West SoCal-Desert Region

[AirstreamGypsy]

Barstow on this one to be exact. But I thought perhaps a desert area thread might be appropriate.

I LOVE Boondocking!

This is the drive-in at Barstow on the old Highway 58. If you are not familiar with the area as you travel west on I-40 take the old Highway 58, yes that is what it is called, travel through the outskirts of town about 5 miles I think.

Time of year here was ??? Spring or Fall

Gentleman came in the morning to, I don't know, clean the asphalt? But he had no problems with my being there.

Sorry about the photo. (Cheap scanner)

[GoldFever]

I grew up in Barstow, went to Kennedy HS and graduated in 1968, spent a few nights at this drive-in, too. The drive-in doesn't look any better than it did then

[crkwolf]

I'm very familiar with that place. Used to take the Old Highway 58 when traveling to Vegas. I don't take that route too often now, but every once in a while for oldtime sakes.

[scottanlily]

Airstrm gypsy,
Another remaining relic of americana ,the lost drive in .Not too many around
anymore ,a link to the past .I like those links ,some good times to remember.

Scott of scottanlily

[Zeppelinium]

Speaking of links to the past, you remind me of an ice cream shop in Cimarron, NMex, that sells malts. Why don't you see malts any more? (we need an "old fart" emoticon to put right here, with a long grey beard and a cupped hand to ear!)

I don't know why I dislike the "new" Highway 58 route--I always take Old Highway 58, where you can find this nifty collection. One day I'm going to actually spend a few minutes and take some better photos of this truck repair place.

[Zeppelinium]

Another "stop along the way" (if you listen to KNPR, that's sure a familiar phrase!) is ZZYZX. It must have been a happenin' place when the railroad took the stars there from LA. The rows of palms, the springs, and the resort buildings evoke a lot more than its current use as a USC research center, if you know something of its history. Sign up for a seminar today! If you look to the north, you can still see traces of the old Mojave Highway across the dry lakebed.





Hey, does anyone have photos of the new Mojave National Preserve visitors' center at Kelso? Or Calico ghost town?

[AirstreamGypsy]

Originally Posted by gnorgan

spent a few nights at this drive-in, too. The drive-in doesn't look any better than it did then

A few nights then or now?!?!

[GoldFever]

"...then or now?"

That would be "then". Don't ever remember watching a movie

[Fyrzowt]

Originally Posted by scottanlily

Airstrm gypsy,
Another remaining relic of americana ,the lost drive in .Not too many around
anymore ,a link to the past .I like those links ,some good times to remember.

Scott of scottanlily

Still one operating in San Luis Obispo, on the south end, next to Hwy 101.

[FreshAir]

There is an operating drive in(s) in Sacramento right next to Highway 50. There are 4 or 5 screens. They must be half of the screens left in the country.
Neil.

[Zeppelinium]

I know there must be a lot more great places no one has taken the time to post photographs of! SoCal is a great area. Where are the photographs of Anza-Borego and Joshua Tree and Death Valley and the beaches and the valley girls? Not to mention Venice Beach...

Here's a view of the Kelso Dunes on a windy day.

[Zeppelinium]

More SoCal cool places--snapshots of Dockweiler RV Park (a state park) just south of the end of the the LAX runways, but surprisingly quiet. Right on the beach, you can bike all the way up to Malibu and down to Palos Verdes. Three rows of hookups, under $30.



and a view up the highway that runs above the beach, towards Malibu in the far distance

[RUSSELL]

Hi all,
Used to live in Barstow Ca. Worked at Goldstone Tracking Site and then was a Mac Tool Dealer for 8 years until I moved to Fresno to give kids better education. Had a great time there. Lots of good memories. At that time had a 14 foot Terry Trailer. Had to start someplace. Lot of good place to camp. Had anyone gone to Lost hills out of Kelso. It used to be great.
Regards to all for good memories.
Russell in sunny Tucson AZ.

[Motoman]

My Replies to Zeppelinium and then Russel. We stopped at the Kelso Depot, now a Visitor's Center for the Mojave Deaert Perserve. It's great to see the building restored , especially having seen it for years as it was. I have tried to attach a picture here but couldn't. Email me and I'll forward a few pictures of the Depot.


Regarding Russel's question about the Lost Hills, I find didn't find the Lost Hills near Kelso. We did stay inn our 22' CCD at Hole in the Wall campground and drove Wild Horse Canyon Road up past the Mid Hills Campground. It had some nice spots but only a few that would have been large enough for our trailer. If I was planning to stay there I would send someone ahead with a good two way radio to scout the spots I could fit in and let me know before I drove the 8 to 10 miles of rough dirt road to the campground.

[RUSSELL]

Hi ,
The hole in the wall is just few miles from what we used to call Lost Hills. It was just a place at top of the hill with Pinion Pine and water available. They had few outhouses then. Maybe by now they change the name and put in better facility.
You are right they sure fixed up Kelso station when we were the it was going to pot. I am happy to hear that they saved it.It is a great picture you send.
Thanks for the memories.
Russsell