Trail of Hope

Today we took a stroll along the Trail of Hope in Nauvoo, Illinois.  This is a beautiful way to end the Sabbath day and walk where the saints walked when leaving the Beautiful City of Nauvoo.

These are the markers that line the trail. It's a very peaceful walk, yet humbling.

At this point in our journey along the Trail of Hope we look back and see this view of the Nauvoo Temple. I cannot express the feelings that I had when I saw this view.  I can only imagine what the saints must have thought when they looked back as they left that beautiful edifice in the distance.  It was overwhelming for me.  I can only get a glimmer of what they must have felt. 

The journey continues.

We arrive at the Mississippi River and this is the view.  For us on the July evening it's absolutely beautiful.  But the saints were not that lucky.  It was winter, cold, freezing and their journey west has just begun!

 Close to the Mississippi shore this statute of Brigham Young and Joseph Smith point westward.

"Eyes Westward"