Sacramento to Reno

Today we travel to Reno (Nevada)  on the Zephyr

We were informed that a group of rail enthusiast from the Railroad Museum, Sacramento, would give a commentary as far as Reno. The location of the talk was to be in the panoramic Observation Car 

There has been one on every train we’ve taken to date

We’re crossing the Rockies and tunneling frequently as  we go. As the construction of the railroad reached Auburn, there was a labour shortage. The railroad hired 50 Chinese and they proved to be such excellent workers that the company hired directly from China and thus the Chinese were responsible for the construction of the trans continental railroad

We’re now 1.5 hours out of Sacramento, at Colfax  

The town is located  2,400 ft above sea level.

Next we crossed the American River Canyon 

followed by a view of the American River Valley, 

where gold was discovered  

We passed through Tunnel 1 - tunnels were numbered as they were completed 

The winters are so cold here that snow sheds had to be built to house the trains and equipment. From 6,900 feet, we commenced our descent at 30mph 

Beautiful lakes and forested mountains abound 

We arrived at Truckee neat the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountains. 

Once a lawless town, it is now a recreational area at 5,000 ft above sea level!! Downhill skiing is available in winter and there stands a beautiful lake for summer holiday makers.  Truckee is reputed to have been one of the first mechanized ski lift in the US. 

The train followed the the Truckee River Valley ad it made its way to Reno 

Arriving in Reno, we took a short taxi ride to Eldorado Casino, our abode for tonight. It is three casinos in one!! 

We checked in. It was difficult to find reception what with slot machines everywhere. Floors and floors of them with poker and backgammon tables to booth

and plenty of bling!!

Later, we went out to see the town. It is not Las Vegas. The casinos occupy a small area. We visited Cal-Neva, which appeared to be the next largest casino. We had dinner there - food acceptable. 

We returned via the Reno arch 

to our hotel 

The gamblers must have returned home after the week- end. It is very quiet  

Tomorrow, we leave for Denver with a night aboard the train