Needles, CA to Bakersfield, CA 261 miles

 We're reaching the end of our 2020 summer excursion. It's bittersweet to be sure, but with the constant worry about COVID it just hasn't been as much fun traveling this year as in years past. As you've seen, many people have no interest in social distancing or mask wearing, so we've been constantly concerned. At our age and health level, getting the virus is absolutely the last thing we need!

Interstate 40 rises out of the Colorado River Valley leaving Needles behind. The first thing a driver encounters going west is a long grade that tops out after some 11 miles. By the time you've reached the top, in 95 degree heat, your vehicle will be running just a little bit warmer than normal!

I-40 ends in Barstow, CA, where we joined CA 58 as it begins its journey west. Near the top of Tehatchapi Grade, 4042 feet, the constant wind makes for some great wind energy production!

So, after a reasonable 5 1/2 hour drive, we pulled off the highway and checked into Orange Grove RV Park. We've stayed here a number of times over the years because it always seems convenient. The park is tucked into an old grove of orange trees, a lot of which are grown around here, and guests are encouraged to pick the fruit in Dec/Jan as it ripens.

This morning, Monday the 10th, we decided to explore the area. Just around the corner, literally within walking distance from the park, is the California Fruit Depot. This facility is one of many "packing houses" where oranges are cleaned, graded, and packed for retail sales. Their selection was limited due to (again) the virus, but we did manage to spend a couple of bucks on some tasty items for the road.

Just a little farther south, we wanted to visit the town of Weedpatch. This little town is in the middle of the Great Central Valley agricultural area of central California. Surrounded by fields and orchards, it was a destination for the "Okies" back in the '30's that were escaping the Dust Bowl. Back then, most of society was agrarian based, so the migrants were familiar with farming and hard work. Weedpatch had a migrant camp set up to be used until suitable permanent housing could be established, and still offers temporary housing to workers who follow the crops. We hoped to visit the site of the old camp, but it is fenced and isolated. John Steinbeck had a chapter or two about the Joad family in this area in his famous Grapes of Wrath.

We did take a photo of the largest building in town, the grocery store.

The Central Valley seems to stretch for miles. You can just barely make out the Coastal Range of mountains near the ocean as you look to the west.

Donna's family had a connection to this area from back in the day, and so we visited the town that a cousin or two lived in 90 years ago. 

As you can see, the largest west coast energy supplier, Pacific Gas and Electric, has a huge distribution campus just outside of town. Must be millions of volts or amps or whatever flowing through those wires!

The Mom of one of our son's playmates (a long time ago) grew up in Buttonwillow. Her family owned a grocery store and she spent many hours there. We only knew her for a short time, but decided to visit the store anyway. It wasn't hard to find in a town of 1,500!

If you didn't pay on your account at the store, the sheriff would visit. You might end up spending a bit of time here....

Back in Bakersfield, we found 21st Street in old town and one of the most famous five and dime stores of the 20th century.

This Woolworths Building, now converted to an antique mall, has the only remaining operating Woolworths Luncheonette in the world!

And they may still give Green Stamps!

Across the street is another reminder of a more simple time.

Just a block or so east on 21st, at the intersection of Q, we stopped for lunch at Nuestro Mexico. With a rating of 4.5 stars and over 1,000 reviews, how could we go wrong?

We didn't! This little restaurant is family owned and the chef is a lady who was a chef at a hotel restaurant in Mexico City. She and her family now operate Nuestro Mexico, serving dishes as she learned in Mexico. It was near 100 degrees as we sat in the socially distanced patio, so they had misters and fans placed strategically around the perimeter. What a great treat on a hot day!

We began a conversation with son Chris, and he guided us through the menu, as many of the names and descriptions didn't register with us. Now, understand, coming from Southern California and it's large Hispanic population, and loving Mexican food, we have probably eaten a thousand meals in any number of Mexican restaurants. This one is Top Five, without a doubt!

We started with an order of Pambazos. A pambazo is a dish made from pambazo bread, filled with potatoes and chorizo, dipped and fried in a red guajillo pepper sauce. The dish has been prepared this way specifically for years, using a special recipe for the bread. It was delicious, in spite of the apprehension that Donna felt!

The boys in the family make all the tables and chairs, and while we were enjoying the Pambazos, we checked out the craftsmanship. Very nice! Then our entrees arrived.

Donna ordered Mole Chicken Enchiladas and pronounced them outstanding! Notice that the utensils came prepackaged, which made it a bit difficult to cut the enchiladas, but the safety was understandable.

Which made the presentation of my Chili Encuarado unique. I had a real spoon!

This dish is a poblano chili stuffed with cheese and served over a creamy white sauce, with white rice along side. Beans, tortillas, and shrimp made this one of the most scrumptious Mexican dishes I have ever eaten! Overall, a soft taste because of the cheese and sauce, but with a slight hint of chili as an aftertaste. Perfect! Tell Mama it's a winner!

We've just about run out of time in Bakersfield this visit, so off we go tomorrow toward home. Stay tuned for the trip wrap-up!