100th Post!!! It worked out perfectly to write this momentous post, after a momentous change in my life.

I made it alive, though a few hours late.

Here I am, sitting in the Custer Library, feeling like I've at least been here a month instead of four days... My trip to SD involved missing an exit and going 60 miles out of the way (yah, things haven't changed much), then thinking that I had missed another one, but eventually figuring it out and turning back around, then last of all I, yet again missed another exit- but there was another route to get to Custer State Park, so it was fine. Whew, it's been a little crazy!

By far the best part of the trip was going to Martin's Cove. My family had gone there for a family reunion about 6 years ago, but I was working in Massachusetts at the time so I missed out big time. I've always wanted to visit the site, because I have two families of ancestors who were with the Martin Handcart Company (they traveled on foot through blizzards, and many died), but miraculously neither family lost anyone to death. Actually being there was an amazing experience. I seriously don't think I've felt the spirit any stronger in my entire life. Because I was one of the few people there (it's off season yipee!), and I didn't have a lot of time, a sister missionary took me by four wheeler to the cove. I don't know how missionaries do it, I'd be bawling every time I tried to tell stories. We both cried a little when she talked about the rescuers etc. I am so amazed, in awe, grateful, and have a deep sense of reverence for all that transpired in that place. How thankful I am for my ancestors who courageously stayed true to their beliefs, through every difficulty imaginable. Then, without the rescuers, I would 't be here today! I want to go back for an entire day, instead of just one hour.

(Top, clockwise) 1. A Real Handcart. 2. The Sweetwater River, with a bridge so that people will never again (unless they want to) have to ford it. 3. by a statue of a rescuer who carried the saints across the Sweetwater. 4. My "Handcart!"