Once upon a time there was a girl who loved to feel the wind pushing on her wings to carry her higher and higher to places unknown to the normal people of the land. She set out on a journey to find things never seen, taking back roads and paths not trod by anyone with two legs. Never did she imagine the things she would see while flying into the wild world of wonder....
The Rock Star
Taking to the dirt, trekking down state road 385, I head out to do a little wilderness riding to see the untouched sands of the California desert. Straight roads without any obstacles lined by Joshua trees and powerlines, I burn rubber and find myself at the feet of a rock "star". Red Rock Canyon National Park was an amazing little stop at the beginning of a curvy road to see some amazing colors erupting from earth's core.
Red, white, green, black, gold and orange stacked like small layers of a cake rise up out of the earth. The wind, rain and snow carve shapes through this rock making beautiful spirals. Red Cliffs Natural Preserve would be a beautiful place to camp in the elements and I am sure feature a stunning night sky featuring a blanket of stars not seen in cities or suburbs. Along state highway 14 there were magnificent views of desert landscape that invited a feeling of reflection and solitude for a worn soul. As is the case in California, many films have featured these incredible formations as their background. Westerns like The Outlaw and The Big Country, The Mummy (1932), Zorro Rides Again, I'll Be Home for Christmas, and the music video Cater 2 U by Destiny's Child (youtube it, its kinda exciting to see).
On down the road through the canyon and ranch land, steering around the cows that roam free...I chase the setting sun to continue filling my eyes of this rare beauty. Along a stretch of road was billboard after billboard posting how far to the next food and gas stops. One sign I found interesting was 77 miles to the next McDonalds! I didn't know that was possible! I come from a town that has one at every intersection, so it seems. As you wind through the canyon and are lucky enough to do it in the late afternoon with a perfect clear sky and bright sun, you will just be absolutely amazed at the way the land looks so mystical, like a true fantasy never never land.
The Princess
Of course, all fantasies have a princess, and what better name than Isabella!? Rounding a curve I see this mirage...I mean I am in the desert! This can't be real?!? In the middle of this gold sand is a grassy area also golden but blowing like a lions mane as it sways in the breeze and surrounds a gift for the gods. Lake Isabella is there for the offering...Hidden among rolling hills lays a place to camp, fish and play.
Many pull up areas to the lake were grassy slanted areas that you could pull your car right up to the water, dump in your boat, jet ski or kayak and explore the curves of the mountains. This little gift of royalty is fed by they Kern River-where they also offer rafting adventures. As you wind down by the lake and the dam you can turn off into a small parking area and explore beyond the "danger do not enter" signs and hop the rocks to touch the raging waters of the Kern...
I found a lovely little "cottage" to stay in Wofford Heights that is just before Kernville (the major camping and recreation area for Lake Isabella). The Barewood Inn and Suites was a great little place to park for the night and rest up for the drive and hike of the Sequoias.
Leaving the Kernville area I headed out on Rt 155...a must to see the "golden hills" and "baby" Sequoias.
The drive is full of winding roads, road side waterfalls, picnic areas, free range cows, and spectacular views!
I made my way up 196 to Lemon Cove where there are rows and rows of, what else, LEMON TREES :). And also the first Mellow Yellow that I had found in California....though, never found a Mellow Yellow Zero. Weird how you can go state to state and have a totally different selection of drinks and food!
The Giant
Winding up 198 into the Sequoia National Park you will find yourself face to face with another lake perched at the side of some very large hills. Lake Kaweah is mostly a reservoir lake and is kept low and at times almost empty as it manages the water flowing from the Sequoia forest into the low lying cities below. However, I saw boats and fisherman running around the lake and there is a marina. Furthering the quest to find the giant I trek on through the winding roads with camera in hand to catch the thing that is most amazing...
....the giant....
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