OCR Text |
Show 1 2 8 2 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS. the ends of heavy planks used in loading. The wagons are drawn by six or eight yoke of oxen. To give au idea of what can be done by these wagons it is a matter of record that 14,900 odd feet of lumber in the shape « f saw- logs bus been plactd upon one of rtiem. This was popularly kuowu as the " boss load," aud photographs of it cau be obtaincl at Truckee. We took advantage of the lumber- camp smithy to have our mules 6hod, many 01 them being badly in need of it, and while waiting occupied several topographical stations in the western summit. A good trail, opened some years ago by Mr. McKinney, rnns from here to Georgetown, crossing a branch of the Middle Fork of the American sdme eight, miles from McKinuey's, and called by him the Rubicon. From here we moved up the valley of Blackwood Creek, containing abundance of fiue feed, and camped nearTw in Peaks. The weather being excellent, a day sufficed for our work 1 ere. To the north we saw several fine pointn, ( among them the Net die and Granite Chief,) which we intended to occupy, though our hopes of ibis were somewhat dashed by Mr. McKiuney's statement that lie looked for snow every day, and lhat the probabilities were that in a fchort time the higher peaks would be impassable. Meandering the lakc- bhore as far as Tahoe City, we moved tbence down the Truckee and encamped October 2fi at the head of Sqnaw Valley, which drains into that stream. This valley is well watered, and produces abundance of tiue hay. A cattle- ranch is located here, and we found the ranchmen busily engaged iu collecting their stock previous to driving them out for the winter. They informed us that a trail led out of the valley to the west, passing near the peaks we wished to occupy, wl ile a second trail constructed by them during the 8un< mer permitted ogress to the north. Wishing to ascertain the proximity of the peaks, I ascended a higher point at the summit of the pass, called Fort Sumter from its peculiar outline, but a heavy mist completely shut out. the view. The 27th was stormy and rainy, and during the night about 4 inches of snow fell, which continued all the next day. The stock was driven out just in the nick of time, as the meadows were now covered with about 8 iaches of snow. Several balea of hay left by the ranchmen afforded feed for the mules, so that I was not obliged to move rut at once, which I was unwilling to do, as this would be our lust chance to work up the topography of this portion of the range. The 30th, breaking bright and clear, afforded an opportunity of making a* final attempt at the " Needle," or, should this prove impracticable, at least of making a topographical station on the high point, near the summit of the pass. We found the enow deeper than we expected, but fina- ly made the point only to find, however, that the mists, which had been gather jug during the ascent, completely enveloped the higher . peaks, and in a few moments our own, giving us just time to catch a fleeting glimpse of the Needle, about a mile and a half to the northwest, " pointing its lean finger to the sky'' as if in mockery at our efforts. On this trip I obtained for the first time occular evidence that there are deer in these mountains by a well- marked trail in the snow. From this it was evident that the animal, driven from the mountains by the snow, had taken a hasty survey of the valley, then turned in its tracks and made a rapid exit. I decided to follow its example, and on November 1, after having meandered Bear Creek, which we had passed a few days before, lef4; the valley in a snow- storm. Soon after reaching the Truckee and Tahoe turnpike the snow ceased, allowing the road and river to be meandered as far as Truckee on the Central Pacific Railroad. Learning that Lieutenant Till man was encamped only about 4 miles from here, on Prosser Creek, I moved on there to consult him concerning the connection of our triangulation. Fiuding that he and his topographer were absent • ou a trip to Castle Peak, we proceeded to work up the topography north of Lake Tahoe, camping in Martis Valley. From here we attempted the ascent of Mount Rose, but found it impracticable from the west. Camp was then moved to Hot Spriugs, near the extremity of the promontory known as State Line Poiut. This is one of the most interesting places on the lake, and the view is exceedingly beautiful, especially at this season, when the mouutaiu peaks, capped with snow, contrast strongly with the dark pine forests clothing their rugged sides. For the accommodation of tourists, a hotel and a number of small ootttfges have been erected, the water of the springs being utilized for bathing purposes. The proprietor received us \* ith true Californian hospitality, tendering us free use of tjie cottages and baths, which kindness we were glad to take advantage of. While here the survey of the lake was completed, and connection made with the monuments of the California and Nevada State line. Lieutenant Tillman veited us at this camp, and obtained information with reference to points occupied by us to the southward. Learning of our failure to reaoh Mouut Rose from the west, he determined to attempt the ascent from the north. Of the success of this attempt we had the unexpected pleasure of being eye- witnesses. • While occupying a high point north of the lake and some 7 or 8 miles southwest of Rose we were delighted to observe, through the tefo « cope of our instrument, Lieutenant Tillman at work. The next day we passed over the eastern summit, connecting with the work previously |