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Prompt 23, "frostbite".
Frostbite, certainly. Hypothermia, absolutely.

On November 5th, 1856, a rescue party hailing from the Salt Lake Valley was sent to aid the trapped members of two pioneer handcart companies from the brutal conditions they were suffering under a harsh Wyoming winter storm. The Willie and Martin companies had run out of food and were ill-prepared for the bitter weather. The rescue party decided to move the people to nearby mountains for shelter from the wind - however, in order to get them there, the freezing waters of the Sweetwater River had to be crossed. A prospect which for many was unbearable after the numerous losses and hardships they'd already endured.
In the rescue party were several young men who carried the women, children, sick, and elderly across the river, wading through the ice-filled frigid water myriad times as they helped get the remaining members of the companies to the relative safety of what would be called Martin's Cove.

I've lived in Wyoming since I was very young. Our winter (and even our spring) season can be just downright awful. The mere thought of the hollow empty places devoid of civilization and exposed to the dark, ceaseless howl of the angry wind and snow has always filled me with a deep dread. Getting wet under such conditions is something that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand. The degree of selflessness and compassion one would need to do that willingly is immense.

I've been to Martin's Cove a couple times: the view from up there is incredible, and the feeling there, very palpable.

Description
Prompt 23, "frostbite".
Frostbite, certainly. Hypothermia, absolutely.

On November 5th, 1856, a rescue party hailing from the Salt Lake Valley was sent to aid the trapped members of two pioneer handcart companies from the brutal conditions they were suffering under a harsh Wyoming winter storm. The Willie and Martin companies had run out of food and were ill-prepared for the bitter weather. The rescue party decided to move the people to nearby mountains for shelter from the wind - however, in order to get them there, the freezing waters of the Sweetwater River had to be crossed. A prospect which for many was unbearable after the numerous losses and hardships they'd already endured.
In the rescue party were several young men who carried the women, children, sick, and elderly across the river, wading through the ice-filled frigid water myriad times as they helped get the remaining members of the companies to the relative safety of what would be called Martin's Cove.

I've lived in Wyoming since I was very young. Our winter (and even our spring) season can be just downright awful. The mere thought of the hollow empty places devoid of civilization and exposed to the dark, ceaseless howl of the angry wind and snow has always filled me with a deep dread. Getting wet under such conditions is something that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand. The degree of selflessness and compassion one would need to do that willingly is immense.

I've been to Martin's Cove a couple times: the view from up there is incredible, and the feeling there, very palpable.