Northwoods Tahoe February 2021 by Community Media LLC

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Northwoods Tahoe

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CELEBRATING OVER

Battle at Pyramid Lake

ute Nation, kept his silence. Winnemucca was resigned to living with the white man and counseled peace. His father Truckee had always been on friendly terms with the pioneers that were settling the west, but the increasing population was squeezing the Indians out.

By Mark McLaughlin, Historian

One night, a young Indian on horseback dashed into the Paiute council to inform the chiefs that a group of angry braves had burned Williams Station and killed several settlers. Williams Station was a combination general store, saloon and stagecoach stop on the Carson River. The bold attack was in retaliation for the kidnapping of two, twelve-year-old Indians girls by white men at the station who had bound, gagged, and hidden the pair in a secret cellar underneath the station house. When the Indians found out, they rescued the girls, killed the men and torched the station.

In 1858, the young braves in the Paiute Tribe of present-day northern Nevada were furious. White miners and settlers were encroaching on the sacred ancestral lands around Pyramid Lake, terminus of the ‘Truckee River. The intruders were killing the game and cutting down trees from which the Indians harvested pine nuts, an important staple of their diet. Despite the anger seething among the Paiutes’ warriors, strong leadership by tribal elders kept them in check until the severe winter of 1859-60 left the Indians facing starvation. By early May 1860, various tribal sects were ca1ling for action against the white invaders. Old Winnemucca, son of Chief Truckee and a leader of the Pai-

That same night in Virginia City, a breathless rider stormed in from the darkness. It was James Williams, one of the proprietors of the Continued on page 4

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Continued from page 3 burned out trading post. Williams had not been present during the deadly attack, but his two brothers were among those killed. The horrifying news alarmed the populace. Excitement ran high and men began calling for revenge; “the savages must be punished”. In the saloons that night hundreds of rowdy young men, strutting with reckless courage fueled by alcohol, declared their intent to ride out in the morning to take the fight to the Indians.

south in a half circle. They suddenly realized that they had run into a trap and were now surrounded by hundreds of mounted Paiutes. More armed warriors appeared from behind the sage brush surrounding the confused soldiers and then a hail of deadly Paiute arrows and bullets ripped through the air. The frightened horses began bucking under the soldiers, forcing them to drop their guns into order to control their mounts.

All of the men had heard stories of what happened to white men captured by Indians. The tales were chilling. Fear swept through Word spread quickly over the telegraph wires and men in Truckthe regiment and they broke into a run for the protection of a ee, Carson City, and Genoa were called to arms. But at sunrise the next day, only 105 men showed up for the battle. The rest had small grove of cottonwood trees bordering the Truckee River. fled to California or prudently declined to join in the rash, vigilante Within a few minutes the vigilantes reached the trees, but instead action. The military squads were a sloppy mixture of independent of finding safety in the brush, the woods were swarming with elements, poorly armed, and lacking discipline and training. They warriors. Numaga (c. 1830 - 5 November 1871), believed that the battle against the Pyramid Lake Indians would For the white men, a Paiute leader be easy, that the Indians would not fight. what had begun as The volunteers gathered quickly from communities throughout the a somewhat orderly retreat became a wild, region. Captain Alanson Nightingill led the Truckee Rangers and panic-stricken stammembers from the Virginia City Rifles showed up. John “Snowpede. When the trail shoe” Thompson was there, mustering with the Genoa Rangers. Major William Ormsby, who would later die in the skirmish, led the narrowed and climbed a Carson City squad. Captain R. Watkins, a veteran of a recent mil- steep bank, the fleeing itary excursion into Nicaragua where he had lost a leg, was tied to soldiers on horseback stalled and Indian wara saddle so he could once again ride into battle. riors killed eight men. The trail then ran out On May 12, 1860, this rag tag military outfit advanced into the into open desert coundesert toward Pyramid Lake. They met no resistance until they drew within two miles of the southern end of the large lake. At that try, straight and level. The fastest horses led point, a band of 150 Paiute warriors suddenly appeared on an the retreat. The saddleelevated plain, just out of gunshot range. Most of the white men less Indian ponies ran were armed with revolvers and shotguns, poor weapons for dislike the wind, enabling tance and accuracy. One volunteer who possessed a telescopic the pursuing Paiutes to rifle was ordered to fire. The Paiutes answered back with a barrage of whistling bullets. Major Ormsby told the men to tighten the take down the fleeing girths of their saddles; they were going to war. Moments later, the soldiers one by one. The Indians chased major gave the order to charge. the volunteers for twenty miles, killing as Thirty men dashed up an easy grade onto the plateau, but the Indians had vanished. The vast landscape of sand and sagebrush many as they could. Of the 105 white men seemed empty. Just then more mounted warriors were sighted, who went into battle at once again out of revolver or shotgun range. Slowly the soldiers Continued on page 6 noticed that there were more braves positioned to the east and

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Continued from page 4 Pyramid Lake, 76 died and several were wounded. The Paiutes later claimed that, “had the battle opened two hours earlier in the day there would not have been one white survivor.” They were probably right. It was only by the cover of darkness that any of the volunteers escaped. For three days no news reached the communities of western Nevada regarding the fate of the reckless men who had rushed out to do battle with the Paiute Nation. Finally, on May 13, an exhausted rider tore into town. The man had ridden all night, nearly 100 miles. He was covered with alkali dust and bore bad news. The Indians had slain Major Ormsby and nearly wiped out the command. The Paiutes had trapped the soldiers like rats and killed nearly three-fourths of them. The shocked citizens figured the man was hysterical. News of the massacre spread like wildfire and Californians organized at once. Citizens in Sacramento and Placerville contributed money to raise militias. In Downieville, they recruited, armed and equipped 165 men in just 36 hours. This volunteer regiment, known as the Sierra Battalion, marched from Downieville over snow-covered Donner Pass to Virginia City in just five days. Miners from La Porte and farmers from Placerville also crossed the icy mountain range to join the expanding army. San Francisco sent money and arms and California’s Governor John Downey issued 500 muskets with plenty of ammunition for Nevada’s defense. The Ruins of Fort Churchill

On May 31, I860, more than 1,000 well armed troops and volunteers marched back towards Pyramid Lake seeking revenge. The soldiers slowly made their way along the Truckee River, cautious of attack. On June 2, two feet of snow fell on the Sierra and the weather in the desert was cold and blustery. That afternoon, 300 Paiute warriors on horseback and 300-armed braves on foot attacked the regiments. Major William Ormsby, Instead of one large battle, there were died on May 12, 1860 many separate skirmishes as the out gunned Indians slowly retreated toward their villages at Pyramid Lake. There were numerous casualties on both sides. Forty-eight hours later, the American troops closed in on the Paiute settlement near the lake, but the village was deserted. The Indians had fled into the Black Rock Desert. At that point the whites declared victory and withdrew. The Paiutes were a bold and fearless tribe when protecting their ancestral homeland, but their warriors could not compete with the overwhelming firepower brought to bear by the determined soldiers. An uneasy peace was secured; Fort Churchill was built on the Carson River, and Indian reservations were established at Pyramid and Walker Lakes. The white man was here to stay, and the Paiutes’ way of life would never be the same.

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Bald Eagle Count Soars in Lake Tahoe Tahoe Institute for Natural Science sees record tally in 2021

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — It’s a banner year for Bald Eagles in Lake Tahoe. The Tahoe Institute of Natural Science (TINS) reports that a record number of 42 Bald Eagles were spotted during its annual survey. The previous high was 27 set in 2017. Approximately 200 volunteers also turned out for the event, double last year’s number, which is part of why TINS believes this was the most accurate count to date. TINS took over local coordination of the national tracking effort nine years ago. “Based on reports of sightings from recent weeks we expected to see quite a few eagles during the count, but this total was surprising” said TINS outreach director, Sarah Hockensmith. “As always our tally is based on careful examination of the timing of movements of individual birds from one station to the next, and we believe we have a conservative and accurate tally for the day.” Interestingly, many of the eagles were concentrated around parts of the lake that usually see few during the count, namely the middle parts of both the East and West Shores. Whereas spotters found relatively few in the marshes around South Lake, where there are usually numerous eagles.

Bald Eagles per year, with zero eagles seen on the 1980 count. Thanks to protections, eagle numbers at Tahoe started to rise, peaking at 27 in 2017. In recent years, counts have averaged in the low 20s. “In a lot of ways, this count monitors the success of the protections that we have put in place for these eagles,” said TINS Co-Founder and Executive Director, Will Richardson, “and it is a lot of fun.” About the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science: Founded in 2010, the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) is a member-supported nonprofit organization providing worldclass education and research. TINS provides programs for all ages, from presentations to citizen science projects to guided nature outings. Scholarships and a diversity of free programming aim to make these activities as inclusive as possible. The organization conducts ongoing biological research in the Tahoe-Sierra region, contributing important data to help improve management decisions regarding wildlife. TINS is working to bring a worldclass interpretive nature center and educational facility to the Tahoe area, with the ultimate goal of creating a community that cares for the natural world by fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural resources at Lake Tahoe and beyond.

Here’s a breakdown of the eagle counts from the past few years: • 2021: 42 Bald Eagles spotted: 30 adults and 12 immatures. • 2020: 24 Bald Eagles spotted: 17 adults and 7 immatures. • 2019: 19 Bald Eagles spotted: 13 adults and 6 immatures. • 2018: 22 Bald Eagles spotted: 16 adults and 6 immatures. • 2017: 27 Bald Eagles spotted: 23 adults, 2 immatures, and 2 of unknown age. The national symbol of America became a protected species in 1940, but populations continued to decline dramatically with the introduction of the insecticide DDT. Tahoe’s count began in 1979, and for the first few years there may have been only two or three Photo by Jeff Bleam

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4 Tips for Creating a Healthier Home People are spending more time at home, where their living spaces have become classrooms, gyms, offices, restaurants and more. The additional time at home provides a unique opportunity to make changes to create healthier living environments. In fact, a majority of Americans (54%) report being more concerned about having a healthy home since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent online survey of 2,000 adults conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Carrier Global Corporation, a leading global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. If you’re looking to improve your living space, consider these tips for making your home the healthiest it can be: Create an ideal sleep environment. Most people sleep most comfortably when the air is slightly cool, so target a room temperature between 65-70 F. If this is cooler than you keep the home during the day, consider using a programmable thermostat that automatically lowers the temperature at bedtime. Also, remove distractions that may keep you awake and, if necessary, use a white noise device for uninterrupted sleep. Improve indoor air quality. Maintaining heating and air conditioning filters is a concern many homeowners reported. According to the survey, 49% of respondents are concerned about reducing dust, pollen and other indoor pollutants as part of their filter maintenance. In addition to changing air filters on a frequent basis, air purifiers and humidifiers can help make the air inside homes fresher,

cleaner and more comfortable. For example, third-party testing has shown the Carrier Infinity Whole Home Air Purifier inactivates 99% of select viruses and bacteria trapped on the filter, such as those that cause common colds, streptococcus pyogenes and human influenza. The purifier was also tested by a third party against the murine coronavirus, which is similar to the human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19. In that testing, the purifier inactivated 99% of coronavirus trapped on the filter. Update fire protection. Since the pandemic began, people are also more concerned about fire safety precautions in their homes, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Smoke alarms should be installed on each level of your house and inside each bedroom. Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed. In addition, install a fire extinguisher on each level and consider one for the kitchen, as well. Make sure to check extinguishers routinely and replace every 10-12 years. Install carbon monoxide alarms. Another cause for concern amid COVID-19 is the potential for dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) in homes. CO alarms should be installed on each level of the home and outside sleeping areas, and it’s important to test them monthly. Consider installing alarms with a 10-year battery, such as the Kidde Wire-Free Interconnect 10-Year Battery Combination Smoke & CO Alarm for less hassle. It offers wire-free interconnect capability, a voice warning feature that accompanies the loud alarm tone and verbal announcements such as “replace alarm” at the end of the alarm’s life. To learn more about creating a safer, healthier home, visit carrier.com/ healthyhomes. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

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Trending Vacation Habits in 2021

where bald eagles, peregrine falcons and other storied high-flyers are abundant. Cozy is King The search for coziness and comfort is nothing new for travelers, and the pandemic has only heightened the need for a place to relax and unwind. Many travelers looking for an escape are opting for cabins and chalets, which provide inviting spaces to make family memories while also recharging the proverbial batteries. Typically nestled near mountainsides, forests and lakes, cabins and chalets offer open spaces so families can leave behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life while being surrounded by natural beauty, which has led to an increase in demand for Vrbo cabins by nearly 25% and chalets by almost 20% year-over-year.

For many travelers itching to go on vacation, 2021 offers plenty of opportunities to get out and go. Whether it’s heading to an outdoor escape or simply cozying up with loved ones while enjoying beautiful surroundings, vacation is on the minds of many. To identify which trends will shape travel in the coming months, the 2021 Vrbo Trend Report includes data from its global vacation rental marketplace along with survey data from family travelers around the world. When planning your next vacation, keep these trends in mind: Finding Fresh Air Heading to the great outdoors for adventure has long been a popular form of travel, and that desire will likely reach new heights in 2021. After a year of isolation and uncertainty, many families are seeking the serenity and escape of the wilderness. According to the survey, four of the top five emerging destinations for 2021 are near lakes, rivers or streams where families can camp, hike and fish. At the top of the list, Emory, Texas is a mere 1-hour drive from Dallas where Lake Fork offers a top fishing spot for catching largemouth bass, and the area is also home to the A.C. McMillan African American Museum. Also making the list are the Red River Gorge in Slade, Kentucky, which is near Mammoth Cave National Park, and Abermarle Sound, the gateway to North Carolina’s legendary Outer Banks

Going All Out After a year of canceled trips, families may have found a new appreciation for travel and have a sense of urgency to finally take that dream vacation. When travel eventually returns to preCOVID-19 levels, many are thinking big - 65% of respondents plan to travel more than they did prior to the pandemic, 33% are willing to spend more money than they traditionally would and 54% said they’re more likely to book that bucket list vacation. Among those willing to increase their vacation budgets, 46% plan to travel farther away, 55% said they’ll stay longer and 48% have nicer accommodations in mind. A Vacation Do-Over It’s common for families to miss their loved ones and seek to make up for lost time. In fact, according to the survey, families who were forced to cancel a 2020 vacation are ready for a redo. Rather than scrapping their trips entirely: • • •

44% of travelers who had a trip canceled due to COVID-19 plan on rescheduling the same vacation. 54% of respondents who want a redo said they were looking forward to going to that destination. 31% of travelers said the main reason they want to go on their next trip is to spend quality time with family.

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It’s your lucky day because you don’t have to search for the pot of gold under the rainbow for this winning recipe. Throw out the old Irish classics and sweeten things up this year with some mint chocolate chip fun. If you’re in a crunch for St. Patrick’s Day and need something glowing with green, here is a dessert that is sure to have everyone coming back for seconds (and more). These Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are as green as four-leaf clovers and have delicious chocolate chips mixed throughout for some extra sweet flavor. Served beside a big glass of milk, they are perfect treats for any St. Patrick’s Day party or virtual gathering. To start the recipe, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, add butter, sugar, eggs, green food coloring and peppermint extract for that crisp mint flavor. Beat with a hand mixture and combine the ingredients in both bowls together. Add chocolate chips to the mixed cookie batter. Scoop onto a baking sheet and bake at 375 F for 11-24 minutes until the edges of the cookies are light brown. Cool on a wire rack before devouring. With so much mixing and scooping to be done, this is a great recipe for kids to get involved in the kitchen, too. One of the best parts is the eye-catching color. Watch children’s smiling little faces as the batter turns from light brown to dark green for a priceless reaction. After being perfectly baked, these cookies are bright, fun and will be the hit of any celebration. Soft in the middle, a little crisp on the edges and as green as can be. You can’t ask for much more on St. Patrick’s Day. Find more recipes, celebration ideas and dessert favorites for every occasion at Culinary.net.

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Servings: 24-32

2 1/2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup butter, softened 1 1/4 cups sugar 2 eggs 30 drops green food coloring 1 teaspoon peppermint extract 1 package (12 ounces) chocolate chips Heat oven to 375 F. In large bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt until blended. Set aside. In medium bowl, beat butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs, food coloring and peppermint extract; beat until combined. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; beat until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto baking sheet. Bake 11-14 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.

February 2021

Lucky Shamrock Cookies