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2000 Miles - A California Round Trip (a CA 94112 SPECIAL)

Escape to the desert - East Mojave and Death Valley (Part I)

"The Budget Inn Motel of Victoreville, California"

"The Budget Inn Motel of Victoreville, CA."

Wednesday, September 6th 2006: The Budget Inn Motel's bed room was quit comfortable enough to have a good night sleep. Only one fact that did bother me a bit: the A/C But this happened to me in almost every hotel room so far. It's not the noise but the draft caused by fan of the A/C. For my taste a little bit too chilly - even on the lowest power level. Anyway, I've got new energized for for today - and I'll need that energy for sure. The reasons for my little concerns are that I wanna get to a place which probably won't let me feel comfortable, relaxed, like being on vacation. That place seems to be as hot as hell. More facts following. I got back my 25 bucks (the room deposit) I had spent the night before and gonna leave Victoreville right now. The Interstate 15 north bound to Barstow is the first choice getting on. During my ride I'll see nothing but endless roads heading no nowhere. Keeping this fact of poor landscapes with low populations in mind the little villages in this region are looking kind of surreal. I've seen a copy of such a village and it looks that only the road feeds them and keeps them alive - how bizarre. Sometimes the tracks of the Union Pacific Train Company are running right next to the Interstate and sometimes you can spot extremely long trains sneaking along the track . That long that you cannot see its beginning or end, just awesome. The pictures up below this paragraph will tell you the other facts and stories of this day.

"Wednesday, 4th day: Mojave Desert and Death Valley

The first part of the route starts in Victorville on Interstate 15 North, followed by making a turn to Interstate 40 West after approaching Barstow. During ride on I40 some abandoned trailers passing by the window. One nice side effect and coincidence: while I just want to have a look at an old and shady trailer: one of the most famous roads worldwide: Route 66. Though this road has already had its most glorious days there's still a great atmoshere around and it's truly my pleasure being here at this place. Anyway, about one hour later I reached the Kelbaker Rd - it's my time to get of the Interstate starting into next adventure: East Mojave Desert.

The entrance to Mojave Desert doesn't look that it welcomes you. No help (means gas stations, grocery stores,...) beyond this point makes it not even easier. The next 60 miles are miles you will be responsible for yourself. That very blue sky with many of this huge white clouds will pay you off for all strains. They're looking that voluminous and painted-like into sky. You can feel the silence. Only humming of a lonesome radio station breaks thru it. The little "Hacienda" right next to the railway looks kinda bizarre. Though a beautiful building and place to live for some people.

To get to Death Valley Interstate 15 is the first choice. The Kelbaker Rd. goes right thru the Mojave Desert and connects the I40 south of the desert with the I15 north of Mojave. On this intersection a little community has settled down serving all of the "commuters" needs, for instances gas, food, amenities. At he local Burger King restaurant I ate one of those super-saver meal that fills you up for next hours. I'd never expect that every item is cheaper than at others and more popolous locations. Before I'm leaving this place topping of some gallons of gas is mandatory - because nobody wants to get stuck in desert due running out of gas. Don't forget: it's one of the most unfriendly areas the world has ever seen. Needles to mention that I already bought some gallons of water upfront...you never know!.

The last big part of today's trip is reaching Death Valley before sunset. I choose Highway 127 to get there. It looks like a recently prepared road. Like a black snake the asphalt winds itself thru this beautiful landscape. The weather is still dry but much different than all the other places I've ever seen before. From one minute to the other it looks like that a thunderstorm is coming up bringing some showers with them. But it still keeps dry and hot and the situation won't change next days. Finally one of the attractions of the Valley comes closer and closer: Zabriskie Point with its typical mosaic-like shapes. And when you turn around you'll think being on Mars at the same time. It's just an awesome place and it's still hot - even after 7.30pm. One event I'll never forget is that special climate of this location. First of all: it's hot - still over 115F in the evening. And it's that dry that your body looses up to 1,5 gallons each hour and more. And last but not least: it can get windy. Or should I say: stormy. It's like when you open a pre-heatet oven and the hot and dry air blows into your face. My eyes are getting slightly red and I'd like to get on the car immediately. But every minute situation can change rapidly and you won't feel little breeze anymore. Honestly it's one of the weirdest places I've ever been.

And on next day: Death Valley and the Sierra Nevada (Part II, click here)