Saturday 23 March 2013

Day 7 - Fresno to Mojave

Day 7 involved us relocating from Fresno to Mojave via Bakersfield and Tehachapi Loop. What a drive. After checking out from our less than morally ideal hotel in Fresno, we shot down to the Fresno Amtrak to catch some action.

This time the two vehicles stuck together like glue and the invariably excellent good luck I have when finding trains was running rampant again, this time rubbing off on the others.

We explored Fresno a bit more, following the lines and generally heading in a southerly direction. The sudden appearance of a security company vehicle had us thinking that someone in a loco cab didn't take too kindly to us using our cameras on a public road. We were being watched, but that's as far as it got.

The long drive to Bakersfield was broken up with stop at Tulare for lunch. Bakersfield was a non event, but the 20 minute break from driving gave us the necessary rest needed for the final leg to Mojave, via Tehachapi Loop. All the hype about this place is warranted. We accessed this area via Caliente and Bealville, the first stop being at tunnel 1.

For the first time in my life, I had to scan the ground ahead looking out for rattlesnakes before walking it. No snakes seen. Despite not seeing any rail activity at all from Bakersfield to the loop, by the time we got there it was all on. Despite what many have said, there were just as many Union Pacific as there was BNSF. Excellent.

The day ended with a bit of shopping in Tehachapi K Mart and the final drive to Mojave. Days Inn is a very good Motel.

A most excellent day had by all. Clear skies, a slight breeze and more sunburn. We're now on the edge of the Mojave Desert and temperatures are a lot warmer. The hotel is located across the road from the main line and the noise of the trains passing through has got everyone fizzing - loving it !







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