Start time: 0800
Start odometer: 27752
Weather: Mostly sunny all day, temperature 49 degrees F.
I was greeted by a beautiful sunrise this morning, after a very windy night. A storm was passing through southern California, and though it did not rain, the wind was gusting very strong! I was glad not to be in the road. I spent some of the day driving areas I visited in February, but still saw many things new. I made several stops at places along the road, so I did not get too far. But I am in range of San Diego, my destination for tomorrow.
Highlights:
Another stunning sunrise this morning, and driving west on Ca 178, the aroma of sage was very strong, but nice!
Hiked to Fossil Falls, and area where a river of lava flowed, and was then eroded by the now dry Owens River. The forty foot drop later leads to a drop 200 feet below the top level.
Took the long way to Lone Pine, around Owens Lake, to visit the town once more before leaving. After stopping at a store and the post office, I returned to Route 395, turned south, and bid farewell to the Owens Valley.
Towards the southern end of Route 395, I stopped at the PPJ Museum. Basically, the owner of the land has been collecting items (junk?) and now has all of it on display. See the pictures below!
Continuing south, I noticed a very large array of silver "dish" type objects. This was the location of a solar energy plant. The KJC Solar Company has a great web sight, so please click on the link. As for size, the array field is said to be 1000 square acres in size!
As I drove further south, I noticed many commercial aircraft parked at a former Air Force base. I stopped at the site to get some pictures, and met one of the security guards, named Rivets. She mentioned that since September, they have had several hundred planes come in for storage. It was a rather sad sight to see all of the equipment sitting there. During my visit, I watched a United 727 come in for a landing, possibly its last for a long time, if not forever. There is a company on site that salvages unwanted airplanes. And there are MANY planes there!
Click on picture for larger image, hit back button to return to this page.
Parked at the motel, this vehicle advertises a unique business! |
Beyond the power lines, the scene is magnificent! |
A cinder cone to the north of Fossil Falls. |
A large lava rock along the Fossil Falls trail. It stood about twenty feet tall. |
Looking at the falls. |
Another view of the falls, with interesting erosion. |
Looking downstream. |
The trail was scattered with lava rock. |
At a rest area along Route 395, I saw this interesting sign! Was a "G" in there? |
For my friend, Zen! Never just one! |
Owens Lake with the Sierra Range behind. |
Looking to the left of center, you can see switchbacks of the road leading to Horseshoe Meadows. I was able to drive up last year and witness some incredible views. |
Surrounded by clouds, snow covered Mount Whitney lies behind the Alabama Range. |
Main Street, Lone Pine, California. |
The Lone Pine Airport "terminal." |
The airport ramp. |
This picture is shot to the east. The mountains behind Owens Lake reflect off the small amount of water remaining in the lake. |
Some very pretty colors were present along the dry lake bed. |
What do you see in these clouds? |
This vehicle had a matching bus, but it was not for sale. Anyone with an extra $1400? |
I did not see very many hubcaps! |
The south face of the PPJ Museum. The following pictures are from the museum. |
The electrical display! |
Guest room! |
An interesting "building!" |
A bench with a table! |
There is a toy plane perched above the bridge. |
The front of the "museum!" |
The yellow ball is a hanging lamp! |
Solar Electric Operating Systems, operated by KJC Operating Company. |
|
|
|
A view of the solar farm, one thousand square acres! |
Many Joshua trees, AKA Yucca brevifolia, bordered Route 395. |
I saw these appropriate signs at the aircraft storage base. |
Newly arrived United Boeing 727s. |
A row of L-1011s. |
The green 737 to the left is a new aircraft that had not received its final paint scheme. |
All types of aircraft were parked on the field. |
Delta L-1011s with an interesting 747 to the right. |
Tuesday I will drive into San Diego to meet a former colleague from IBM. But before our lunch, I plan to visit the southwestern most point of the country! There is also a aerospace museum, which I might visit. Thank you for looking at the page!
Routes traveled today: Ca 178 - US 395 - Ca 190 - Ca 136 - US 385 - US 15 - US 215 - US 5
This page accessed times.
Page created by: igorn@igorn.com
Copyright © 2001 Igor N. Nikishin
All Rights Reserved
Pictures may be used with permission.