Winter Backpack - 5 (Big Pine Lakes, 1974)

Steam Laundry - Mojave  1974

The route to the Sierras from Los Angeles goes through the desert town of Mojave. So I would have gone through here on my way to my 1974 Big Pines backpack.

There have been a few extra photos taken in Mojave on the blog, by the way.

California / Nevada / Arizona / Utah

Highway 58 On-Ramp - Mojave  2016

Corvette, Highway 15 - Nevada  2016

Mike left Mojave and headed east on highway 58, eventually joining Interstate 15 at Barstow. Then, a very long drive through Nevada with a lunch stop at Mesquite at the eastern edge of the state.

A short stretch through a corner of Arizona before reaching Utah: past St. George and then over to Zion National Park.

Whew! (And, for the record, Mike didn't see any rest stops in Nevada.) Next week: Zion NP.

Mesquite - Nevada  2016

Mojave #2

Highway 14 - Mojave  2016

Mojave Thrift - Mojave  2016

It's interesting . . . since I've gotten back and started to look at these photographs I've come to realize that Google Street View can, in many cases, provide an alternate view.

For example.

Mojave #1

Gold Pans - Mojave  2016

Arts Center - Mojave  2016

Taken during an evening stroll around Mojave.

Welcome to Mojave

Unethical - Mojave  2016

I noticed this sign as I was approaching my motel further down the road. Had to stop and take a photo, of course. Never did find out the backstory.

Mojave Sightems

Broken Promises - Mojave  2012

God Opposses - Mojave  2012

Once Mike reached Barstow he retraced his route for one last overnight stay in Mojave.

He saw a number of these enigmatic signs near the motel.

Early A.M. Mojave

New Promise Land - Mojave  2012

Driving into Sun - Mojave  2012

Mike stayed overnight in Mojave (mentioned before on the blog), then got up early to make his waffle.

He couldn't help but notice, right across the street, what looked to be the headquarters of New Promise Land Incorporated, with a nice full moon illuminating the scene (wind turbines in the background). Then, the drive east through the desert, right into the sun.

BTW: flicker user zanzyb was also attracted to New Promise Land.

The Way of the Geezer: Cheap Mojave Motel

$49.50. We're talking cheap.

You get what you pay for, alas.

Photo: Motel Parking Lot—Mojave, 2010

Northeast from Los Angeles

Taking highway 14 north to highway 395 is the most scenic route out of Los Angeles, taking one to both the desert and the mountains.

After passing through the ever-increasing sprawl of Palmdale-Lancaster you arrive at the railroad town of Mojave, now with wind turbines in the distant hills. From Mojave the route can go either west, over the Tehachapi Mountains to Bakersfield, east to Barstow, or north, through Red Rock Canyon and up towards Owens Valley.

Mike headed north.

Photo: Union Pacific No. 4036 & Wind Farm—Mojave, 2009

. . . from the archives #39: Ducks, Airport—Mojave, 1998

We remember the car problems.

The hours-long delay in Sonora for a new thermostat. The wait for triple-A after getting stuck in mud and sand (more than once!). The overnight stay in the tiny Owens Valley town of Olancha waiting for a part to come by bus up from Los Angeles. (George the mechanic knew the perfect motel. The motel owner recommended the perfect restaurant. George’s wife served perfect ice-cold watermelon under the blazing sun.)

***

As Mike headed north on Highway 14 in his spiffy Celica 5-speed he noticed rain clouds off to the west, unusual for that part of the desert. Of course, as it was meant to happen, he looked for the next offramp so he could take a snap of the clouds. And of course, as it was equally meant to happen, as he pulled off the road his car hit mud and slid sideways.

After a walk back to the freeway's call box and a tow from triple-A Mike regrouped at the local airport, where ducks were enjoying the rare desert rain.

***

The perfect trips have long been forgotten; car problems are what we remember.

Photos: Ducks, Airport—Mojave, 1998; Celica in Mud—Mojave, 1998