Guest book inscriptions abound in Alpine

Over the past weekend thousands of visitors descended, or even more likely, ascended, upon Alpine County to view the spectacular autumn colors. Many of them recorded their brief visitation by signing guest books at the fourth annual Markleeville Artists Autumn Open Studios.

I encouraged gallery-gazers and leaf-peepers to record their impressions of "Autumn in Alpine" in my "open studios" guest book.

Michele Hedebeck, from Reno, writes, "Stunningly beautiful, bursting with colors of yellows and red." Sharon Marie Wilcox of Reno appreciates "the quiet and beauty," while Dan and Gayle Jacquet of Carson City inscribe, "We love Alpine County in the fall for the cumulus clouds and colorful leaves."

Dorothy Jacobs and Jan Wilson from Gardnerville write, "We love the vistas, the scenery, the quaintness and the 'time-warp' of Markleeville." Orita Keebaugh, also of Gardnerville adds, "I love this place!" Joyce Imus from Lake Tahoe pens, "Camera-Crazy!"

Renoites Jack and Jane Sutton write, "beautiful and peaceful area." South Lake Tahoe resident Teresa Bertrand jots down, "wonderful for all of the senses." Serena Zanussi of Sacramento likes "the aspen tree colors." Gardnerville artist Sherry Lugone thinks that, "This year's colors are the most glorious yet!"

Leafing through my guest book, it occurs to me that other folks have signed other types of guest books in Alpine County in the past.

First of all, ancestors of the present-day Washoe Tribe inscribed impressions of their love for nature in the forms of pictographs (painted rock images) and petroglyphs (incised rock images) found in isolated areas of Alpine County.

Along came the emigrants, struggling to surmount the Sierras through deeply-cut and rocky Woodfords Canyon.

These intrepid pioneers sometimes used axle grease from their wagon wheels to record their names and dates upon cliffs in commemoration of their travails, circa 1850.

Author and guide Frank Tortorich will be leading his last tour this autumn, called, "Walk the Emigrant Trail," on Oct. 23.

Actual trail evidence at will be revealed at Carson Valley, Carson Canyon, Snowshoe Thompson's cave, three river crossings, Hope Valley, Carson Pass and Caples Lake. For further information, phone Sorensen's Resort, (530) 694-2203.

Basque sheepherders were the next folks to sign "guest books-in-the-woods" and leave messages.

Their carvings on aspen trees on high mountain passes signify their need to reflect upon their solitude.

As University of Nevada, Reno Basque historian Jose Mallea-Olaetxe explains, "Trees and leisure time were the raw materials, loneliness supplied the inspiration, and privacy afforded the freedom of expression."

This weekend, naturalist Chuck Campbell will lead a tour of aspen arborglyphs near Luther Pass.

For more information, phone Hope Valley Outdoors, (530) 694-2266.

Last week, in pursuit of the perfect picnic spot, we inadvertently stumbled into the Borda brothers' grove on Monitor Pass.

Some carvings record just names and dates; others are adorned with Picasso-esque images of desired females and/or male self-portraits.

My wish is that everyone shall show respect toward these ancient guest books signed by Indians, emigrants and sheepherders, and never ever deface or destroy them.

n Gina Gigli is a Markleeville resident. Reach her at ginagigli@gbis.com