For those adventuresome travelers who really want to explore the historic sites of California and do it in a unique way, we want to introduce you to a recently published book that serves as a what's what and where regarding the historic Central Pacific Railroad and the transcontinental railroad.
The Central Pacific Railroad was the western link of the transcontinental railroad completed in 1869. The rail line that connected the Atlantic to the Pacific. The Central Pacific had the challenge of scaling the high and rugged Sierra Nevada and it's well known Donner Pass.
The book Rails,Tales and Trails by author Bill George is a guide to the secret locations, fascinating people and historic towns of the old Central Pacific Railroad from Sacramento California to Reno Nevada. Bill George reveals insights and untold stories about the transcontinental railroad.The book is a combination travel guide and history story. The book Rails,Tales and Trails is a companion piece to the film The Hidden Wonder of the World which has been broadcast several times on public television in Northern California and screened by libraries, schools and community groups. The book unveils and explains the significance the historic sites depicted in the film and offers detailed directions on how you can visit these sites.
Rails,Tales and Trails includes never before told stories of the Central Pacific Railroad and explores and explodes certain myths associated with this railroad's historic construction.
The book and documentary film honor and remember the work of the great Americans who accomplished this historic feat.
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| The Sierra Nevada |
Millions of people pass Red Mountain on I-80 every year and never give it a second look.Getting up it - even in a four wheeler-is not easy. It's a narrow one-lane road clinging to the side of the mountain.You never know who or what you'll meet around the next corner, like the giant logging trucks that make their way ponderously down the mountain. And if they are bigger than you the only option you have is to back down the mountain a bit. The road is very steep. In the first mile and a quarter it rises 900 feet. In total the route is only three and a quarter miles long, but rises 2,100 feet. Up, up it goes. The last few hundred yards are the hardest. Those last yards are like climbing stairs that shift under you. If you are up to challenging hikes though, the walk is a good one if you don't make it too late in the year. Wildflowers, butterflies, streams, and meadows are all nice additions to the gorgeous views. In summer the dirt is dry and the hike is very dusty and hot. Wear boots that support you since there is a lot of loose rock. Bring water.
On Signal Peak you will find a building that served as a fire look-out from 1909 until 1934. Watchmen lived up here, on round-the-clock duty looking for fires along the route, and dispatching emergency help via telegraph. To prevent Donner Summit's heavy snowfall (35 feet a year) from stopping train traffic, the Central Pacific built almost 40 miles of wooden snow sheds. Those snow sheds kept the tracks free of snow, but were also a fire hazard as they baked in the summer sun. Sparks from locomotives set them off and special fire trains were kept ready with full heads of steam to speed off and fight the fires. It is obvious why this was the lookout spot. You will get a spectacular 360-degree view, and from here you can see the miles of railroad line snaking through the mountains. It's the perfect place to relax and marvel at the beauty and complexity of the route. Be sure to bring powerful binoculars for a close-up look at the rail line. On a clear day you can see from the crest of the Sierra Nevada to the west and southwest into the Sacramento Valley and Coast Range, including Mount Diablo. You have a wonderful look at sparkling Lake Spalding, more than 2,500 feet below, sitting just to the west contentedly resting in its glacier-carved bowl of granite.
More information about the book Rail, Tales and Trails and the DVD documentary The Hidden Wonder of the World can be found at website www.transcoshow.com
The website also contains more information on the transcontinental railroad along with a blog... Train Talk, The Transcontinental Railroad Blog.
You may also enjoy reading a news review of the book Rails, Tales and Trails along with information about it's author Bill George. See the review on the following link... The Auburn Journal, Rails Tales and Trails
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| Old Leland Stanford Mansion, Sacramento, CA |
Furthermore, this book and documentary project highlights the historic sites along this rail route that still exist today as a living museum.The DVD and book will give you plenty of information on one of a kind historic sites that are sure to make your next trip to the Sierra Nevada region a fun and memorable one.
(Article and photos copyright 2013 Western Trips. Rails, Tales and Trails book excerpt and The Hidden Wonder of the World copyright Nimbus Films and Bill George)
