Ether 2:6

And it came to pass that they did travel in the wilderness, and did build barges, in the which they did cross many waters, being directed continually by the hand of the Lord.

They traveled in the wilderness. They built boats. They crossed many waters in these boats. The Lord kept leading them the whole time.

They traveled through the wilderness and built barges to cross many waters. The Lord guided them every step of the way.