The "15" to the "91" to the "55"

Although this post has nothing to do with tile, it is based on observations during my road trip from Las Vegas (Coverings) to the Los Angeles area. To use the California vernacular, my trip consisted of taking the "15" to the "91" to the "55". Naturally, there are the sights you would expect; casinos, “gentleman clubs” and gas stations.  There are also some truly unique sights along the way.

The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System

Just as you enter California,  you will see the rather science fiction looking Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System, the largest solar thermal power tower system in the world. What I want to know is,  What are the white clouds hovering around the towers? Steam?

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Baker Thermometer

The world's tallest thermometer is located in Baker, California. The thermometer is 134 feet tall and is capable of reading temperatures up to 134 degrees. Not so coincidentally, the highest temperature ever recorded is 134 degrees in nearby Death Valley. 

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The Mad Greek

My associate in American Bullnose of California, Jim Stevenson, maintains that no trip through Baker is complete without a meal at the Mad Greek.

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Zzyzx Road

Can someone please tell me how to pronounce Zzyzx? And where does this road go? Why do I think of "Wheel of Fortune" when I see this sign? 

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Peggy Sue's Diner

Along the "15" you will see plenty of signs for Peggy Sue's Diner located in Yermo, California. The sign to the left says "Get It?" and, no, I don't get it. Does anyone know what I am supposed to get? 

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Rock-A-Hoola Waterpark

An abandoned waterpark outside Yermo, California. Really? Did someone really think a bunch of gamblers from Southern California would be willing to stop at a waterpark on their way to Vegas, or that they would have any money to stop on their way back?

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Apple Valley, California

Apple Valley, California the home and final resting place of Leonard Franklin Slye and Frances Octavia Smith aka Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. These two bring back a lot of memories for someone my age.

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Yorba Linda, California

Yorba Linda, California home of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum.

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Additional Observations

• Slower traffic keep right signs aren't working.
  
• This drive presents an excellent opportunity to see vehicles traveling in excess of 100 miles an hour.
  
• HOV lanes do not move any faster than any other lane.
  
• Is there ever a time when the "91" is not congested with traffic?
  
• I did not see one orange, or orange tree, for that matter in Orange County California.

Author: Mike Gardiner