Is that China lake? I’ve never seen an aerial view. It was the oddest place, there was this ship in the middle of the Mohave desert, to be used as a target. It was a fun time while I was there though. Lots of young and energetic engineers away from home for the first time. It got a little wild, and everyone was pretty ambitious. So a lot ended up leaving to go make their fortunes elsewhere.
Hubby started his Engineering career in Ridgecrest working for TI a looooong time ago. We only lasted a year out in the Mojave Desert. He transferred to Dallas as soon as he could!
Fond memories though, as it was the very first of our 40 years together.
Yes- it’s China Lake.
Can you say what you did in China Lake?
I hike the Pacific Crest Trail, which is in the mountains straight west of China Lake. The PCT crosses CA 178 at Walker Pass, then continues north to Kennedy Meadows, which is east of Sherman Pass. A friend and trail angel of PCT hikers, lives in Kennedy Meadows. We often took trips down off the mountain, meeting the 395 just north of Pearsonville, in order to get resupplies in Ridgecrest, and mail in Inyokern.
I think you asked me if I ever hiked the AT, which sounded like it’s in your backyard. No- I haven’t hiked anywhere else except for the PCT, and the Grand Canyon once. I have done 1,000 miles northbound from the US-MEX border, to Sonora Pass, which is above Yosemite NP, and west of Bridgeport, CA, and 750 miles southbound from the US-CN border, to include all of WA, and about 200 miles of northern OR. I have about 900 miles of the PCT yet to hike to have it completely covered. 650 miles of northern CA, and 250 miles of southern and central OR, remain un-hiked by yours truly.