Snow Bound, Alone, and Surrounded by Wild Varmints – Legends of America

The unforgiving winter of 1863-64 in eastern Nevada tested the mettle of many a prospector, and among them were two men who believed they had struck gold – or rather, yellow quartzite – in a place they affectionately named "Real del Monte." This ribbon of promising rock lay nestled within a deep canyon carved into the Toi-ya-be Range, a formidable mountain chain that forms the eastern boundary of the Reese River Valley.

The canyon itself was a study in contrasts. Its narrow confines were choked in places by a lively creek and a dense thicket of birch and willow trees, rendering sections of it impassable. Ascending from east to west from the range’s summit, which stood at a lofty 10,000 feet above sea level, the canyon presented two distinct faces. The southern wall rose almost vertically, a sheer testament to the forces of nature, while the northern hillside sloped gently, offering a more forgiving terrain.

It was in one of the canyon’s wider points that the two prospectors found a suitable spot to establish their camp. By excavating into the rocky hillside, they created a level area large enough to pitch their tent. A small clearing near the creek, adorned with willows, served as their campfire site. Their mine, a burgeoning shaft driven into the hillside, was a short distance away, beckoning curious eyes and hopeful claims from any prospector who happened to pass through the area.

The winter months had been surprisingly mild, with minimal snowfall. However, March brought an abrupt change in weather, and snow began to fall with increasing intensity. For one of the prospectors, it was a novel experience, one he initially embraced with enthusiasm. But as night descended, the symphony of the wilderness – the barking of coyotes and the yelps of other wild animals – kept him on edge, disrupting his sleep.

The following day, fate dealt him a solitary hand. His partner had to travel to another camp, some 20 miles away, leaving him alone for the first time in this remote location. As evening approached, the snow resumed its relentless descent. Unable to remain outside in the worsening conditions, he smothered the campfire and placed a large, dry pine log upon it, hoping to preserve embers for the morning. He then retreated to the tent, secured the flap, and sought warmth in his bed.

The snow fell heavily, its weight causing the willows along the creek to bend and snap with alarming sounds. Combined with the piercing cries of the coyotes, his nerves were stretched to their limit. He had heard tales of mountain lions and cinnamon bears frequenting the area, and soon his imagination conjured up a menagerie of lurking predators.

Adding to his anxiety, he realized that his partner had taken their only firearm, a revolver, leaving him utterly defenseless. By midnight, the snow had accumulated to a depth of three feet, pressing against the tent walls. The incessant cries of the wild animals seemed to intensify, and the dark canyon transformed into a menacing arena, teeming with bloodthirsty beasts drawing ever closer. Miles away from any other human presence, he felt the full weight of his isolation and vulnerability.

As the cacophony of the wilderness momentarily subsided, he drifted into a light slumber. However, his sleep was abruptly shattered by a noise emanating from the hillside above the tent. The area was covered with loose slabs and flakes of slate, which shifted underfoot like shingles. An animal was moving around, seemingly inspecting the tent.

His heart pounded in his chest as he fully awoke. The smoldering campfire had ignited the pine log, casting his shadow against the tent wall. The animal continued its back-and-forth movement, and he suspected it was preparing to pounce on the fragile tent. Paralyzed by fear, he knew he was defenseless, and escape was impossible in the deep snow. Despite the cold, beads of sweat trickled down his face, and he imagined his hair turning white with fright.

In a moment of clarity, he remembered a covered box containing their cooking utensils, including a large butcher knife. He cautiously slipped out of his blankets and crawled towards the box. As he lifted the lid, the clatter of tin pans and spoons created a deafening racket. He frantically grabbed for the knife and, in his panic, turned towards the expected attack. The animal, startled by the noise, retreated momentarily before returning cautiously.

Seizing the opportunity, he assumed a defensive stance. Silence descended, broken only by the heavy snowfall and the occasional crash of snow-laden willows. Waiting for the inevitable attack, he crawled back under the blankets, clutching the knife tightly.

The animal remained silent. Unable to determine if it had retreated, he endured the agonizing suspense, straining to hear any sound. Finally, exhaustion overcame him, and he succumbed to sleep.

He awoke at daybreak, still gripping the knife. Listening intently, he cautiously unlaced the tent. The snow was four feet deep. Resolved to reach the nearest camp, he donned his boots and coat, grasped the knife, and cautiously ventured around the corner of the tent.

To his astonishment, standing directly above the tent, half-buried in the snow, was a jackass.

This harrowing experience, recounted by William Daugherty in the Reno Evening Gazette in 1891, serves as a testament to the challenges and uncertainties faced by prospectors in the American West. It is a reminder of the power of nature, the isolation of the wilderness, and the often-surprising encounters that awaited those who dared to venture into the unknown. The tale, compiled and edited by Legends of America, offers a glimpse into the past, preserving the stories and experiences of those who shaped the history of the Silver State.

About the Author:

William Daugherty was a writer for the Reno Evening Gazette in 1891. The Gazette was a prominent newspaper that served the Reno area for over a century, chronicling the events and stories of the region.

Note:

The original article has been edited for clarity and readability, with minor corrections made to spelling and grammar.

See Also:

• Pioneers on the Nevada Frontier (Reno Evening Gazette)
• Tales of the Overland Stage (Reno Evening Gazette)
• Nevada Mining Tales (Reno Evening Gazette)
• Nevada – The Silver State