dirt field). We felt our journey had just begun (well cuz it technically had) when we found ourselves starving and in desperate need of food. Luckily, we came across a pond high on a hill.

LETTER 1

Trekkers:

Food Rations are low...You always need to be looking for a way to get food.

There's a pond...looking closer you notice three fish. No pole... but someone thinks since it's shallow enough they can spear them.

You need to find a branch and sharpen it into a spear. (Look in the Trek bag for a knife)

You need to spear all the fish before moving on.

We found a few sticks from some nearby trees and sharpened the ends enough to spear our fish. It was not easily done (they were made of paper and our sticks were not that sharp) but we managed to finally catch them and feed our large family enough to continue on to the Sweetwater River. (a swimming pool filled with ice water) 

LETTER 2

Trekkers:

Sweatwater River is floating with ice chunks. Everyone is bitterly weary and cold already.

But, the Sweetwater must be crossed... Everyone somehow must go through (not around)

This task seemed almost impossible with the size of our family. There were those who braved the ice cold water without even a thought. Then, there were those who were dreading it- Even those who refused to get their big brown boots wet. (Ahem- Brett) Some were carried (Ahem-Brett), some took off their shoes and brave the cold on their bare feet and there were those who trudged through with shoes and socks and pants dripping wet for the remainder of our journey. It was iffy for a bit but we all made it though. We then continued West along the trail.

LETTER 3

Trekkers:

Rations are low. You've been on a ration of 6 ounces of flour,ixed with water per day... Now the ration is reduced to 3 ounces of flour per person.

Find your cup and spoons and mix up the 3 ounces of flour with water. (Water canteen, flour, spoon and cup are in the Trek bag)

Everyone must take a taste.

YUCK! and Double Yuck! The amount of flour and water mixture that was rationed to us for the entire day was not enough to keep anyone from starving. And it was not pleasant either! Being a Pioneer is rough, I tell ya! We quickly ate our share and pushed on in a Southwest direction.

LETTER 4

Trekkers:

You have come upon a mountain! You cannot go around.... You must go up and over the Summit!

We were extremely blessed to have several strong men on our journey. We know there were others not so fortunate. The mountian was high and steep but we climbed and triumphed over all the obstacles in our way.

LETTER 5

Trekkers:

You must go through the sand not around.

Disease has stricken-- family members are weakened. Little Louisa Anne (2 1/2 years old) is not strong enough and dies.

You have no shovels-only spoons. Sadly, you must bury her here in this sandy desolate place.

Then, continue on to finish your journey.

We unfortunately lost our little Louisa Anne (the large Rag doll we had been carrying) and our family had to dig a shallow grave for her in the sand. The children used only spoons and their hands and then gently wrapped her in her blanket before laying her in the ground. They lovingly covered her up and we said our goodbyes. But onward, we must go! We are almost at our journey's end. Oh Happy Day!

For some must push and some must pull, As we go marching up the hill; So merrily on the way we go Until we reach the Valley-o...

A short bit more and our B.L.S. Handcart Comany had made it to the Valley. Our Trek had come to an end... Our faith and strength increased. It was amazing! Thanks Sister Walen for all your creativity and hard work. We loved it!!

Here's an aritcle about the real Handcart Companies and all that they endured:

http://www.lds.org/gospellibrary/pioneer/03_Iowa_City.html 

Pioneers are AMAZING!

Happy Pioneer Day!