When I arrived in Truckee 30 years ago, I was taken with the story of the Donner Party.  Being from the midwest, I could understand how the Donner Party got themselves into the situation where they had to spend the winter in the Sierras.  Back home, when it snows, it generally melts over the next couple of days.  The standing snow generally gets no higher than about 18 inches (if my girlfriend in Silver Springs MD is reading this — she will refute this after this past winter).  So when Jacob Donner hurt himself while trying to repair a wagon wheel, he and his family decided to just take a few days to rest, thinking that the snow would stop falling, they could wait for it to melt and then press on.  Well they hadn’t counted on the elevation playing such a huge part in the retention of snow.  Thus their story and how they spent the winter in 30 feet of snow, surviving on little food has become part of our history here in Truckee.

During the Donner Party Hike weekend you can hike on Saturday for $45 per hiker (advanced tickets).  The price of admission includes a guided hike, commemorative hat, a barbeque lunch and a presentation by Mark Twain on the subject of Tales of the Comstock (something he knows lots about).  There are 5 different hikes you can choose from — with various subject matter and activity levels.  The Chamber makes a point of mentioning in their brochure that the hikes are long in length and do require some athletic ability.  You will have to carry your own water and personal items.  There will be no drinking water or restrooms along the hike.  Don’t want to scare anyone, just give them the facts, that’s all!!

Sunday’s program includes an interpretive  walking tour beginning at the Donner Party Camp on Hwy 89 and continuing on at the Emigrant Trail Museum.  The price for this portion is $15 per person and includes day use at the Donner Memorial State Park.

If you are interested in doing the whole weekend — the price is a package of $60 per person.

Sign up in advance at The Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce.   Several hotels/motels have extended some discounts if you want to spend the night in Truckee.  Get out, enjoy and learn!!

The two trips we made were the Mount Judah Loop which showcased spectacular flowers and views and the hike I made yesterday which took us on a route of the Trail that extends from the Boreal Ski Area, near Highway 80 to Old Highway 40.  The flowers were still vibrant, the views were wonderful but this hike was a little less intense than the Mt. Judah trip.

Here are some pictures, the people that I traveled with yesterday are my brother David and his wife Kate.  We were rewarded by some great views, solitude and later a wonderful dinner at the River Ranch in Alpine Meadows. Thanks to everyone — for reminding me once again how great it is to sell real estate in the High Sierras!!

This area is predominately inhabited by second homeowners.  The subdivision wraps itself around two beautiful mountain lakes:  Lake Serena and Lake Dulzura.  Other closeby attractions include Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, Soda Springs Ski area, Royal Gorge X-Country Ski Area, Loch Leven Lakes (for great hiking), the Pacific Crest Trail and acres of National Forest Lane.  Serene Lakes is accessed by exiting Highway 80 at the Soda Springs Exit, heading east on Donner Pass Road until you reach Soda Springs Road, then head south (right).  There is a wonderful lodge at the end of Soda Springs Road — Ice Lakes Lodge, good food and thoroughly modern rooms.  Also a great spot for a wedding!!

Pla Vada Woodlands

The waste disposal system in PlaVada is privately owned and therefore not connected with the Donner Summit Public Utility District.  The annual mandatory homeowners’ dues cover the cost of road plowing and maintenance and sewer.  There is a small park along the river for the homeowners.

Kingvale

An older subdivision with dirt or gravel roads, adjacent to PlaVada and in close proximity to both Highways 40 and 80.  This subdivision harkens back to the 1930′s when there was no Highway 80.  Imagine arriving here at your rustic stone cottage after an arduous journey from San Francisco.  Out your back door lies the peaceful Yuba River.  Most of these cabins are not lived in during the winter as the dirt/gravel roads throughout the subdivision are not maintained in winter.  Some of the cabins are not insulated and therefore only suitable for summer living.