TB or not TB...

So, I meant to finish posting about my trip during the second 5 days I had off but I still haven't read the book I bought on procrastination about 5 years ago so...

When we left off, I had gone to bed in the Barstow Motel 6 for a second night, looking forward to day 3 of the trip. Well, as I looked down on my car from the second floor at 8 the next morning, I saw a piece of paper on my windshield, turned face down. I could see the word "low" written; I knew I had a flat tire before my eyes even made it to the ground. My adventures in the Mojave had taken their toll on my left front tire. Now, usually, I would get upset and worry about how the day was ruined and I would never be able to fit in all the landmarks I wanted to see and I would never make it to Bakersfield. instead, I calmly called Triple A and within an hour, I had my spare put on and was in and out of the used tire shop down the street with a $40 dollar used tire. As seemed to be the theme of the trip, I was helped by a very nice and efficient tow truck guy who, in a kind way, strongly suggested I not try to drive to Bakersfield on my spare donut tire. The guys at the tire shop weren't overly friendly but they were efficient and before I knew it, I was on my way west on the 58.

My first stop was in Boron, home of the Open Pit Borax Mine. The world's largest deposit was found at this site and it made the 20 Mule Teams no longer necessary. Thank god for the mules- they would haul borax from Death Valley to Mojave, a 165 mile one-way trip. The pit is a half mile across and 40 stories deep! I visited the little visitor center and watched a cool video on the history of the area and of course, bought a few souvenirs, including a pack of gum whose price sticker read 1.79 cents. Hmmmm.

After my visit, I continued west to California City, a place in the middle of nowhere (read: Barstow and Bakersfield). I read about this place in a book and have wanted to visit for several years. There is nothing particularly special about California City except that is is the third largest city in geographic area in the state. It was also supposed to be a lot more populated when it was begun in 1958. The growth never occurred and there are still paved streets with no houses on the outskirts of town. There is also a desert tortoise protection area on the outskirts of town, which I decided to visit. Unfortunately, I did not spy any tortoises but was shown around by the naturalist/guide, a small man with chapped lips, a leathered face, and gingivitis. I can't remember his name but he was nice and showed me some of the burrows that the torti stay in during the winter. I promised him that I would come back when there was more of a chance to see some of these cool desert dwellers.

On to Mojave, I had lunch at Denny's and found a landmark (#652 Mojave 20-Mule Team Borax Terminus, plaque in front of said Denny's) plus got to spy from afar the Airplane Graveyard. Jamie and Adam from Mythbusters have been here a few times. There are no tours and I read in multiple places that trespassing can get you shot, so I took pix through the fence. Kinda creepy seeing all these giant airplanes that are no longer in use. I would love to go there at night! I continued on Highway 14 south into Rosamond, near Edwards Air Force base. Here I was looking for CHLs 130, Willow Springs and CHL 97, Oak Creek Pass. Willow Springs was hard to find at first due to signage issues but was a neat little place to see once I found it. Oak Creek Pass proved unfindable, as far as a marker. I did, however, drive through it. There was still snow on the sides of the road and multitudes of windmills, the modern kind. Before the railroad was built, this mountain pass was the only thoroughfare from parts north and south.

My next stop was in Tehachapi. I hadn't really thought about the fact that I was climbing in elevation and was pleasantly surprised to see so much snow in the hills and on the buildings! I was unable to find the plaque for CHL 643, Old Town Tehachapi, unfortunately, so I continued towards B'Field. I made a stop in Keene and got to watch a train go through and around the Tehachapi Loop, CHL #508. What a cool sight, especially with the green trees and cows in the foreground. It really is beautiful in this part of California. I also drove into the National Chavez Center, looking for an abandoned TB ward that is mentioned in my Weird California book. Unfortunately, I was unable to find it as I was unsure if I was allowed to wander around the property. This was one of the main things I wanted to see on the trip. Next time!

The day ended at a Motel 6, natch, with Denny's for dinner. The next 2 days would prove to be fruitful and long!