The Mojave Reserve and the San Joaquin Valley

This was the most diverse day of our travel thus far.  We went from the Mojave Desert region where we saw a lot of barren but mountainous terrain.  We saw miles and miles of Joshua Trees, a kind of yucca that grow big. Cacti, sage brush is all that grew.  Along the highway in this area they dig diversion ditches so that the sand won't bury the highway when it rains and washes down the hills and mountains. When we got over to the other side of the mountains we fell into the San Joaquin where the pastures on the hillsides looked like soft green mounds.  Then we got into the farm ground where we saw orange groves, almond trees, pistachio trees, fields of carrots, onions, broccoli, oats and of course grapevines.  Also lots of dairies in this area.  I saw that we could buy 40 acres in this area for $1,600.000.00.  About $40,000 per acre.  We have had perfect weather but today we traveled in a little rain.

We settled tonight in Paso Robles, meaning Oak Pass.  We went downtown and ate at The Catch Steak and Seafood.  It was a little pricey but yummy.  I had Clam Linguine and David had Shrimp and Scallop Combo.  Pictures to follow if they ever download. We are in the Holiday Inn Express tonight.  Hope to get a good start in the morning and be to Norman's by noon,  It should be an easy day.