Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-02-17
ExouRsroNrsrs nLocKApEp.
They Visit the sierras and See Snow
With Vengeance.

They Visit the sierras and See Snow
With a Vengeance.
Ho, for TruckeeI
That was the motto of the large excur-
sion party which left this city Saturday
evening on the overland train with the
view of feasting their eyes upon the
grandeur of Sierra scenery, and of passing
through the perpendicular cliffs of snow,
where only couple of weeks ago several
hundred passengers were imprisoned for
two weeks, shut of from the rest of the
world.
But they didn't get to Truckee.
And what is more, they were treated to
much more in the way of scenery than
they bargained for. When they left Sacra
mento the weather was very squally, and
Sergeant Barwick predicted no immediate
cessation. But the excursionists were en-
thusisstic over the prospects of getting q
genuine snow-storm thrown in with the
scenery, all for Sc, and loudly clamored,
"On with the dance"
The dance went on. As the train began
to climb the foothills, prior to bursting
with all its glory upon the ermine-cloaked
scenery, the squally weather shifted around
into cold, wet weather. Some one ven
not have such a gloriously splendid time;
but, though the enthusiasm was not quite
SO pronounced IS it was upon the start, yet
the dubious ones were very decidedly sat
uoon." The train continued to ascend, I'M
til finally one of the excursionists made
the discovery that il was no longer rain
ing, but showing. Yes, they had reached
tie snow belt and binding snow-storm.
1t continued to snow all night, some if
~
train continued on its course, but slow,
however, until the famous Cascade cut was
reached. This is the place where the rail-
road company was given its hardest fight
during the great blockade, and where it is
said, il storms harder than any place in
the country. The wind was blowing a
hurricane at the time and the lately fallen
snow was drifting badly.
The trsin managed to get through the
cut all right but just as it was emerging at
the place known as Cascade Spur snow
bank was encountered, which put stop to
further progress. The enthusiasm of the
excursionists was slightly chilled by the
general condition of things, but still they
were buoyed up by the realization that
they were getting "a whole lott for their
money.
1t was 500 A. NJ. when the halt was made,
but had it not been for an accident which
happened to The Cyclone snowplow, which
came down 10 clear the way for the train,
the delay would have been Of little conse-
quence. As it vas, however. the Cyclone
had only thrown out few tons of snow
when her steam pipe exploded, and she
was of no further use. But this was not
the serious part OF the accident. The Cy-
clone met with the accident at a point
where il was difficult to get out again, ow-
ing to the drifts which covered the track
behind her. A force of shovelers were sent
for, and they labored 10 raise the blockade
all day. The Cyclone was finally removed
and the rotary plow took her place. The
latter did splendid work, clearing the track
in short order. The train, however, could
not move, owing 10 the fact that the snow
had drifled upon the cars and against them
to such an extent that it was necessary to
dig them o7t. By evening four of the for
ward coaches, comprising the eastbound
portion of the train, were released, and an
engine took them TO the Summit, leaving
the exeursionists behind, as they had not
vet been dug out
A dispatch was received By the RECORD
UNION last evening from one of the excur-
sionists, which read as follows;
CASCADE February l6th.-The train which
left Sacramento last evening IN eIhaIge OF con,
duotor J. L. Pearson. having on board lsrge
excursion party for Truckee, has been showed
in since $40 this morning. 1t has been snow
ing all day. One of the most terrible storms has
been raging. The entire party, however, is stlil
happy. This afternoon Superintendent Wright,
of the Sacramento division. ordered an engine
down from summit with provisions for the pas
sengers. The parties who carried the supplies
in had to wade through five feet of snow.
The latest information received at the
depot last evening was to the effect that the
shovelers were making rapid progress, and
that in all probability the cars would soon
be released The excursion train will not
complete its trip to Truckee, as it is the
opinion of the majority of the party that
they have seen enough already. The ex-
cursionists will, bearing accidents, arrive
home this morning,
Deputy State Treasurer Danielyiiz is one
of the passengers on board the excursion
car, Last evening the following telegram
was resolved from him:
SUMMIT, February 10th.
G.. Blessing Proprietor Capital Hotel, Sdcra-
gperf0 . We are completely snow bound, with no
appsrent prospect Of breaking the blockade. l
have had all the snow want in fact, that IS
ali we have The party is well but hungry.
Mr.. Blessing forwarded the following re-
ply; s.ca, ,,r,7o. February 18Th.
1. Daaisl,eil-, sl0sg blockade, near The summit;