Today I headed back for California from Reno, taking the I-80 over the Sierras. It's pretty amazing to go up over those heights. You pass by the Donner Pass, at about 7000 ft, or about 2000 meters.
This part of the Sierras get an average of 10,7 m snow per year (415 inches), making it one of the snowiest places in the United States.
The pass received its name a group of California-bound emigrants. In November 1846, the Donner Party found their route over the Sierras blocked by snow at this place and was forced to spend the winter on the eastern side of the mountains. Of the 81 emigrants, only 45 survived to reach California (and it's said that some of them resorted to cannibalism to survive). This is a place you don't want your car to break down... It sure is easier these days to "head west".
My trip back was pretty uneventful and I managed to beat the snow that was supposed to fall later today. I might have grown up in Sweden - but I still don't like driving in snow.
I found a little "news story" from 1952 when a train got stranded up here. Look at the depth of the snow... "hua" as we would say in Swedish...
3 comments:
That is cute! I'm with you...I don't like to drive in the snow, no matter what they say. :o)
Vilken interessant och spännande helg du haft i Reno. Vad kul att få höra och uppleva Hillary på plats. Det var inte lite snö de får uppe vid Donners pass. Usch vad hemskt för de där emigranterna som behövde ta till kanibalsim för att överleva.
Isle Dance - I don't like driving in snow at all... I have no control.
Desiree - ja, det var otroligt spännande! Det är myyyycket snö vid Donner Passet..
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