Quick Update: I know you’re all curious about what I’ve decided to do in regard to that programming class. I’m curious too! For now, I’ve decided to think about it over the weekend. I’m leaning towards taking the course, but want to explore options to help pay for it.
While this may be a tall order, I’m hoping to have a revelation in the next 72 hours that will provide the clarity that I need. Perhaps a prophetic dream, or the timely swooping past of an eagle? Given that I’ve never seen an eagle in San Francisco, should one swoop past me I would absolutely consider it a prophetic message. What the message means…your guess is as good as mine. With that said, I will keep you all posted!
Now, What The?
In the meantime, I’m going to start a new set of posts titled “What the?” and this is the first installment! I frequently come across amazing things that I really want to check out.
Sometimes they’re places I want to visit, like Mesa Verde and the Anasazi cliff dwellings:
Other times they’re events I want to experience, like the Festival of Colours in India, also known as Holi:
And on occasion they’re epic journeys I hope to take someday, like the ancient Japanese pilgrimage trail of Kumano Kudo:
I have an ever-growing list for myself, but it dawned on me that you might find these things inspiring too! That’s the inspiration for this new set of posts.
Donner Pass Railroad Tunnels
Today’s “What The?” post is about this incredible place I just heard about in Truckee near Donner Pass! Apparently, for people who are “in the know,” you can explore the abandon train tunnels from the first ever Transcontinental railway!
Abandoned in the 1990’s, these tunnels represent early California history, when pioneers ventured west to find their riches in gold, and hardworking laborers from China risked their lives to connect the east and west via train.
Tunnels 6, 7 and 8 are the most popular for hikers, snow showshoers and history lovers, but there are a number of tunnels you can explore. From what I hear, it’s important to bring a flashlight, and in the winter to have stable footwear.
As if the tunnels aren’t cool enough, on the way to the tunnels you can see petroglyphs that have been dated to between 1500 and 4000 years old. There’s a really intersting article about the petroglyphs here.
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know I’m always looking for places to take my dog. This honestly sounds like the perfect exploration opportunity for both of us.
She loves being off leash to play, and I love exploring historic places!
The tunnels are on Union Pacific Railroad property, but by all accounts you can freely explore without restriction. No signs, no security, nothing getting in the way of your adventure. That said, be safe and keep an eye out for people and animals that could be dangerous.
When it comes to how to get there and what to expect, I’ll pass you over to the blog “California Through My Lens.” I f you end up hiking through these tunnels please let me know about your experience! I plan on checking these out first chance I get!
I loved the information about the petroglyphs. Fascinating.
I do think the holes are drill holes, possibly made during the laying of the railroad or even during mining for gold and silver.
Love to have been able to see them!