Award winning applications of marketing and technology in the auction industry
Award winning applications of marketing and technology in the auction industry
Today, I made my journey from Carson City, NV to Sacramento, CA. As I traversed around the east side of Lake Tahoe and upwards into Truckee, I was amazed at the elevation. The views as I moved up farther into the mountains, although not as majestic as Lake Tahoe, where stunning. I eventually found my way to I-80 and headed west to Sacramento. As I was traveling, I came upon a road sign for “Donner Pass Road” - I could not resist. My GPS was beeping that I had taken a wrong turn, but I knew I was on the right road! This little windy road was “the historic Lincoln Highway, the first road across America (later U.S. Route 40 and now named Donner Pass Road), that crosses Donner Pass.” In fact, Donner Pass Road eventually connected back up with I-80. So, if you are in the area and looking for a scenic detour from the mundane four lane freeway, take the exit marked Donner Pass Road - you will be glad you did!
Donner Pass Road, as you would imagine, takes you right over the true Donner Pass. A marker on the side of the road reveals this interesting information:
Six of the wagons were left in the charge of two men, and young Moses Schallenberger, near Truckee Lake (presently Donner Lake). Near this spot, with two feet of snow on the ground, they worked the remaining five wagons across the summit of the mighty Sierra Nevada on November 25, 1844.
It marvels me that I stood in nearly the same spot where over 150 years ago, pioneers pushed their way through two feet of snow over the very peak on which I was standing. What amazes me is that they traveled by wagon over some very rough terrain. Even by car, the Donner Pass Road is a windy sometimes very narrow road with steep drop-offs. Imagine traveling by wagon over a mountain that is not level in any direction. At least in a car, the right to left is mostly level when compared to the surrounding terrain. In a wagon, there could have been no easy method to traverse the pass. After the jump, a few photos for your enjoyment.
December 11th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Great photos John, sounds like it was a fun drive. I’ve posted a number of Donner Pass images lately on my Lincoln Highway blog, including a motorcycle ride (12/9), a 1930s snow photo and Donner Party book recommendation (12/3), and the bear rescue (11/12 and 10/31).
Brian
http://www.lincolnhighwaynews.com
December 14th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Brian,
Awesome shots! I especially like the video from the motorcycle ride. You’ve got a great site. I’ll be checking it for updates!
john
October 30th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
I just watched Lincoln Highway on PBS and became intrigued. As I suspected, as a young child my family crossed Donner Pass before I-80 was built, so we were on the old Rt. 40. I always loved hitting the summit, although my father was sweating bullets. Remember, not everybody had power steering and power brakes and the weather can be, shall we say, unforgiving? But the first glimpse of Donner Lake after eclipsing the crest of Donner Summit was awe inspiring. This was the early 60s, and Donner was totally pristine and Tahoe was close. You could look down into the water of Tahoe at that point from the end of the longest pier and see huge trout as if you could touch them. No algae, murkiness, nothing. I remember it as if it were yesterday.
I haven’t been back to Tahoe in many years, living on the east coast for the past several decades, but the last time I went I nearly broke down. What have they done with that former jewel?
November 3rd, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Jim, thanks for the comments. I can imagine your father sweating bullets. It’s been about a year since I was there, but the trip up the summit on “Donner Pass Road” is quite the trip. I was in a SUV with 4-wheel drive, and all the amenities. There were moments of “wow, it’s a long ways down.” However, I was able to imagine what it must have been like. As you imply, the lack of power steering and power brakes had to make the experience quite the daunting task.
I was lucky and snuck through with a relatively beautiful day (at least by Minnesota standards). I was in long sleeves and no coat. I traversed around the entire lake. While there are many many pristine spots, as you drive around the lake, there are definite signs of habitat by humans. Most of the landscape appears to be rugged enough however that development is not exploding (at least not visible development). I didn’t stop and spend time in Tahoe, but rather focused on the more “wild” parks and roadside stops (including a few no-stopping spots). That said, the sheer beauty was magnificent, and I’m planning on making a return trip!
I’m sure it’s lost some of luster of the “former jewel” especially if it’s been several decades since you’ve last been to visit. That said, I think it’s still one of the most picturesque spots I’ve seen in the US!