Day 111 - Sunday, September 19

We rose today a little later than usual as we have a 3 day mission to get from Truckee to Carmichael CA where we will come into Eskaton Village and because of the Caldor wildfire, were forced into having to travel I-80. As a result, I will only run against traffic during daylight and thus I cannot leave early.

I left our RV park and headed through downtown Truckee and on to Donner Lake. The wind was howling and it was chilly. Once I finished the lake drive section I started heading up to the infamous Donner Pass where the temperature dropped into the 30’s and the wind was gusting at such a gale that I was frozen and scared about getting blown off the narrow hairpin turns. Up towards the top there were a number of interesting historic structures - the bridge spanning to peaks and the old tunnel where the road used to go.

I was able to stay on Donner Road for around 24 miles going through small towns along the South Yuba River like Hampton Rocks, Big Bend and Cisco Grove where elegant stone and log homes were built on the water. And then there were no more access roads and the last 10 miles had to be done on I80. I was tired from digging the last few days but on I80, the adrenaline was flowing and I was alert!

I went over Yuba Pass and then I could see the valley where pioneers made there way to the last obstacle - Emigrant Pass - before heading down hill to the promise of a new life in California.

A few miles later I met up with Chris at the Shell station exit 156 off I80 which is also a truck stop. We docked for the night alongside other truckers for well deserved rest.

Tomorrow is 35 miles to Auburn CA and there will not be many access roads between here and there - once I get through this section I will breath a sigh of relief as the final 5 days will be less miles and no highway.

Thank you for your support -

Cheers,

David.

Downtown Truckee

Heading out of town and down to Donner Lake

Donner Memorial statue with the inscription: Virile to risk and find; kindly withal and ready help. Facing the brunt of fate; indomitable, - unafraid.

Halfway up the Donner Pass

Donner Summit bridge built in 1925

View from the top of Donner Pass

The old road that was a tunnel

The South Yuba river flowing down from the mountains

Now that is one nice outdoor Chimney on the river

Typical houses found along the river

Emigrant Pass