As a child I read a story about Manzanar from the POV of a child. That story stayed with me all…read morethese years. The NPS has recreated some of the buildings here including the bath house, school, mess hall and 'improved' living quarters where walls were installed between family living quarters - replacing the blankets that were hungs as "walls". One of the things I remember in the book was how the toilets and showers were communal and how embarrassed they were to have to do such private business in a public space. No partitions, no privacy on the toilet or shower. Meals were also communal and menus were created by persons unfamiliar with an asian diet. Also from the book the author talks about sweet peaches being put over the rice. Definitely not how rice was eaten. Meals were served on a schedule and each 'block' of quarters had their own mess hall menu. Residents could earn a couple of dollars a month by working in the mess hall. Buildings were erected so hastily the wood was not dried creating gaps between boards so the desert sand would blow in covering everything with sand and allowing scorpians inside. Several families were housed in each building, and as mentioned, with no walls between. Camps were not prepared to educate the children and the first classes were held sitting outside on the ground. Over time teachers, furniture and supplies were provided. So much more information is provided. A short film runs on the hour in the visitor center. A self driving tour (one way) around the acres of camp include informational signs and some recreated buildings while other structures are just a sign (bldg 1, bldg 2, etc.) or foundation. The park has also excavated and reestablished gardens created by residents. A poignant and interesting history lesson for us all. Definitely worth a visit. The museum includes a lot of personal stories and information. The park rangers on duty were very helpful. Gift shop includes a number of books and a few other NPS souveniers. Be sure to get your passport stamped. Public restrooms by the entrance. A handicap drop off point is close to the building. On site parking is a short walk to the visitor center.

I came out here on a field trip with a class I'm taking this summer. It's 95 degrees, windy and…read morearid. Even as a visitor, I find these conditions to be uncomfortable, so I could not imagine being forced to live out here in subhuman conditions for an indefinite period of time. However, that is what over 120,000 Japanese Americans and Japanese Nationals living in the USA were forced to do during WWII - and 10,000 men, women, children and babies were forced to do just that at Manzanar. The Visitors Center is only open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday - so we were not able to see it, but we were able to eat our lunches in the Mess Hall. I also explored the barracks, and saw the rest of this historic site by bus and on foot. Don't miss seeing Merritt Park, the Children's Village area, and the Issei Obelisk. This site is a powerful reminder that History repeats itself, and visiting Manzanar is an extremely moving and meaningful experience for everyone. Peace.

Over the past few yers I have become increasingly interested and in admiration of Mary Austin…read more I've listened to "The Land of Little Rain" on an audible type thing, and I have a large copy of the book with photos of the Eastern Sierra. This home was, from what I understand, one that she lived in for some years, I believe when she was a young girl living with her family. I believe she lived in a few various homes throughout the region with her husband as well, although I'm not sure where those homes are or if they are still standing, for that matter. Nonetheless, this house has history to it, and the informational plaque in front has a beautiful quote and info. You cannot go inside, as it looks locked up and like it cannot withstand much more traffic. I do hope there is an organization that will restore this home when it falls into further disrepair, as it really is a special part of local history. Also, if you have not read any of Mary Austin's writings, I highly recommend you do so. She wrote from a place of humility and great appreciation for the land, the native Americans, and all the wild creatures.

There's really nothing much to say, here, except there is a California State Historical plaque in…read morefront of this private home. Visitors cannot view the interior. There is an Owens Valley Historical Museum a short distance away that has a collection of books written by Mary Austin and some other materials about this author.

I absolutely loved this space!!! Funky and cozy!!! We were traveling back from Palm Springs to Reno…read moreand called to see if the Lemon House was available! Lucky for us it was!!! The outside featured a stunning view of the mountains and the inside was like a nest! I slept soundly!!!

Cartago, Calif. I…read moredon't know anything about Spongebob except that it's a cartoon after my time. Google had this tourist attraction in Central California on the Eastern Frontier as Sponge Bob's home. The structure is just an area on the side of the road with a bunch of structures and gimmicky things. It's an ideal spot to stretch your legs and take a quick breather before continuing your travel adventures. The house itself appears to be for rent but if you peek inside the windows that doesn't seem to be the case. There's a motel or lodging type structures on the same lot so it can be a gimmick for the children to goof around in since there is nothing around. Access/Roads: Along HWY 395. This highway is paved throughout. Parking: Plenty in a small dirt lot. Costs: Free Nearby Attractions: Many many many things and places. Death Valley NP (Stovepipe Wells) is appx 80 miles East. Mount Whitney Access Point is 30 miles North. Manzanar Internment Camp is appx 30 miles North & I recommend every East Asian (American) to visit Manzanar and related internment camps. Uniroyal Gal (statue) is appx 38 miles South. The Eastern Portions of Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite can be accessed from this region. Additionally, the western portion of Mono Lake & Mammoth can be accessed. Distance: Los Angeles is 200 miles South. Reno is 300 miles North. Las Vegas is 250 miles East. Bakersfield is 150 miles West. Travel safely my friends. @cigarcpa

Darwin is an old mining town which was operational for almost 100 years. The mines have been closed…read moresince the 1970s, and less than 50 people live there presently. We spent a night at Darwin on our way from Alabama Hills to Death Valley.

I recently watched the 2011award winning independent documentary film "Darwin". I was fascinated…read morewith the very interesting lives of those living in this very small and isolated town of just 35 people located in Death Valley, California. I would highly recommend this film if you want to learn more about this very remote and unique place.

The Panamint Valley is a 65 mile long valley located in the Mojave Desert of California. Contained…read moreby the Argus, Slate, and Panamint Range, it primarily is a typical desert basin with the associated scrub, desert flora and fauna, and little in the way of infrastructure. The northern part of the valley is part of Death Valley National park, however, parts of highway 190 can be driven without a park pass. However, many of the side roads would require one. The valley allows you to access the Wildrose charcoal kilns, the Barker Ranch (offroad only), Epson salt monorail, the Ballarat Ghost Town, Panamint Springs, Father Crowley Overlook aka Jedi Canyon, etc. The only services are in Panamint Springs. Temperatures in the valley can be brutal. To give you perspective I was there in early April and the temperature was 103 with 20-40mph winds. If you are unprepared you will be in trouble. The other aspect and my reason for spending 3 days there is that the valley is part of a restricted military airspace known simply as R-2508. The R-2508 is one of several in the area where the USAF, USN, and USMC, test and practice with their planes. It is not unusual to see a F/A-18 or F-35 come screaming in at low level as our military practices. Its not low level only the skies can be filled with planes dogfighting and maneuvering. If planes are your thing then it is a really hot and dusty nirvana. If you want to try plane spotting out, please be aware that this is an extreme location and you need to be prepared......

This is a good stop for travellers along 395. You need to get out and stretch because this road is…read moremassively boring. Take some time and admire the significance of the tree and your insignificance as compared to it. It is making a contribution, while you are likely not. Hey kiddies, while you are wasting your parents' money or taxpayers' money lent to you to get a meaningless degree in some worthless subject, ask your mind-programmers about carbon footprints. Yours is large, this tree has a negative carbon footprint. Your self-indulgent lifestyle is causing climate change and the tree is trying to reverse the damage you are doing. You should reverently bow before this tree because it was here way before you and will be here way after you.

It was a beautiful tree before it died and had to be removed. So don't stop for a visit or look for…read moreit - it is no longer there.

McKinley Tree located in the middle of Congress Trail, I used it as a pinned location to identify…read morethe direction to other giant trees (Lincoln, Senates, President, Cattle Cabin.. etc)

A beautiful, large tree, in a less populated area. Beautiful views. You can find this tree off the…read moreconnection of Alta trail and Congress Trail.

This is a museum I think every family should Come to! It's…read moregot some GREAT American history west of the Mississippi. I've been to the Smithsonian and I'm actually shocked they haven't bought this from them. This is equally as good as one of their museums. The items that have been donated, the information they give is so interesting and informative. There are buildings Upon buildings and did you know mules used to pile the railroad out here? Ya, me either ! GE has stuff to do with the railroad. They have old old cars, and stuff mods NEVER EVER would see if they didn't go to this very museum. Leave a couple hours early on your way to mammoth or on your way home ... GO TO THIS AMAZING MUSEUM!!! You want be disappointed !!!!

A Wonderful Step Back in Time at Laws Railroad Museum…read more We absolutely loved our visit to the Laws Railroad Museum & Historic Site in Bishop, California! From the moment we arrived, everyone was incredibly welcoming, friendly, and accommodating. There was so much to see and explore that we could have spent hours there. The museum is like stepping into an entire little town from another era. There's an old schoolhouse, a library, historic buildings, station agent family home, doctor's office, firehouse and fascinating pieces of everyday life -- including old Maytag appliances. Every building seemed to have something interesting to discover. One of the highlights was riding the Brill train, which was such a fun experience and especially exciting for our 9 year old son, who absolutely loves trains. Another memorable part of our visit was meeting Makenzie, who was working on and cleaning the historic No. 9 4-6-0 Baldwin steam locomotive. Makenzie took the time to talk with us and shared some fascinating information about the train and its history. That personal interaction really made our visit special. It's really wonderful to meet a community of train enthusiasts. You can tell how much care, dedication, and passion goes into preserving this incredible piece of California history. It's truly a hidden gem and a wonderful place for families, history lovers, and, of course, train spotters! We highly recommend Laws Railroad Museum and can't wait to visit again!