Bakersfield, California: After exercising (this will be an important element later in this column), we hitched-up the Honda and again pointed the Magna Peregrinus south. Another reason I have titled this trip the Deja Vu All Over Again tour: yet another drive on Highway 99. Ugh. Boring.
Except now Caltrans have planted gorgeous wildflowers up and down the highway!
Gorgeous - and no, they are not California poppies. We can't figure out what they are, but appear to be daisy-like? Readers? Any idea?The almond, peach, plum, nectarine (etc., etc., etc.) trees are blooming and the San Joaquin Valley was very colorful this afternoon.
Approximately 372,743 honey bees committed suicide on our windscreen today. My count may be slightly off.After refueling (100 gallons), we checked-into our new favorite RV park in Bakersfield (thanks, CW) and settled-in. Later we headed into Bakersfield to see what there was to see.
Apparently, not much.
Besides being one of the most ozone-polluted cities in America, Bakersfield is a bit dumpy. (Criticize my criticism if you will, but this is my blog and I'm sticking to my opinion.) I brought my camera to photograph the old historic buildings. The Kern Country Historical Museum was exquisite, but the museum was covered in tarps due to a remodel/painting project - so no photos. Behind the museum is the Sam Lynn Ballpark - home of the only remaining professional ball field in America that faces west. (Save that precious tidbit for Jeopardy.)
Everything else we saw on our drive-by tour was fairly retched.
No matter. There isn't a town in America where I can't find an iconic food emporium and Bakersfield has a winner - Dewar's Ice Cream and Fine Candies. Now over 100 years old, Dewar's makes all their ice cream on-site fresh daily.
What you don't see in this photo is the ambulance to the right that was in the parking area to assist the policemen (that you can't see on the other side of the building) who were arresting a punk while removing all sorts of drug paraphernalia from his pockets. Forget about all that - Dewar's is wonderful.
This is one scoop of chocolate chip. Price - $1.80.
Dewar's is very charming and filled with mostly-locals. The ceiling fans are amazing - two fan blow and rotate in circles! The kids in Dewar's didn't need menu's - they all ordered a "Black & White" - a sundae layered with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, chocolate ice cream, marshmallow fluff, then topped with whipped cream and nuts, $6.
Here is where I was very naughty. Triple Chocolate. One scoop, $1.80. Dewar's must serve the most generous scoop in America. I ate every morsel.
Until my next update, I remain, your "I'm never eating again" correspondent.
RV Park: Bakersfield RV Resort. Full-service, 50-amp gravel pull through. Free wifi, nice pool and spa, great fitness center, on-site bar and restaurant (very good). Fancy bath house. Camping World across the street.