Winter on California's Central Coast.

The Beast that ate Barstow

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A business trip to the Central Valley allowed me time to get out and see the interior of the state this spring. California's diverse climates and spectacular scenery are unparalleled in the world. It is a blessing to be living in California for the climate, the scenery and the people.

Streets of Bakersfield
~Homer Joy~


I came here looking for something
I couldn't find anywhere else
Hey, I'm not trying to be nobody
Just want a chance to be myself

I've done a thousand miles of thumbin'
I've worn blisters on my heels
Trying to find me something better
On the streets of Bakersfield

You don't know me but you don't like me
You say you care less how I feel
But how many of you that sit and judge me
Have ever walked the streets of Bakersfield?

Twitchell reservoir.
Twitchell Reservoir, just a few miles from Santa Maria alongside Hwy 166.
Twitchell reservoir.
Twitchell Reservoir, just a few miles from Santa Maria alongside Hwy 166.

These photos are taken in progression as I proceed inland, they show the progression of climates from the Mediterranean climate of the coast, to the desert climate of the Central Valley.
Twitchell reservoir.
Twitchell Reservoir, just a few miles from Santa Maria alongside Hwy 166.
The Cuyama River.
The Cuyama River.
Elephant Foot Rock.
Our family has always called this rock formation 'Elephant Foot Rock'.
It was a signal that we were close to home.
Seared Hills, Desolation in California.
Seared Hills, Desolation in California.
More Desolation in California.
More Desolation in California.
The Big Valley beckons.
The Big Valley beckons. This is the opening to the Central Valley.
Earthquake faults riddle the state.
Earthquake faults riddle the state.

The people of the Central Valley are different than those along the coast, and this is apparent as soon as they open their mouths to speak. The speech patterns in places like Taft, Maricopa, Bakersfield, Visalia and Barstow are more akin to the speech of the folks in Oklahoma. I fit right in with my Okie/Southern twang.
ie: Bakersfield is pronounced Baikerzfaiyuld
The windswept California desert.
The windswept California desert.

"Thank you" to the folks of the Great Central Valley who always show us such hospitality, you folks show what the spirit of America is all about!
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