Mountain Mesa to Bakersfield (80 km)

Lake Isabella

Today in the morning we realized, that we are still in a dry area, but out of the desert. In front of our motel was Lake Isabella, a unusual view after such a long time in the desert. Although, the lake´s waterlevel is very low, at least 10 meters below its normal level, what shows that also here, the drought is a concern. 

We went on, driving through the Sequoia National Forest, admired the beautiful pine trees with their gigant fir cones (Tannenzapfen). From Mountain Mesa it went 50 km downwards through the river valley and while the secenery was of utter beauty, it was probably the most dangerous road of the entire trip. Very narrow and some cars passing impatiently und very close, which each time made us nervous. Falling here would have been very unfortunate, the valley was deep and full of stones. But we made it safe!

In the valley 

All of a sudden we were out of the valley and into the barren plains again. To our surprise, they were planted with Millions of Orange trees (all irrigated) and the harvest is just going on. We stopped and saw the pickers, all looking very Mexican, picking the oranges at a unbelievable speed. It´s a hard job, they carry a bag which they fill with the oranges When full, we estimated it bag arround 30 kg heavy. Then they dump it into boxes which are constantly being loaded on waiting trucks. Very impressive organization. Depending on the tree, a picker can fill such a bag every 10 minutes. One told us, that he works 10 hours a day, he said, it´s now less tiring than in summer when the sun is mercyless hot. Then he gave us a orange to try and on he went. Not much time to discuss! For him, time is really money.

We drove into Bakersfield, got a motel with a laundry and did some really necessary washing.

The guys playing away

In the evening we had a musical dinner in Buck Owen´s Steakehouse. Country-music, guys with hats and big steaks. Great fun! And even with our tired legs, we danced!