Jaded by the road!

This week I took a ride over the hill from Reno to Sacramento( along the I-80 over Donner pass), and as I drove the route I had driven hundreds of times before, I realized that I was just going through the motions. I hate the idea of passing by history swept up in my own little world without thinking what might have happened along this road to those who passed before my time.

I thought about the Pioneers, the Donner party who ate each other, the gold miners and the Mormon Battalion, and all the Chinese immigrants who worked almost as slaves to build the railroad over the sierras into the Nevada desert. So many people who paved the way before me so that I can now cruise 75 over the hill and be in Sac town in 2 hours.

I noticed the trees and views that I had seen many times before, but realized that to a person from kansas or ohio, these views would be breath taking, but how I find them normal...... My complacency is killing me inside and I have to do something about it.

So tonight I am dedicating this post to everyone who paved the road I drive, I want to thank them for what they did, I want Mother Nature to know she is incredible, and I want my mind to get over itself and to be amazed over and over. After a few minutes of web searching here are some images of those who came before me.

I hope you open your eyes this week and consider who paved your roads.

Japanese and Chinese Immigrants carved the mountain to make the railways over the pass - Thier children and grand children were later intered in WWII concentration camps by the US GOVT.

BUILDING THE RAILWAYS

THE DONNER PARTY MADE THEIR CAMP ON THIS ICE COVERED LAKE AND RESORTED TO CANABALISM

This bridge stands today and is one of the most majestic views from the Interstate 80 or the old route 40

Melissa Coray - This woman walked nearly 7000 miles with the Mormon Battalion and was at Sutters mill when gold was discovered sparking a gold rush to California. She is an awe inspiring figure whose journey shatters any glass ceiling that could be perceived.

Jim Beck-worth - Most notorious African American mountain man of all time, discovered a little known low altitude pass through the sierras  near Quincy California, this pass has no snow during the winter and follows the majestic Feather River into the California valleys. He is one of the most interesting figures of American west history, I highly recommend study on his history.

Road to the covered train tracks atop the Donner pass Circa 1915, At the time the road over the hill to california was treacherous and must have been an extreme adventure.