Rt. 66 and Calico

After Fresno and Bakersfield we headed toward Mojave and a campground. After dark (as usual) we found a place and set up for the night. Before arriving we passed the Tehachapi Mountains where 14,500 windmills provide electricity for approximately 300,000 homes. They take advantage of the hot afternoon winds off the Mojave desert. Amazing sight. Our campsite was pretty warm but cooled off quickly during the night.

Septermber 25, Saturday, we broke camp and headed toward Barstow and the old Rt. 66. Many famous structures still stand but Barstow seems kind of like a ghost town that hasn't quite died yet. 

The El Ranchero has a 100' tall neon sign made from steel from the RR and the motel itself is constructed of ties from the defunct Tidewater and Tonopah RR. Hotel for long term residents now.

From here we went to Calico, a real ghost town recreated and maintained as a San Bernidino County park. Calico was a silver mining town in the 1880s. Most of the silver was gone by 1896 but it was revisited several times after that as the price of silver fluctuated.

Several of the buildings are original and you can take a walk in the old Maggie mine tunnels. It was hot but a lot of fun. It's late so I'll bid you good night. Rest in peace.