Northwoods Tahoe May 2021

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First Motorized Vehicles Across The Sierra Nevada 1901-03 - Part 1

By Phillip I. Earl Donner Pass was first crossed by a party of autoists who negotiated the old Dutch Flat and Donner Lake Wagon Road in May 1901, and the first motorcyclist, George A. Wyman, got over in August 1902. The next summer, 1903, Wyman crossed again on a San Francisco-toNew York jaunt. That same summer, there were three cross-country automobile expeditions, two of which crossed the Sierra Nevada on the Lake Tahoe State Wagon Road over Johnson Pass, today’s Echo Summit, Placerville to Lake Tahoe, and a third which went north from Sacramento and on east through Oregon and Idaho to New York City. Both Donner Pass and the Johnson Pass route were to become sections of the Lincoln Highway just a decade later.

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CELEBRATING OVER

Alexander Winton in the Sierras, 1901.

At the turn of the century, “horseless carriages” as they were known by many Americans, were becoming an increasingly common sight in larger metropolitan areas on both coasts, particularly San Francisco and New York City, but were rarely seen in rural America. From Chicago on west, there were few auto facilities— garages, service stations—indeed, few roads which deserved the name, but easterners looked west and westerners looked east, all contemplating the fame and publicity, which would come their way should they succeed in becoming the first auto aficionados to cross the country.

In May 1899, Mr. And Mrs. John D. Davis of New York City purchased a Duryea touring car built by the National Motor Company of Hartford, Connecticut. They had heavier spring struts and motor mounts installed, as well as strengthened axles and special gears to enable the vehicle to climb the mountains and steep grades they expected to encounter in the course of their planned excursion to San Francisco. Beginning the trip at 11:00 a.m., July 13, from the New York Herald Building, they traveled through Albany, Utica, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo and on west to Toledo, Cleveland and Detroit.

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Continued from page 3 At that point, August 19, they abandoned their trek, the Duryea having broken down 25 times in the 37 days they had been on the road. “It would have been interesting to see, if the carriage reached San Francisco, how much of the original machine would be left,” a writer for Scientific American commented. “So far, the trip has not been a particularly good brief for the American motor carriage.

The natural inference is that our carriages are too light for the rough service which is entailed and the badness of many of our roads.”

Californians who could afford motorized vehicles ran them on city streets and jaunts into the countryside, but the Sierra Nevada out of Sacramento was a formidable barrier to those who might have given thought to extending their explorations into Nevada and on east across the country.

Several owners of steam and electric vehicles tried the Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way over Donner Pass and others attempted a crossing from Placerville, east, all failing. In May 1901, Alexander Winton, president of the Winton Motor Carriage Company, Cleveland, and Charles B. Shanks of the Cleveland Plain Dealer arrived in San Francisco intending to write themselves into history by crossing the country in a 12-horse power Winton touring car. Two years earlier, Winton had made a 707-mile run from Cleveland to New York City in 47 hours and 34 minutes. The Plain Dealer had sponsored the trip and the editors prevailed upon Winton to make the cross-country attempt, taking Shanks along to document and publicize the trip.

They announced that they intended to follow the line of the Southern Pacific and the Union Pacific to Omaha, Nebraska, continuing on east to Chicago on the right-ofway of the Chicago and Northwestern. From Chicago, their course had not been determined at the time of their departure. Shanks had also arranged to carry a packet of letters from General William Shafter, commander of the Presidio of San Francisco, to General Nelson A. Miles in Washington D.C., the first mail ever consigned to a motorized vehicle for such a trip.

Continued on page 6

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Continued from page 4 Departing from the Ferry Building at 7:15 a.m., Monday, May 20, they arrived at the foot of Broadway in Oakland at 8:00 and got on the road for Port Costa, planning on arriving in time to catch the Sacramento River ferry at 9:15. A wrong turn brought them through Martinez, however, and they had to wait for the next crossing at 11:17. The sky had been heavy with clouds all morning and the storm hit just before the ferry docked. “Adobe roads when dry and hard hold out opportunities for good going, but when the sponge-like soil is soaked with moisture,” Shanks later wrote, “when your wheels cut in, spin around, slip and slide from the course and suddenly your machine is off the road and into the swamp ditch, buried to the axle in the soft ‘doby’, then the fun begins.”

They used their block and tackle on several occasions and tied ropes around the tires. “Slow work—not discouraging in the least,” Shanks recalled. “A bit disagreeable, considering that it is the first day out and you are anxious to make a clever initial run.”

Nine miles south of Rio Vista and twelve hours later, they reached the ranch house of A.W. Butler. The Winton was bedded in his barn and they stayed the night with him. The weather cleared next morning and they left for Sacramento at 7:40 a.m., reaching the capital at 1:15. Taking on five gallons of fuel, they passed through Roseville, Rocklin, Loomis, Penryn, Newcastle, Auburn, Colfax and Cape Horn that afternoon, reaching Gold Run at 7:40 p.m. Shanks described the steep grades and dangerous shelf roads they traversed that day and lauded his partner for his skill at the wheel. “Ordinarily there would be great danger in speed under such circumstances—there may have been risk to life and limb at anytime,” Shanks wrote, “but I knew Mr. Winton; I knew him for his skill and that there was no call for nervousness with him at the wheel, so I sat back and enjoyed the scenery.”

The residents of the small mining camp recommended a route east and they got off at 6:45 the next morning “…winding around and turning in many directions—but always up,” Shanks wrote.

Passing through Dutch Flat, Towle, Blue Canyon, Emigrant Gap, Cisco and on to Cascade, the road “became particularly rugged,” Shanks noted. At Emigrant Gap, those familiar with the country had told them of what lay ahead, “rock roads and snow deposits” across the summit and down to Donner Lake.

“Leaving Emigrant Gap, the game commenced in earnest,” Shanks wrote. “Unbridged streams were encountered and the machine took to the water like a duck in high spirits. Splash she would go in, and drenched she would come out. The water would many times come up as high as the motor and up would go our feet to prevent them from getting wet.” At one point, Shanks asked Winton if he intended to continue to put the machine to such a test. “Of course I will,” Shanks remembered him saying, and Shanks thereafter “busied myself hanging on with hands and bracing myself with feet.” He further recalled that “at every turn and twist in the road, the rocks grew larger, and I wondered if anything mechanical could stand the terrible punishment.” In a reflective mood, he recalled that early overland emigrants would often lower their wagons by rope, but the Winton proved to be more than up to the challenge. “The motor never flinched; its power never lagged; it pulled through those rocks and up the stiff grades,” he wrote.

The Winton broke down fording Cascade Creek, swollen by melting snows, later in the day. “The front axle on the right side sustained an injury,” Shanks recounted, “and after a lurch ahead the machine came to a sudden standstill.” Winton diagnosed the problem and sent Shanks on ahead on foot to find a telegraph station and wire for a part from the Cleveland factory. Shanks was also told to notify L.S. Keely at Emigrant Gap to come and get them. Shanks found a station and a solitary, surprised operator a mile up the road. The wires went off and Winton and Shanks were back in Emigrant Gap by evening, their machine left where it had stalled.

Look for Part 2 in next month’s issue.

Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Highway Association.

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5 Tips to Promote Health During Spring As seasons change, there’s often a great deal of shuffling and movement, including common allergy triggers like trees, pollen, mold spores, dust and dander along with pesky sinus pressure.

Combined with changes in barometric pressure and weather patterns bouncing up and down, spring can be one big pain – literally.

“This is the time of year when most of us are excited to see the change of seasons, but millions of allergy and sinus sufferers welcome spring with trepidation,” Dr. Ian Smith, M.D., said.

“Common triggers such as trees, pollen, mold spores, dust and dander can wreak havoc for many. Having a trusted multisymptom reliever of upper respiratory allergies like Mucinex Sinus-Max is absolutely key in making the season more enjoyable for all suffering from sinus and congestion issues.

With a reliable multi-symptom product stashed in your medicine cabinet, and the combination of simple modifications like being mindful of your indoor climate, eating more fruits and veggies, and staying hydrated, can help limit sinus discomfort this season.”

Take steps this spring to ease the impact of sinus and allergy problems and focus on your overall wellness for a smooth transition with these tips: Control your allergy and sinus triggers. Knowing what flares your allergic reactions can help prevent discomfort.

For many people, monitoring pollen counts and limiting time outdoors on high-pollen days can help reduce reactions.

You might also avoid hanging laundry outside, as pollen can stick to clothes and sheets as they dry, and ask for help with yardwork to limit your exposure.

Find some pressure release. When nasal

congestion or sinus pressure build, it can feel like a ton of bricks have landed on your head. However, you can find relief with products designed to help clear up your stuffy nose, relieve headaches and thin and loosen excess mucus. Often, if you’re experiencing sinus problems, you’re dealing with multiple symptoms. From congestion to headaches and sinus pressure, an over-the-counter medicine like Mucinex Sinus-Max can break up your sinus symptoms with just one dose or your money back.

Manage your indoor climate. Even when you start spending more time outdoors, it’s important to keep close tabs on the quality of the air inside your home. If you’re prone to allergy flare-ups or sinus infections, manage the humidity level by using a humidifier or dehumidifier. If outdoor allergens are a concern, avoid opening windows and doors, and instead rely on air conditioning on warmer days. Also be sure to change filters regularly and use an air purifier for added protection.

Keep fluids flowing. More time outdoors in warmer weather can quickly lead to dehydration, especially if you’re working up a sweat. Drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated and keep your body operating in top shape. Staying hydrated can also help keep mucus moving, allowing you to ease through allergy or sinus problems.

Update your medicine cabinet. A seasonal change is a good time to take stock of your medical supplies and medications to ensure you have what you need for the months ahead. Discard any expired prescriptions or over the counter medicines and be sure restock common spring and summer essentials like bug bite ointments, sunburn spray and multi-symptom products like Mucinex Sinus-Max to help temporarily relieve sinus and congestion symptoms in one dose. Also be sure to replenish your first aid kit with plenty of bandages and wound care supplies.

For more information, visit Mucinex. com. Photos courtesy of Getty Images

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Kid-Friendly Ways to Learn About World History Building an appreciation for history is one way to help kids understand and connect with the world around them. History not only shows how people lived long ago, but it also gives clues about how society evolved into what it is today.

From playing games and visiting museums to exploring cultural heritage sites virtually, there’s no shortage of ways to engage kids in fun history lessons.

Historical literature From traditional bound books to digital formats, there’s a practically endless list of titles dedicated to historical people, places and events. If your child has an interest in a particular topic, consider starting with an age-appropriate non-fiction book that gives a high-level perspective of the topic. Then delve deeper by looking into biographies about the people involved and even related fictional tales to build knowledge and a broader perspective.

Movies or theater Like books, there are hundreds of options for historically themed movies and theatrical productions. All you need to do is pick a topic or era. It can also be fun to look at how different movies depict the same historical topic at different points in time. Watching different genres can help give a fuller picture of an event or topic. Informative documentaries and entertaining historical dramas are also options for looking into the past.

Virtual tours Another way to look at history is through visiting historical destinations with cultural significance. Travel isn’t always practical, but you can go nearly anywhere in the world with a virtual tour where you can move around sites and monuments to see the details up close. An option like Flyover Zone’s app-based tours even take you a step beyond seeing the monuments as they look today. You can see ruins as they are today and beautiful virtual reconstructions of how they originally looked.

One example is “Baalbek Reborn,” a tour of Baalbek, a World Heritage Site in Lebanon, that dates back thousands of years. With this free virtual tour, you can explore the ancient city of Heliopolis, meaning “City of the Sun,” in Roman times. Experts from the German Archaeological Institute who explored the site guide you through the tour and show you treasures that have been compared to some of Rome’s most impressive landmarks.

Online classes Numerous organizations offer online classes that let you learn about a wide range of historical subjects. Some may offer credit toward a diploma or college

degree, but many are simply for the joy of learning. Check with your local library and search the internet for options. Many classes are offered for free and, in most cases, available to do at your own pace in spare time.

Cultural events Events that celebrate cultural heritage provide a unique look at history and the way it influences modern times. These celebrations often include a well-rounded sampling of everything from traditions to culinary and artistic styles. You can find lectures, demonstrations, performances, sampling and more as you explore the diverse aspects of almost any chosen culture.

Historical games Play is an important way kids learn, and historical games can provide insight to the past. While some are more historically accurate than others, games set in a historic time period can provide insight about the scenery, lifestyle and customs of the era. Historic video and board games can even pique an interest in learning more about history through other methods.

Museum exploration Collections of actual artifacts (or replicas) in museums can bring history to life in a tangible way. Especially for younger children, understanding historical details can be difficult. However, seeing museum displays about the kinds of homes or dishes or utensils a historic family used lets kids connect a visual reference with stories they’ve heard, lending a greater sense of reality.

Find more opportunities to immerse your family in history at flyoverzone.org.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

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Swimming Safety Tips for Summer Playing in or around water is one of the joys of summer, but this treasured seasonal pastime comes with some serious risks.

Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 14 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, many families will have informal gatherings and take trips to the beach, increasing the potential for children to have unsupervised access to water. Because of this, it’s important for children to take swimming lessons to learn water safety skills and create safer habits in and around water.

As swimming lessons begin across the country, many are being conducted safely with COVID-19 precautions in place.

Protect your family’s safety around water this summer with these tips from the Make a Splash Tour, presented by Phillips 66 and the USA Swimming Foundation.

Designate a Water Watcher and Closely Monitor Children.

Designate a water watcher when you are in, on or around water.

Watch all children and adolescents swimming or playing in or around water, even if they know how to swim. Keeping young children or inexperienced swimmers within arm’s length at all times can help ensure you’re able to provide assistance if and when it’s needed.

Wear a Life Jacket. Anyone participating in any boating, paddling or towed water sports, regardless of swimming ability in pool or open water situations, should wear a Coast Guardapproved life jacket. Preschool-aged children (5 years old and younger), who are not protected by touch supervision, in particular, should always wear a life jacket. Swimming aids and water toys – such as water wings, inflatable water wings and rings – are not intended to be life-saving devices.

Learn to Swim. Research has shown formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of childhood drowning by 88%. Through the annual Make a Splash Tour, the USA Swimming Foundation, with the support of Phillips 66, encourages children’s swim lessons.

By equipping your child with the skill of swimming, you’ll open doors to a lifetime of safety, fun, fitness and even employment opportunities.

While lessons progressively teach a variety of swimming strokes, some of the most important things swimmers learn – even in beginner classes – are breath control and how to float.

These basic skills are essential for staying above water should someone find himself or herself unable to touch or too tired to swim to safety. Children can participate in swimming lessons before they can walk, and parent-child swim lessons provide bonding opportunities along with water safety education.

Swim in Designated Areas and Obey Posted Signs and Flags. Ropes, buoys and flags in larger bodies of water like lakes or oceans are commonly used to mark off safe swimming areas and provide visual cues about changes in depth, underwater surfaces and currents. Teach children what these signs and markers mean and that they’re in place as safety tools, not toys to play with or float on.

Learn CPR. If the unthinkable does happen, knowing how to perform CPR allows you to take immediate action, which has been shown to significantly better the outcome for children with submersion injuries. In the time it takes for paramedics to arrive, you could save someone’s life. Seconds count; the quicker CPR is started, the better the chances of recovery. There are many places that offer CPR training, including community organizations and nonprofit groups. Remember to keep your certification current once you have completed the initial requirements.

Make safety a priority for your summer water fun. For more information, including swim lesson providers in your area, visit usaswimming.org/makeasplash.

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Brown and Wild Rice Bowl with Veggie Burger Prep time: 5 minutes Servings: 1

May 2021

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Fast, Flavorful Meals When You’re Short on Time Quality meals don’t have to drain hours from your day; satisfying taste is possible in just minutes when you have a few strategies that can help make meal prep easier and the results more enjoyable.

Eat better with veggies. If eating better is your goal, explore veggie-based recipes that are hearty and filled with nutrients and vitamins. This Brown and Wild Rice Bowl with Veggie Burger is perfect for a meatless Monday or any other day when you need a fast, filling and flavorful meal in short order. If you don’t have veggie burgers at home, or simply prefer a meatbased option, a cooked frozen beef patty is a good time-saving alternative.

Make simple swaps for variety. When you find a dish that’s easy and tasty, you may find yourself falling back on the same thing again and again. Prevent taste bud boredom by mixing up your ingredients. You can transform a rice-based recipe by changing up the veggies, cheese, dressing and other toppings.

Try pickled jalapenos for spice. Add corn if you like things sweet.

Swap a creamy dressing with a zesty vinaigrette for fewer calories and a whole new taste.

Shop for convenience. Takeout may let you skip prep time completely, but you can easily make versions of many favorite to-go meals at home in just a few minutes. This Beef and Broccoli Garlic Rice uses perfectly portioned Minute Ready to Serve microwavable rice cups that help you put together a delicious lunch or dinner without measuring or overeating.

Choosing products like portion-controlled rice and other ready-toserve ingredients can help shave time off your prep work.

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cup Minute Ready to Serve Brown and Wild Rice precooked veggie burger patty cup shredded lettuce cup halved grape tomatoes tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese tablespoons ranch dressing

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