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MARTIN'S COVE, Wy -- Thousands of Utah teens -- mostly members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- take part in handcart trek reenactments every year. The experience is supposed to help younger generations appreciate pioneer hardships.
With each footstep they move closer to understanding. The teenagers participating in the trek leave their cell phones and iPads at home to step into the past. One group from the Alpine LDS 12th ward spent the trek walking where their ancestors walked.
Even though it's not what they went through, you can have a little taste of what they went through.
–Mary Bingham
"I'm walking for Mary Bingham," said trek participant Addi Palazzola. "She was a pioneer and she came from Ohio. Even though it's not what they went through, you can have a little taste of what they went through."
There are many trails the modern-day handcart companies follow, but for one of the groups, they walked one of the original trails that pioneers used.
"Neither tongue nor pen can describe my misery. I felt my pride just slip and fall just like they did."
This group, and thousands like them, prepare for years to accomplish a successful trek. Missionary couples assigned to the area help them in their planning efforts. Before the teenagers arrive, they are divided into families, led by a couple called a Ma and a Pa, with five to seven children - - usually not their own. The families learn to work through the challenges, such as cold, heat and exhaustion.
"I love my ancestor so much that I decided that I needed to go through the pain that he went through, so, that is why I decided to go barefoot," said one trek participant.
Although the teenagers have set aside the time to learn about their pioneer heritage, many know little about the pioneers they're trying to resemble.
One participant said it was a hard experience, but fun -- a good experience.
I wouldn't have made it as a pioneer. Honestly, they just did a million times this, it's crazy. I don't know how they could do this every day.
–Jamison King
They may have walked like the pioneers, but they ate much better -- sloppy joes, beans and fresh fruits.
While there, mosquitoes hatched and swarmed, leaving thousands of nasty bites. And even the best footwear didn't prevent blisters.
And no matter the century, the wind blows in Wyoming, but this Alpine group came equipped with enough tents and blankets to weather the chilly nighttime temperatures.
During the three-day trek, the young people realize they get to go home to their satellite TV and soft beds, but for hundreds of pioneers who walked the same ground, they weren't so fortunate.
"I have a lot more respect for pioneers now," said one trek participant.
"I wouldn't have made it as a pioneer," said participant Jamison King. "Honestly, they just did a million times this, it's crazy. I don't know how they could do this every day."
For many, the past and the present came together.
"To think of the things they were able to accomplish, and we're the beneficiaries of that today," said Bishop Doug Mower of the Alpine 12th ward. "They're humble -- more humble. They're more caring of each other when they leave here than when they come."
Many found new friends, discovered things about themselves and made memories.
Email: cmikita@ksl.com
