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 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.

I have driven past the turnoff for Manzanar over a dozen times. I have known about it since I was…read morein middle school but never went. My sister and I have been taking my nephew to significant sites of WW11 over the years starting with Pearl Harbor and Auschwitz. Being part Japanese, we felt this was an important stop. The grounds are very well maintained. The educational aspect of it is great. The rangers have taken great care to show an accurate representation of what "camp" life was like. The recreated rooms, shacks and monuments have been meticulously built. The rangers were great about sharing knowledge. The book store has some great books that are not available on Amazon. The parking is a breeze. The entrance is free. When entrance is free to somewhere like this I like to support by donating or buying items that help support the cause. I bought my nephew and I each a book and a couple other little things. I also really like that they participate in the Junior Ranger Program. It was a great way for not just my nephew but myself to learn too. It was a great family activity. I highly recommend visiting. It can be a little emotionally draining but it is an important part of American History that we cannot forget.

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

Fantastic geology, a mine that's big enough you can drive your vehicle into and a great view of the…read moreOwens Valley. Note you will need four-wheel-drive and high clearance for a couple of sections that are maybe 20 or 30 yards total. Most of the drive is very doable. And you can always drive a regular vehicle to the base of the mine road and then walk about 200 yards to the opening. There's also a foot path that goes down the sidewall of the canyon to a smaller mine as well.

Pretty cool experience. Go early in the morning to breathe in less fumes from cars going in and out.read more

1/28/2024- A perfect…read moreweather day to take a nice drive.. The roads are smooth and do not have pot holes.. lol.. The open road with the great views of the mountains and ranches are soothing.. Love stopping in to see the small towns.. Can't wait for the fishing to start and our annual fishing trip..

Highway 395 is one of the most magical scenic drives. As one enters the Owens Valley and passes…read morefossil falls a geologic land of past fire and ice unfolds before you moving northward. The historical impact on the region and its influence outward takes years to fully comprehend and appreciate. Drive, drive, drive and return before it changes forever.

Independence is a nice town with some great people. Spectacular views and I'm looking forward to…read morereturning.

Elegant, peaceful and respectful Japanese Cemetery for those who passed away including children…read morewhile in the internment camp if you go please show respect. It is a very beautiful place to have been a final resting place for those who suffered.

Not much to report about here. I suppose the lion's share of the experience is driving past it, or…read morereading about their latest legal/environmental SNAFU on your favorite news website. It seems this particular location has gotten themselves into a bit of hot water in the process of pulling cold water out of the ground on the edges of Olancha, CA, and at the base of the Eastern Sierra in the Owens Valley where this plant is located. Allegedly, some of the nasty stuff that was filtered out of the water was dumped into some settling ponds on the company's back 40, which essentially concentrated it in one place... and then more allegations surfaced (the puns just keep on coming, don't they?) that their efforts to remove/clean up the mess didn't follow federal environmental guidelines, permitting, etc. Allegedly. That said, Crystal Geyser Roxane is just one of the most recent organizations to suck water out of the Owens Valley. Download the movie, Chinatown (1974 Oscar winner for Best Original Screenplay) and you can learn all about how the Owens was a lush valley that was sucked dry to hydrate a growing Los Angeles. Now, it is a pretty arid place, save for the aqueduct, the Owens River, and a few springs here and there. Anyway, I stopped here once and looked through the fence. Rumor had it that the mountain on the label was the mountain behind this plant (Olancha Peak) but who knows. They don't offer tours, they're not invited over for kids' birthday parties in Olancha, Lone Pine, Independence, or any of the other nearby cities (probably), and rumors of camel rides here were grossly exaggerated (they don't have any camels that I could see.) Pro-tip: you may wish to avoid carrying a Crystal Geyser water bottle through the towns. Or wearing a Crystal Geyser t-shirt. Or displaying your Crystal Geyser tattoo (I dunno, Google it.)