California Border Threatened

As we finally reached the California border on Day 11, the thrill of crossing the state line was accentuated by some of the most magnificent scenery I’ve ever seen.  This was heading uphill into the Sierra Nevada mountains and Donner Pass region. I remember a speckled forest filled with western white pine, Red fir, and aspens.  There were natural streams and wildlife everywhere. The air was fragrant beyond description.  It was chock-full of nature. As I say on page 122, heavy snow came up almost to the interstate, and this was July 7!  Sadly, this spectacular entrance into California no longer seems to hold true.  About 15 years ago my wife and I drove the same route, I-80 westbound, trying to approximate the trip by auto. I was shocked by what I saw at the Nevada-California state line.  The mountainous land west of the border had been stripped of its trees. It looked naked and forlorn—orphaned and sickly. Perhaps insects got into the wood, or more likely humans. The once-expansive beautiful highlands and lush glens were obliterated to make way for people and their relentless busywork. The whole eco-system looked broken down and dysfunctional. Wildlife surely had been chased away. The region was stripped of its pride and natural wonder. Shame on us.