California Highway 395 -- Day 1, Los Angeles to Lone Pine
May 17, 2021 (Monday)
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The pandemic has been with us for more than a year. Now that we have been fully vaccinated, and the guidelines from CDC seems to be loosening up, it's time for us to hit the road again in a safer manner. We will be going on a road trip along California Highway 395, which is one of the longest highways in California going north and south through the state. We have traveled on parts of this highway a few times but never spent time exploring the sights along the route. Son really wanted to see the Eastern Sierra and this seems to be a good season to travel on this part of the state. It would be too hot in the summer and snowy weather in the winter may be problematic for us traveling in a RV. There are plenty of amazing places to visit all along but we will only have five days to cover whatever we can on this spring trip.
We left the house at around 10:30 in the morning and went on 210 east. Then I-15 north, climbing up Cajon Pass to Hesperia where we picked up Hwy 395. Weather was decent starting with temperature around 56 degrees in L.A. and then in the 70s as we drove on 395. Almost 20 degrees difference between the two areas.
MOR has good control of the RV.
Hwy 395
Part of California Highway 395 has been called the "Most Dangerous Highway in California". It's because the section near Ridgecrest is basically a single-lane highway with much traffic, especially trucks that go up and down the state. Drivers who do not have the patience to follow the flow of traffic tend to take the chances of passing other cars when they think that's an O.K. thing to do. Unfortunately, their judgement could be miscalculated, and fatal accidents took place over and over again. There are not many passing lanes available in this stretch of the "safety corridor". Just a word of warning: slow down and be careful!
Giant Lady of Pearsonville
After a short stop by the roadside at a vacant lot near Red Mountain and had a quick lunch break, we reached the small town of Pearsonville where we filled up the tank at the Shell station. Down the road of the station is where the Giant Woman of Pearsonville stood. Pearsonville, population 18, was once the Hubcap Capital of the World. This statue of the woman is also called the "Uniroyal Gal" or "Hubcap Lady". For some reasons, these quirky roadside attractions appeal to me in a strange way.
I think a fresh coat of paint will make her more attractive!
Right besides the highway.
Fossil Falls
It seems that travelers driving through 395 tend to make a stop here and from what I've read, they all raved about the sights here. My concern was the unpaved drive into the park and the hike to the falls which both turned out to be just fine. We just had to drive ever so slowly for the mile of unpaved but maintained road to the parking lot and then hiked the 1/4 mile from the parking lot to the falls. It was quite worth it, in my opinion. At least I can say, "we did it!"
Parking lot at Fossil Falls.
Then we hiked on the trail that was not marked clearly to the actual falls.
Here we are at the falls.
It would be much prettier if we could get down to the bottom, but we did not dare to try.
Beautiful enough just looking at the rocks with the cinder hills in the background.
Yes, it was worth the hike.
Gus's Fresh Jerky
This is another stop that people raved about...the best jerky you can find...the freshest jerky...must have some... So, we must get some jerky here at this run-down place near Olancha. A clerk was outside but as soon as he saw we were coming, he went back inside to take care of business. He gave us some jerky pieces to sample and, yes, they were good! I was shocked at the price posted though but managed to purchase a couple of bags to take with us. I have to say that for the price, we do not need to come back for more. Not even sure if the jerky was made locally, so there's no sense of getting them here.
Gus's Fresh Jerky
This 3 oz bag of Cowboy jerky was $15. There's all the pieces there.
The teriyaki flavor was very good, but for $15?
Sponge Bob's House, Cartago
Well, I don't think this yellow house has anything to do with Sponge Bob, but it's a fun stop just the same. This is a motel by the roadside with this round, yellow house. I have seen pictures of a "For Sale" sign here, but it's not there any more. So, I guess someone probably bought the property recently.
Sponge Bob's House. See the big ant sculpture on the roof of the other building?
Cute!
Boulder Creek RV Resort, Lone Pine
Finally, we arrived at our destination for the night at the Boulder Creek RV Resort at the outskirt of Lone Pine. The reason we picked this campground was that we will be exploring Alabama Hills the next day, and this campground will make is easy for us to get there in the morning. The reviews that I have read were quite positive so I was really looking forward to our stay here.
Checking in was easy with the courteous clerk inside the office since we have already paid in full. We were assigned to site #20 which was a perfect site for us. We noticed that many of the sites were exposed to the bright sunlight but ours had plenty of shades all around. It's an end spot right near the office so our Wifi signal was strong enough for all three of us. We were happy!
This is a huge campground that's been well taken care of. Our video on YouTube should be able to give a better image of the place.
Our site #20
Settled in comfortably
Dinner
A walk around the campground after dinner.
A few cabins were available for rent also.
At the back of the campground. Death Valley would be on the other side of the mountains.
What a majestic view of Mt. Whitney!
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." -- 2 Peter 3:9
