We make some California mistakes to further your education

17 - 19 November 2014   Red Bluff CA to Palm Desert CA

The next picture is actually from a little north of Red Bluff but it has to be shared since this is laid back California.

That sign says "Central Weed" Looked pretty mellow.

Our trip southbound from Red Bluff on I-5 was uneventful and would probably have stayed that way if we hadn’t turned off I-5 at Sacramento. Thinking that we could take Highway 99 from Sacramento to Bakersfield to have a more intimate and relaxed experience was naïve. This is a rough crowded highway filled with semi’s and impatient locals. Flat land for the most part. High points were cultivated sections and polite truck drivers (way more of the former).  I-5 is surely a better choice.

Sacramento River south of Red Bluff

Now we get to see some wide open country.

Fields being prepared. Pre-graded by Mother Nature.

 

The Mojave Desert. Not just a sandy plain. Got rocks too.

Climbing again. No choice.

Still climbing. Crap - more down ahead for sure.

In the previous entry I mentioned heaving a sigh of relief after exiting the Siskiyou Pass out of Oregon. Not quite the end of the more passionate driving. I-15 through the Cajon Pass is under construction as they redo the surface and the temporary lane realignment forces larger vehicles like ours to place one of its front wheels where the slabs meet. You can sort of see it in this picture:

Seemed a lot steeper from my side.

Since the Cajon Summit is at 4190’ and we were heading down to San Bernardino at 1053’ this is a steep downhill ride. Because of the construction, speed was limited to 45 mph. Gravity was sucking really hard on our 26,000 pound convoy so Jake the Brake got another good workout. So did Glenn. Norene was pretty quiet.

So here’s a summary of your learning today:

1. It’s not over until you see a sign with an elevation under 500’
2. Picturesque 4 lane connecting highways are mythical.
3. Minor highways over deserts with many washes will follow the contour of the land.
4. And they will be rough.
5. Don’t follow me – it will probably be more learning you should read about, not experience.

Only a few miles to Desert Hot Springs. Yippee!