Couch Potato Ride–Cambria to Twentynine Palms

Santa Rosa Creek Rd

Hwy 58

Moto-immates or my friend Mark!

My pal Marion had to work but after a nice dinner with Kris at a local Mexican restaurant, I was treated to a “ride along” with Marion in her big “cop” cruiser, got to check out the interior of the local drunk tank, without having to stay there and I even got to meet her deputies. It was a fun night, albeit for Marion a slow one, but for me just eventful enough. I must admit to a sound sleep that night.

After a wonderful morning visit with Kris, Marion was out on an early dirt bike police training mission, I got the bike packed and rode to Twentynine Palms, thinking I would get there early and could go into Joshua Tree National Park and explore. Although able to push the speed limit a bit across the desert territory, it was a bit farther than I realized. As the day pushed ahead, so did I, all the while thinking about the desert of SoCal.

Marion’s dirt bike team ready to roll when morning arrives!

In this particular desert, there seems to be a sort of melancholy like one of unfulfilled dreams. Much of the area was covered in houses with boarded up windows and yards strewn in garbage or dead vehicles. Miles in the distance was little more than dust and a series of maybes. I stopped for gas and water and was greeted by a young pregnant girl who thought it odd that I, a woman alone, was traveling by motorcycle. And here I was thinking it odd to be young and pregnant in a place like it was, the dichotomy of lifestyles.

I arrived In Twentynine Palms, got checked into my room about 4pm giving me about an hour to ride up into the park before dark to try and get some sunset photos. I discovered that the park road was quite good! I knew that tomorrow’s ride to the Salton Sea through the park would be an inspired one. I got a few sunset photos and felt the temperature drop a good 20 degrees. Oh ya, I was back in the desert!

The evening was a real entertaining riot as I discovered that the motel holds a “customer appreciation” night with free beer and wine and hors d’oeuvres. I recalled Matthew telling me there was a huge Marine presence here, and I believe they were all staying at the Best Western Motel. The evening included beer stacking and Karaoke. I am not sure how much more entertainment one could stand!

Skull Rock in Joshua Tree NP