The Haunted West

I noticed that my solar activity application indicated a solar flare today along with an electromagnetic storm in space. I have heard said that weather conditions can cause an increase in paranormaL activity. I wonder if storms in deep space apply? I know that lunar conditions effect tides and such. I went onto the National Weather Service space weather predition center to see what these solar flares looked like. I have posted a picture here, Courtesy of NOAA (I know, I know, that's not really the color of the sun, but it's wicked cool).

Donner Ski Ranch is one of the oldest ski areas in the western United States. The area was first utilized for skiing in 1937. It is located near the scenic Old Highway 40 which was the transcontinental route before I-80 took its place in 1964. It is 45 miles west of Reno and 10 miles west of Truckee. The history of this area is both interesting and deadly. Native Americans traveled the Summit thousands of years ago leaving the evidence of their presense in petroglyphs and grinding rocks. Wagon trains began crossing the Summit in 1844 headed for California. The ill fated Donner Party attempted to cross in 1846, but was unable to conquer the Summit. They had to turn back and spent a tragic winter on the shores of what is now Donner Lake. Untold numbers of chinese laborers were killed during the building of the first transcontinental railway through this area. Changeable weather conditions are common in the Lake Tahoe Basin throughout the year. Winter storms may occur from September thr