the "USA in their Chevrolet" Chevette pulling a Scamp trailer.
Imagine 4 people in a little Chevette with automatic transmission and
no air conditioning pulling a 1000 pound travel trailer up over the
Donner Pass. Well - we made it in 1977 - and we made it today.
The Donner Party was not so lucky.
The Donner Pass is the place where the Donner Party tried to reach
California after they left Illinois for the hope of a better life.
They had to cross the Sierra Nevada Mountains and chose the pass that
would later carry their name. They started out with about 70 people
in the party - and got snowed under by 22 feet of the white stuff.
The party was eventually rescued after the winter of 1846-47 - but
not before half of the party died and members survived by eating the
flesh of those that died during the ordeal.
Several transportations routes still go through Donner Pass. The
Union Pacific Railroad - Interstate 80 - and US Route 40. Usually by
this time of year the old road through the pass is closed from snow.
It was October 24, 1846 - went the Donner Party was snowed in.
While meandering up the Old Donner Pass Road - you really can
appreciated the beautiful extremes. The giant trees and rocks stick
out like Disney movie props - except the road have few guard rails
and the cliffs are very high. There is so much sky in all directions.
Tonight we will spend in our hotel on Lake Tahoe. The lake can be so
quiet and clear. You can almost hear Fredo saying his "Hail Mary's"
while fishing here. Tomorrow we will wing across the country and
spend Tuesday night in our bed back home in Tallahassee. It took the
Donner's 12 months it make it but we will be home a few hours - and
hopefully no one gets eaten.
No comments:
Post a Comment