Truckee will grab your heart

Nestled away in the Sierra Nevada mountains, among the pines, is a small town called Truckee. I first experienced Truckee back in 1977. I was driving from Illinois to Mare Island, California and my "A" school with the U.S. Navy. After crossing the hot desert of Nevada and realizing that I did not have to report for another day, I took the exit off of IH 80 and drove into Truckee. My first thoughts were, what a step back in time. It made me think of the old Western towns of the TV shows I watched growing up. I kept driving and on my right was the Gateway Motel, cabins set in a semi circle around a drive way. Some were duplexes and some were singles. I pulled in, rented a room and drove back up town for dinner and a stroll. I stopped into a bar/restaurant to have a quick bite and there were signs indicating bullet holes in the ceiling that had been placed there by local celebrities. It was so peaceful and since it was not ski season, quiet without a lot of tourist.
Now I am sure that in the 25+ years since I have been there, Truckee has grown up a lot but I hope that some of the Old West charm has remained. And in doing some research, I believe it has.
I have opted for a stay over in Truckee off the train trip. The train arrives approx 1:04 p.m. and leaves the next day at 1:04 pm. I want to stop and see just what Truckee is like 31 years later. In my search of the Internet, I see they have a winery, Truckee River Winery, that makes limited quantities of wine and is only open by appointment, 530-587-4626.
For entertainment there is golf, fly fishing, hiking, biking, etc. Whitewater Rafting on the Truckee River is supplied by Tributary Whitewater Tours,http://www.whitewatertours.com/. And, of course, Lake Tahoe is just south of Truckee. They have lake tours and casinos. Donner Memorial State Park remembers the ill-fated story of the Donner Party in 1846. Information on emigrant history, the transcontinental railroad, lumber and ice harvesting can be found in the museum located in the park.

Truckee is that little side journey into a different way of life that will remove your stress, enhance your senses and relax your worries away.